Whether decked out with the latest technology or small enough to travel with, there are more options than ever for this must-have baby gear. Read on for eight of the best baby swings out there, from brands you love like Graco, Nuna, 4moms, Fisher-Price and more.

Graco Simple Sway Swing

Graco

The Simple Sway has all the features of a classic baby swing. The side-to-side sway has six speeds and the vibration features two speeds, so you can customize your baby’s movement experience. Engage your little one’s eyes and ears with a hanging mobile and a choice of 15 sounds and songs. It can run on battery or plug in for your convenience.

Available at gracobaby.com, $100.

Munchkin Bluetooth-Enabled Swing

Munchkin

For the latest in high-tech baby gear, the Munchkin swing uses Bluetooth to stream baby’s favorite playlist from your phone to the swing’s speaker system. Or you can play preloaded ambient sounds and classical music to soothe your newborn. The swaying motion mimics the natural motion of parents. It can all be controlled by the sleek digital touch display or by remote. The lightweight design makes it easily to move around, and it breaks down for quick storage.

Available at munchkin.com, $190.

 

Ingenuity Comfort 2 Go Portable Swing

Ingenuity

This Ingenuity Comfort swing offers both portability and affordability with all the features you need. It has eight melodies, three nature sounds, and a removable hanging toy. The reclining seat adjusts to two positions. The six-speed swinging action features TrueSpeed Technology that keeps the swinging speed consistent as baby grows. It runs on batteries and folds up compactly so it's great for travel.

Available at amazon.com, $60.

Fisher-Price Cradle 'n Swing

Fisher-Price

With the classic head-to-toe rocking or the soothing side-to-side motion, this swing has an option sure to please baby. The mobile is motorized and includes a dome mirror. The seat pad and plush insert are machine-washable, so you don’t have to worry about messes. It includes foldable legs for storage and traveling and has plug-in or battery power to make it a versatile baby product.

Nuna Leaf Grow

Nuna

The Nuna is a motor-free swing that grows with your child from newborn to toddler. A gentle nudge will set the swing silently swaying for up to two minutes. The three-point harness can be removed to turn the baby swing into a comfy toddler seat. The fabric insert is certified organic and free of harmful substances. The chair can lock into place for use in feeding or playtime.

Available at nunababy.com, $300.

Bright Starts Portable Compact Swing

Bright Starts

The WhisperQuiet technology on this swing makes for a quiet ride, unless you want to play one of six tunes. The toys that hang from the removable toy bar are detachable for takeaway play, and the seat includes tags for extra play and soothing. The lightweight design allows for easy folding, storage and transport. The swing adapts to baby’s changing weight, so the six speeds never feel too slow or fast.

Available at amazon.com, $50.

4moms mamaRoo4 Infant Seat

4moms

The futuristic design of the mamaRoo4 seat will fit in with any modern baby’s lifestyle. The five unique rocking and bouncing motions comfort little ones just like parents do. Listen to the built-in sounds or connect to any MP3 devices for baby’s musical favorites. The three fabric options—a soft plush, smooth polyester, or breathable fabric—are all machine-washable.

Available at 4moms.com, $240.

Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing

Graco

Similar to sitting in a nursery glider with you, the motion of this swing is a smooth ride for baby. In addition to different gliding speeds, there is a two-speed vibration mode. A timer makes sure the glider is on only when you want it to be, and it can be plugged in or run on batteries. Music and an overhead toy bar all help keep little ones entertained.

Available at gracobaby.com, $190.

 

—Katie L. Carroll

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Kids love construction projects. Well, how about a few completed projects that look like they stepped out of a fairy tale, were crafted out of 20 years worth of junk, or seemed to be swaying to the music? We found some of the coolest (and wackiest) architectural designs out there, so flip through the gallery below and be sure to share your favorites with budding builders!

America’s Bread Basket – Newark, Oh

One of America’s cool and curious oddities, the basket building was the headquarters of (surprise) basket-making company Longaberger. Easily visible from the highway in Newark, it’s become a photo-worthy stop for those traveling through Ohio. Currently, the building is in foreclosure, as no one seems to be in the market to buy a giant picnic basket. We’re just glad there are no ants to go along with the basket!

photo: haRee via flickr

 

Which wacky design is your favorite? Share in a comment below! 

—Gabby Cullen

Battery Park City’s Brookfield Place is making a name for itself when it comes to presenting fresh, fun — and frequently interactive —  art installations the whole family can enjoy. Past hits for us have included beautiful and magical wishing stations and oversized, illuminated bunnies. Now, the downtown spot is hosting The Swings, a playful, musical sculpture that invites the public to  collaboratively create an urban symphony. Read on and then get swinging — it closes July 7!

Collaborative Art
Walk into Brookfield Place and you find an oasis of calm away from the business and tourist bustle of the World Trade Center area — as well as some refreshing A/C and a killer food court if you need to recharge and refuel.

Step outside to the public plaza you’ll discover the center’s latest installation, The Swings. This interactive art exhibit brings music, collaboration and a little bit of physical activity to the space, turning it into a fun place for kids and adults alike.

Getting Into the Swing of Things
The Swings exhibit is the creation of Daily tous les jours, a Montreal-based design studio whose works aim to bring people together through collaboration and art. The exhibit is a giant swing set, designed to look, feel, and sound aesthetically pleasing. Each swing emits a sound when it’s used, and represents one of four instruments: piano, harp, guitar, and vibraphone.

A poster displaying the rules points out that The Swings are an art installation, not a playground; that is, they are meant to be played with collaboratively. (Most of the time, though, kids — and adults — just seem to swing to have fun, rather than composing a new musical masterpiece. That said, even with each visitor doing their own thing, the swings emit a pleasant tune, like a set of wind-chimes swaying in a gentle breeze. The effect is especially soothing thanks to the outdoor, waterfront location of the exhibit.

The Rules of Swinging
A set of swings naturally attracts plenty of kids, but adults are welcome to swing, too. Note: no matter how old you are, before you enter the area of the installation, you must sign a waiver. The waiver contains the usual “if you get hurt, it’s not our fault,” disclaimer and parents or guardians are required to sign for children under 18.

The installation is made up of 10 swings, so there is usually at least a short wait, and during peak hours, time on the swings is limited to five minutes per person. However when we stopped by, exhibit personnel were still determining when “peak hours” were, exactly. In other words, if you see an unusually long line, try coming back another time for a longer turn at the swings.

The exhibit area itself is large, with plenty of space in front of the swings to park your stroller, or stand back and let the kids enjoy themselves. Parents of kids shorter than 36 inches are required to swing with their kids on their laps. The rules also ask that all participants remain aware of their surroundings, don’t stand or horse around on the swings, and take turns. Of course, parental supervision is mandatory.

Swing Time
The Swings are open from Noon to 8 p.m. daily, but they close in poor weather. Stop by before July 7th to make some music, and keep an eye out for Arts Brookfield’s other exhibitions, artwork, and musical experiences throughout the city this summer.

The Swings
June 10 – July 7
12 p.m.- 8 p.m. daily
Brooksfield Place
230 Vesey St.
Battery Park City
Online: artsbrookfield.com

Have you and the kids visited The Swings? Tell us about your experience in the comments! 

—Yuliya Geikhman