EDITOR’S NOTE
When the Graco DreamGlider was released in 2019, the name itself and the marketing materials implied that it was safe to use as a sleeper for baby. Following an inquiry by Consumer Reports and much consumer concern over the safety of inclined sleepers that same year, Graco decided to act in the interest of consumer safety and updated the name from “Graco DreamGlider Gliding Seat and Sleeper” to the “Graco DuoGlider Gliding Swing.” While this review does use the original name of the product, the newly-named DuoGlider has all the same features, minus the ability to act as a long-term sleeping spot for your child.
The Graco DreamGlider 2 and 1 Glider Swing and Sleeper is an excellent addition to any nursery. The transitional swing to sleep product market has grown in recent years with many options now available for parents.
I like the Graco DreamGlider model for the ease of the transition from sitting up gliding to comfortable reclining sleep for your baby. The price is also more affordable than many of the other popular options making this a more accessible option for many families.
As any parent knows, sleep is key to a happy household with a baby. Anytime you can allow your baby to nap without having to move them is a gift. This two and one glider offers just that.
Check out our list of the best baby swings here.
The Graco DreamGlider receives high ratings across online stores and positive comments from parents. The many features add to the appeal of this product. For me, having a cozy swing that also worked for longer sleep cycles for our babies was a lifesaver.
Main Features
The Graco DreamGlider has many beneficial features. This product is multifunctional and may even allow you to skip purchasing a bassinet. The versatility and well thought out design makes this swing a wonderful option to add to your baby registry.
Transitional Seat
The seat of the Graco DreamGlider is its best feature. The seat includes a soft, washable insert that will keep your baby cozy while they swing or sleep. A plush mobile is included to keep your baby visually stimulated as they glide.
The seat transitions to three different sitting positions. The first seat position is designed to sit up while your baby is awake. A second option allows for a lower recline with the baby’s head still elevated. This may be a good option for babies with reflux to stay elevated while they rest.
The final position is for your baby to lay almost flat for sleeping. The seat can be moved between positions with a one-hand motion. You will be able to gently recline the seat without having to take your baby out of the seat. This is perfect for transitioning to a sleeping position if your baby falls asleep while swinging.
Mechanical Elements
The Graco DreamGlider includes several sound options to entertain or soothe your baby. For active babies, the glider plays 10 different song melodies and a variety of five different nature sounds. The glider also features a timer so that the battery life is not wasted.
The swing moves in a motion similar to a glider rocking chair to soothe baby. The settings include six swinging speeds and two vibration speeds.
Another highlight of this product is that you can use the glider with batteries or an electrical plug-in. This saves on batteries but also allows the versatility to move the Graco DreamGlider around without worrying about a finding a power source.
Baby Comfort
The Graco DreamGlider is designed for optimal comfort for your baby. The seat is cozy with a snuggly insert designed to offer your baby a soft resting place. The mesh, bassinet style sides offer your baby added comfort while also allowing your baby to see out. This is especially helpful for your baby to have a clear view while awake and swinging.
The variety of melodies and natural sounds will keep your baby soothed and entertained while the plush mobile acts as a toy and interesting visual simulate. The transition from sitting to laying offers the added comfort for your baby to not be moved and their sleep disturbed.
The Graco DreamGlider is a wonderful option to provide your baby with function and comfort in one product.
Parent Benefits
The Graco DreamGlider offers value to parents. According to the manufacturer, the glider is designed to serve babies 5.5 pounds up to 30 pounds. Depending on the size of your baby, this product will likely provide value throughout the first year of your child’s life.
The washable insert makes this product easy to care for if your baby has leakage while swinging or napping. Unlike a bouncer seat, the glider keeps your baby off the floor and secure. The optional battery or plug-in adaptability helps parents save money on batteries while allowing the glider to move throughout the house or yard without having to be close to an electrical outlet.
The seat includes a 3-point harness for added safety. Also, the seat has mesh raised sides to keep your baby secure while sleeping.
The primary benefit to parents is the ability to transition your baby from sitting to sleeping. When the soothing lullabies and gliding motion helps baby drift off to sleep, you do not need to move them to a separate place. You can simply recline the seat and allow your baby to nap safely in place.
Comparable Models
The market for transitional baby sleepers has grown in recent years. This is a popular option for parents that need a safe place for baby to rest without having to buy multiple products. Many great quality products are now available. The Graco DreamGlider is the perfect option for parents that cannot afford the higher end models. Here are two models often considered and compared to the DreamGlider.
HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper
The HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper also receives positive reviews. However, the HALO Swivel Sleeper does not offer the versatility of the Graco DreamGlider. The HALO model is designed to work bedside as a co-sleeper. It does include mesh siding to view your baby and allow your baby to see out.
The HALO Swivel Sleeper does offer two vibration settings, three lullabies and three nature sounds. However, priced at the current price point, the HALO model is much less affordable than the Graco DreamGlider. If you are looking primarily for a bedside bassinet and have a large budget, the HALO model may work for your family.
However, if you need the versatility of a swing and nap option, the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper is not the best choice. You will likely be able to find a more affordable bedside option to meet your needs.
4moms mamaRoo 4 Infant Seat/Swing
The 4moms mamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing is the top-of-the-line option for baby motion and sleep combination seats. This product is designed to make natural movements like a person holding a baby versus vibrating or swinging like other models in this product space.
The 4moms mamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing offers similar features to the Graco DreamGlider. This includes a washable seat cover, adjustable reclining seat, plush toy mobile, and multiple sound options. One added feature of the mamaRoo 4 is the ability to hook up an MP3 player to offer customized music options for your baby.
I think the mamaRoo 4 is a better product choice than the Graco DreamGlider. However, the mamaRoo 4 is priced well above the Graco model. If budget is not a concern, you may opt for the mamaRoo 4. I believe that the differences in the Graco DreamGlider and the mamaRoo 4 are enough to justify spending the extra money.
If your budget does not allow for the 4moms mamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing, the Graco DreamGlider is still a great product. Your baby should be comfortable, safe and rest well in the Graco DreamGlider.
Customer Reviews
- Graco Baby 3.4 Stars
- Toys R Us 4.5 Stars
- Wal-Mart 4 Stars
- Target 4 Stars
Features
- 3 seat positions
- 6 gliding speeds
- 10 songs and 5 nature sounds
- Mobile with plush toys
- 3-point harness
- Shut-off timer
- Weight limit 5.5 to 30 pounds
Pros
- Transitional seat allows baby to easily transition from sitting to reclining
- Dual power source gives the option to save on battery life
- Entertainment options keep baby soothed
- Timer allows the option to save on battery life
- Three-point harness and mesh sides offer added safety
Cons
- Some reviewers complained that the music and gliding stopped working
- The seat takes up almost three feet of space
- The price point may be out of reach for some parents
Recommendation
As a mom, I highly recommend purchasing a transitional swing to sleep glider. The Graco DreamGlider offers many features that will benefit parents throughout the first year of your child’s life. My favorite feature of this product is the ease of transition between sitting and sleeping.
My son suffered from reflux and had difficulty sleeping. We used our plush swing as his primary sleeping location for the first four months of his life. The option to have a place off of the floor with the added benefit of constant motion helped him to sleep. This was a relief for us.
The Graco DreamGlider is worth the financial investment. This model is also much more affordable than many other options available. The quality and service of Graco adds to the value of this product. The combination of sound, movement and comfort are sure to provide hours of entertainment and rest for your baby.
