Want a baby swing for a small apartment? You’re on the right page!
If you are looking for the best baby swing for small spaces, you’re almost there.
Since you’re reading this, you should able to choose the models that’ll be suitable for what you need.
Most of the swings that fall in this category have a compact design. And are best suited for small apartments.
While there are thousands of these on the market, most are not as good as you might want. So, you want to be very careful when choosing a swing for your little one.
I’ve found that it is those swings from recognizable brands like Graco, Fisher-Price, Ingenuity, that tend to perform excellently.
In this article, I’ve collated only the best compact swings with varying prices and features.
All you have to do is choose the one that ticks all the boxes in your checklist.
What do you need to look at when choosing?
But First…What’s the Best Compact Baby Swing?
Ingenuity ConvertMe Swing-2-Seat Portable Swing
This specific baby swing is the most popular among mothers!
It offers a wide range of features for both heavy and newborn babies.
The Ingenuity ConvertMe Ridgedale Swing comes with two good power options for busy parents: plug-in and battery.
The plug-in option is designed for those who want to save money on batteries and make do with electricity.
For your ease, the package comes with a cord, which also cuts the time spent looking for a new one.
The battery option, on the other hand, is for those who want the convenience of using the baby swing anywhere without stress.
If you are going to exploit the battery option, know that Polaroid D batteries are best suited for this swing.
Want To See Other Swings on the List? Read on…
Now, before getting into the reviews and comparison of different models, here is an overview of the guide:
[toc]How to Choose the Best Swing for Small Space
If you are looking to choose a compact baby swing, there are a few factors you must know.
When you put these factors into consideration, you’ll be able to buy a truly compact baby swing.
Although there are thousands of baby swings to choose from out there, choosing the right one requires extra care.
Generally, when you are buying a baby swing, you have a lot of things to consider. But when it’s for a specific purpose, e.g. using it in a limited space, there are specific things you to consider.
Design
There are a couple of things you need to consider when choosing a baby swing for your baby. Since you want to use it in a limited space, you’ll need to consider is the design of the baby swing.
There are generally two different types of swings, large and compact swings. If you are living in a small apartment, your best choice is the compact swings.
The design of each swing reflects this. Usually, a compact swing will always outpace a larger one when it comes to managing space. So, choose a swing that’s either foldable or has a portable frame and body construction.
Footprint
If you are choosing a baby swing for limited space, buying a model with a very small footprint is the way to go.
If you like to travel with the swing or like moving from one room to another with your baby in the swing, you should choose a swing that folds up.
However, if you can’t get your hand on one (e.g., because it’s too expensive), try to choose a model that has a compact frame so it can easily fit in a tight space and be easy to take through a standard bedroom door.
Weight Limit
Another very important thing you have to consider is the weight limit. Since you are looking for a compact baby swing, you have to understand that the weight limit will be lower than larger and bigger swings.
Because they are designed to fit in small spaces, most compact swings will have only 20lbs recommended weight-bearing capacity.
This means you might have to compromise in the area of the weight limit and be prepared to get something else for your baby once he/she passes the 20lbs range.
Some swings can also accommodate up to 30 pounds, however, these are almost always the larger ones that take up more real estate when installed.
Best Swing for Smaller Spaces [2024 Reviews & Ratings]
1. Ingenuity ConvertMe Ridgedale Swing – Best Convertible Swing
Hybridrive technology
The Ingenuity ConvertMe Ridgedale Swing uses the Hybridrive technology to prolong the life of the battery.
Unlike the Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing, this swing doesn’t come with an electric option, so you’ll have to make do with the battery option.
If you are inclined towards a plug-in option or like the two as a combo, you may want to check out the Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing.
Newborn bouncy seat
This is a convertible baby swing that converts to a newborn bouncy seat. This is a useful feature for taking your baby around or keeping him/her close to you when you are busy in the kitchen. You simply turn it into a stationary vibrating seat that will keep your baby relaxed while you carry out other tasks.
Note that you can’t remove the infant baby seat completely from the swing to use as a stand-alone vibrating seat. It has to be together with the swing after converting it.
Varieties of motion
The Ingenuity ConvertMe Ridgedale Swing features different motions that you can choose from, depending on your baby’s mood and state. The swing also comes with non-slip feet and a 5-point harness system that keeps your baby safe inside the swing.
Collapsible and compact design
Unlike the Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing, the Ingenuity ConvertMe Ridgedale Swing is foldable so you can transport it in your car. This design also makes storing the swing easy.
This collapsible and compact design can come very handy when it’s time to travel, just fold it up, and use it as a fold along or slid it under the crib.
Quiet motor
The motor on the swing is also very quiet and doesn’t alert the baby when it’s in operation. Moreover, the swing has a very gentle motion so as not to confuse a baby that’s trying to sleep. It should be noted at this point that the swing can only accommodate up to 20lbs.
So, if your baby is above the recommended weight-bearing capacity, you should stop using the swing and look for something else that can accommodate your baby. Overlooking this might jeopardize the safety of your baby.
5 swinging speeds
There are 5 swinging speeds to choose from, with the advantage being that you can switch between speeds until you find the one that suits your baby.
The toy bar also pivots, so it’s easy to get your baby in and out of the swing. With a little brush, the bar slides out of way easily, revealing a wide space to take out your little one.
Downsides
The downside of the Ingenuity ConvertMe Ridgedale Swing is that the pillow on the seat isn’t balanced and may push the baby’s heady far away from the chest, which can make it a little discomforting.
Another thing is that the swinging motion on the swing needs a push to work. And the vibration doesn’t time out like the Graco Glider LX, so it might keep working for hours if you forget to turn it off.
If you don’t mind these little put-offs, then the Ingenuity ConvertMe Ridgedale Swing is a solid swing to buy for your baby.
Here is a video overview:
2. Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing Affinia – The Most Flexible
The Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing comes with two good power options for busy parents: plug-in and battery.
Plug-in option
The plug-in option is designed for those who want to save money on battery and make do with electricity. For your ease, the package comes with a cord, which also cuts the time spent looking for a new one.
Battery option
The battery option, on the other hand, is for those who want the convenience of using the baby swing anywhere without stress. If you are going to exploit the battery option, know that Polaroid D batteries are best suited for this swing.
To extend the battery life, you can make use of the timer mode on the swing.
All you have to do is set the time to when you want the swing to stop. Then, you can leave it to swing your baby automatically while you handle other important things around the home.
Front and back motion
This Graco swing has a front and back swinging motion that mimics rocking motion in the comfort of the mother.
The vibration has two-speed settings to help keep your baby relaxed and soothed. And you can choose from six gliding speeds, which makes it easy to find the right pace for your baby.
Moreover, it can recline to 3 different incline positions, so as to make it easy on your baby. This feature is unique to this swing.
Well-built frame
The Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing has a well-optimized frame that takes up little space so you can fit it in any room.
Moreover, the overall design is portable, so it’s easy to pick up and move around the house.
But since it’s not foldable, it might not be feasible to transport it with a car. Also, if you have standard bedroom doors, it should be easy to move from room to room as the swing is only 24.5 inches in width.
Good body support
The seat on the swing has plush body support that’s supported by three recline positions for the comfortable ride of your baby.
The swing also comes with a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer and there are third-party sellers that are selling the product with a 3-year warranty. So, if you are planning to keep this with you for a long time, you may want to look into that.
The downside
The first downside of this swing is that the vibration settings can only be operated via D batteries.
So, without that, you won’t be able to use the feature at all, which can sometimes be annoying if your child really needs it and you are busy with something else.
However, the timer, sound, and the actual movement can be operated by the plug-in option, which is more than enough for most babies.
Another thing worthy of note is that the instruction that comes with the swing isn’t very helpful when it’s time to set up. However, the installation process itself is quite easy and not complicated.
So if the instructions aren’t very helpful for you, you can still definitely put it together properly in the absence of it.
Here is a video overview of the swing:
3. Fisher-Price Deluxe Take Along Swing and Seat
The Fisher-Price Deluxe Take Along Swing and Seat comes in a frustration-free packaging, which means there is going to be less packaging waste to deal with, it’s 100% recyclable, and the opening the package doesn’t come with any hassle.
In addition, the infant seat that comes with the swing keeps your baby comfy and balance in the swing.
SmartSwing technology
The swing features the SmartSwing Technology that allows you to choose from 6 soothing speeds. They start from low to high so you can choose a tempo that resonates with your baby.
Moreover, the smart part of the technology means that it can adjust to your baby’s weight and it doesn’t slow down as your baby grows in weight.
Baby swing or vibrating seat
You can use this swing as a baby swing or a vibrating baby seat. This is just like the Ingenuity ConvertMe Ridgedale Swing.
The stationary vibrating seat is best suited for a crying and fussy baby that you want to lure to sleep.
It should be noted that this swing runs on battery only and doesn’t have the plug-in option. If that’s what you are looking for, then your best option is the Graco Glider LX Swing.
Small footprint
The advantage of going with this model is that it has a small footprint but with most of the features you’ll find in a large swing. If you are looking for something portable, comes with nice features but not too expensive, then this is it.
It folds flat so you can store it easily or get it in the car when it’s time to go on a road trip with your baby.
Well-built
The swing has non-skeed feet, which prevents sliding or tipping while your baby is in the swing.
The swing is equally manufactured in the United States, which means you get that extra layer of quality compared to the Ingenuity which is produced in China.
While the canopy on the swing is non-removable, it has plenty of spaces to help you get your baby in and out. The volume level on the swing is also appropriate for a little baby’s ear and you can turn it very low.
Here is a video overview of the swing:
Final Words
Now that you are at the end of this review, the next step is to choose one of the swings above. If you are still undecided, then here is a good overview of how to choose the right one for your baby.
If you want a compact swing that comes with both plug-in and battery options, the Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing is the best option for you. Not only will you have the convenience of using a battery and only replacing when it’s weak, but you can also decide to save on battery cost and use the plug-in option. If you like this flexibility, then buy the Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing.
However, if you don’t like to buy a battery-powered swing for your baby, then choose the Ingenuity ConvertMe Ridgedale Swing. This swing has only the electric option and can be converted from a swing to a bouncy infant seat. It’s also more suitable for frequent travel and movement from one room to another.
A good alternative to the Ingenuity ConvertMe Ridgedale Swing is the Fisher-Price Deluxe Take Along Swing and Seat. They come with the same price but the swing offers much more flexibility than the Ingenuity brand. The other advantage it has over the Ingenuity ConvertMe Ridgedale Swing is that it can accommodate your baby up to 25 pounds, so you can use it for a longer period of time and enjoy it better than the Ingenuity ConvertMe Ridgedale Swing.
To learn more about the Fisher-Price Deluxe Take Along Swing and Seat, click here.
I hope you’ve been able to choose the best baby swing for small spaces. Let me know if you have any questions!
If these weren’t enough, check out some other picks from Amazon: