The Best Baby Rockers

Baby rockers are like an extra set of arms for you, allowing you to be more mobile around the house, resume work from home, and have a little more independence throughout the day. They also allow your baby to relax and decompress with uninterrupted rock-a-byes. We’ve collected a list of the best baby rockers on the market—check out our picks to find the best baby rocker for you.

Buying Guide for Baby Rockers

Why buy a baby rocker? 

Baby bouncers, rockers, and swings are excellent aids for new parents. They allow you to be hands-free while still relaxing and comforting your little ones as they play and maybe even fall asleep independently. Babies love the soothing motion of a rocker, and parents love being able to work, clean, and maybe even catch a little shut-eye themselves with the help of a baby rocker.

What should you consider in a baby rocker? 

• Type: Rockers come in three main options—the rocker, the bouncer, and the swing, differentiated by their motion type. Rockers are similar to rocking chairs you might find on a front porch. Bouncers are straight-backed seats that bounce up and down either manually or automatically. Swings usually sway side to side and have the baby on a crane system.
• Power Source: If you prefer to sit beside your little one as they relax, consider a manual baby rocker that only responds to push from a foot or hand. Otherwise, automatic rockers can be controlled via a wall outlet or batteries. There’s no wrong choice; just consider what best suits your lifestyle and baby.
• Age and Weight Capacity: Some rockers are able to accommodate babies over 6 months and even small toddlers through slight alteration, but many are only suited to babies 0 to 6 months old. Be sure that your baby rocker best suits your needs in the short and long term.
• Portability: If you plan to move the infant rocker from room to room, you need a lightweight model without too many cords or dangling accessories. However, if the rocker will typically remain in one room, a bulkier, more tech-heavy option will work great.

Are baby rockers safe? 

Yes! Baby rockers provide subtle, controlled movements similar to that of rocking arms. You should always see how a product works without your infant in it and watch closely to see how they react when you place them in it. While rockers can help you gain some independence, babies should never be left unattended for extended periods of time. Keep in mind that babies shouldn’t sleep overnight in baby rockers, and a rocker should never replace a crib or bassinet.

Our Picks for the Best Baby Rockers

Pros: This swinging baby chair comes from one of the most trusted names in baby products, Graco. It has six speeds that can be adjusted according to the baby’s preference, 10 melodies, and five nature sounds to help soothe your little one. Plus, it can be powered with a plug-in adapter or batteries, so you don’t have to worry about draining and constantly replacing batteries.

Cons:  Some customers found the swing to be loud when it’s in motion, which is less of a problem for babies and more of an issue for parents trying to get some quiet or even a cat nap.

Bottom Line: This Graco baby swing is reliable, comfortable, and features a significant number of swinging speeds that can be increased or decreased as needed. And at a much lower price point than comparable brands, this is easily our top choice for baby rockers.

 

Pros: Fisher-Price’s baby rocker is available at an unbelievably affordable price, and all from a name you can trust. It can accommodate infants and toddlers up to 40 pounds, making it a great long-term buy. Plus, as baby grows, they can propel the rocking motion themselves without a helping hand (or foot).

Cons: Rockers do require physical, manual stimulation, and for a baby’s first few months, that means it will have to come from the parent. Some customers also found that the vibrating function is hardly noticeable.

Bottom Line: This rocker is extremely budget-friendly, making it great for parents who aren’t looking to spend a fortune or who want a more portable option in addition to their regular bouncer or swing.

 

Pros: This high-end baby rocker can do it all, moving in multiple directions similar to a parent’s arms rather than a mechanical side-to-side. You can control it via a smartphone app, making it great for tech-savvy parents. You can also adjust the recline of the seat to the baby’s comfort and as they develop muscle control.

Cons: The large price tag can be hard to take, and some customers were unsure if it was ultimately more worth it than simpler, more affordable swings. Reviewers also noted that the sound quality is poor, meaning you’ll still want a white noise machine nearby.

Bottom Line: Chic, sleek, and built for tech-savvy parents, this baby rocker provides a variety of motions that more closely simulate being rocked in your arms. This is a great buy for parents who want a chair that can perform multiple functions.

 

Pros: For the musically inclined parents (and baby), this is the best seat on our list. It comes with 10 preset classical, soothing lullabies but can connect to your smartphone or computer via BlueTooth if your little one has a favorite song or music-filled naptime routine. It’s also very compact and takes up very little room, making it ideal for small-space living. It’s easy to set up, too.

Cons: Some customers find there to be little difference between the swing speed settings. If your little one prefers fast, rapid swinging movements, this is not the right chair. Additionally, while it can be powered through batteries or a wall adapter, customers who use the battery function say that it drains new batteries in a matter of hours.

Bottom Line: This lightweight, portable baby rocker is ideal for parents who have low storage, need to move the bouncer from room to room, or plan to travel with their swing. The music controls also allow parents to create a peaceful naptime ambiance with ease.

 

Pros: The ultra-slim profile of this rocker is a minimalist parent’s dream. It can also be easily taken on the go, so the baby can rock happily away at home or at the park. It can also be switched from a rocker to a stationary seat, making it a great multifunctional accessory for parents who are low on space. The seat is also removable and easily washable.

Cons: This baby rocker seat is truly minimal, coming with no automatic stimulation (batteries or wall adapter), speakers, or “extras” like sensory play toys. This is not for families who want a chair that can do it all.

Bottom Line: We love this rocker for its gorgeous, sleek design and how easy it is to use. No batteries are necessary, you can take it on the go, and you can wash it with no fuss at all.

Final Thoughts

The key is to find a rocker that’s safe, comfortable, and practical for everyday use. Our top picks should serve you well and give your infant a nice place to hang out when your arms need a break.