Bouncer Vs Swing

Are you trying to decide between baby bouncer vs swing?

Then let us help you decide which is best for you and your baby: baby swing or bouncer!

When you first hold your newborn in your arms, it’s hard to imagine ever wanting to put them down!

But normal life doesn’t stop just because there’s a new baby. At some point, you’ll need your hands free to get on with the boring, everyday tasks. 

And when the washing up has gotten to uncontrollable levels, you’ll need somewhere to put your baby without causing a tantrum!

For many parents, baby swings and baby bouncers are the perfect place.

But how do you choose between the baby swing and baby bouncer?

Bouncers are simpler and more affordable, but baby swings can come with a lot of extras.

In this guide, we’ll talk you through the advantages and disadvantages, differences and similarities, between an infant swing vs bouncer.

And if you love this baby swing vs bouncer guide, make sure to check out our guides on the best portable baby swing, best baby swing for colic, Exersaucer vs Jumperoo, and 4moms RockaRoo review.

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bouncer vs swing

We’ll begin by taking a look at what you can expect from the baby swing and baby bouncer.

All About The Baby Swing

A baby swing is a padded seat in a reclined position that swings back and forth.

Most baby swings are electric, and use batteries or an outlet to power the movement. Some inexpensive swings need manual movement to get going. 

To use the swing, simply place your baby in the seat, and choose a setting. Your little one will then be rocked until they’re soothed and calmed.

The swinging movement can also keep them occupied while you get on with the important tasks.

Baby swings can come packed with features, such as toys, lights, and vibrations. They’re diverse, so you can choose settings to suit your needs.

These extra features add some bulk, so many baby swings are not suitable for traveling. 

Pros

• Electric baby swings offer hands-off soothing and entertaining.
• Different swing settings create different levels of movement.
• High-tech swings come with vibrations, songs, lights, and toys.
• The gentle motions of the swing can be comforting for babies.

Cons

• Baby swings can be bulky, and they’re tough to travel with.
• Depending on the motor, baby swings can be loud.

All About The Baby Bouncer

Baby bouncers are reclined seats that bounce and move.

They’re set into motion by natural movement, either caused by the baby moving around, or by the parent moving the bouncer.

Baby bouncers are padded and comfortable, and use a harness to keep babies tucked up in the seat.

Some baby bouncers come with toys and accessories, but most keep it simple. 

Baby bouncers are very simple designs. They only need a careful hand to get going, and the gentle rocking can soothe and delight young babies.

Parents typically have to stay close when the baby is in the bouncer, to start movement if it stops.

However, there are several automatic bouncers on the market that come with a range of features such as vibration and music.

Because baby bouncers are so light, they’re excellent for travel, and can also be stored easily. However, they are a little simple. 

Pros

• Lightweight with a slim build, baby bouncers are portable.
• Babies can create their own entertainment by moving in the bouncer.
• You can often set a bouncer in motion with your foot, keeping your hands free for other tasks.
• Simple baby bouncers are often inexpensive.

Cons

• Baby bouncers are simple, and some babies won’t find them entertaining.
• Baby bouncers require a more “hands-on” approach than swings.

Similarities And Differences Between Baby Swing And Baby Bouncer

Baby bouncers and swings have the same overall purpose, which is to create the soothing movements that babies love.

In this section, we’ll explore the similarities and differences in more detail.

Fun/Soothing

Baby swings and bouncers serve a dual purpose for babies: they can soothe, and they can stimulate!

This might seem a little contradictory, but it’s all about how and when you use them.

The movement of the bouncer or swing is fun for the baby, and can keep them entertained when you’re busy.

Swings in particular tend to come with fun additions, such as lights, sounds, and toys. While these features can add to the fun, they can also lead to overstimulation. 

Bouncers have a gentler movement than the swing, and it can be controlled by the baby.

Bouncers are a little low-tech compared to the swing, but they’re still entertaining, and can help with soothing.

Convenience

Babies might love bouncers and swings for the motion, but parents love them for the convenience. 

During the day, the bouncer or swing can be used to keep the baby occupied and comfortable while you get on with some important tasks.

When you need your hands free for a few minutes, these fun toys can feel like a lifesaver!

Baby swings are “hands off”, particularly in comparison to the bouncer. Because they tend to run on a motor, you won’t need to get involved with the movement.

But depending on your baby’s personality, you might need to sit nearby to get them to soothe anyway.

Small babies will need help getting a bouncer going, and you might need to use your foot to create a good bounce. 

Size And Weight

The bouncer is small and compact, with a light frame. This makes it easily portable, and it can be moved around the house as you need it.

You can also travel with the bouncer, so you’ll know there’s a comfortable seat for your little one when you visit family or friends.

Bouncers are good for smaller homes, because they can be stored easily.

Swings are bulkier than bouncers, and they tend to be heavier as well. A baby swing is never going to be that heavy, but it can still be awkward to travel with.

You might be happy moving the swing around the home, but it will be harder to fit in the car.

If you have limited space in the home, you might want to avoid the swing. Some swings feature very bulky frames.

A quick note — never move the swing or bouncer with the baby in it!

You may also like our guide on when to stop using baby swing!

Type Of Movement

Babies love movement, as it reminds them of being in the womb, or tucked up in the arms of a loved one.

Often, the best way to soothe a baby is with a gentle movement. 

This is one of the main purposes of the baby swing and bouncer — but they use very different methods to recreate that movement. 

The baby is in charge when they’re in the bouncer. They control the movement: when they rock, the bouncer rocks. So, if your little one wants to bounce and soothe themselves, they can! And if they prefer to lie still, they can do that as well.

Parents can also control the movement of the bouncer. A gentle foot on the frame can set the rocking into motion, for hands-free soothing.

Baby swings are generally electric, and require either batteries or a power source (most baby swings use batteries).

You can often control the level of movement with a dial, but the baby won’t be able to adjust the movement themselves. 

Noise

Because baby swings are electric, they tend to make a noise as they move. This can range from “so quiet you hardly notice it”, to “unbearably annoying”.

3And it isn’t just mom who has to listen to it! A noisy swing can overstimulate a baby, and cause them to feel grumpy and upset.

Bouncers rarely make much of a noise, but you might hear a squeak from time to time. At this age, babies can’t bounce hard enough to cause any real noises!

Price

Baby bouncers are typically inexpensive. A good quality, automatic baby bouncer can set you back less than $50. Some very simple designs are less than $30.

There are expensive baby bouncers on the market, with some brands charging over one hundred dollars for a bouncer.

For the money, you rarely get extra features. However, premium baby bouncers often come with high quality, luxury fabrics.

Swings are more expensive than baby bouncers, with only a few budget options costing less than $100.

If you want to splurge on a premium model, expect to pay several hundred dollars for a swing that’s loaded with features.

Safety

Bouncers and swings are largely safe to use with babies, and many are safe to use from day one! 

With that said, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind.

Bouncers and swings must be used under supervision, and only for a limited time during the day (make sure they’re still getting tummy time). When your little one reaches the age limit, stop using the bouncer or swing.

Final Thoughts On Baby Swing vs bouncer

Overall, both baby swings and baby bouncers are good choices for soothing and entertaining babies.

We love the bouncer for its ease. If you travel, or have limited space at home, the simple bouncer is the best choice.

Baby bouncers are also affordable, which is a great advantage for new parents!

However, the baby swing offers more variety of movement.

For a higher price, and a bulkier frame, baby swings come with speed settings, vibrations, and other fun additions. 

We hope this guide has helped you to choose between the baby swing and the baby bouncer!

And if you’re looking for more great baby guides, then check out these guides on best rugs for babies to crawl on, best toys for crawling babies, best baby walker for small spaces, and best baby walker for carpet.