Editor’s Note
The 4moms rockaRoo Baby Swing is no longer available, however, 4moms has an updated model in the 4moms mamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing. The new version is a different size, measuring 33″ x 19.5″ x 25.5.” It also offers 5 different motions as well as 5 speeds, a Bluetooth connection, and 4 built-in sounds.
You can adjust motion, speed, and sound, and even set a timer right from the 4moms app on your phone or tablet. For a hands-free soothing solution, connect to your smart home device to use voice control with your new MamaRoo Baby Swing. There are also speakers in the swing that allow you to play soothing music or children’s music for your little one with the Bluetooth capabilities.
This swing gives you the option to mix and match five unique motions, five speeds, and four sounds to tailor the swing specifically for your baby. The harness can be converted from a 5 point harness to a 3 point harness.
This 4moms® mamaRoo Multi-Motion™ Baby Swing is available in black and gray. You can also purchase a bundle that includes both the swing and a plush infant insert.
Baby swings, bouncer seats, and rockers have become musts on every baby registry, but how do you know what you need? Some tend to be bulky and space-consuming while others just don’t have enough features. The 4moms rockaRoo is a compact alternative to your typical baby rocker or swing, but with reliability issues and limited adjustability, is it worth the extra cost? Probably not. A lower cost bouncer like this Ingenuity is much more bang for the buck.
Key Features
Gives Mom & Dad a break
As with all swings, the rockaRoo offers a safe place to put your baby to free up your hands for a bit. Getting even just a few minutes to rest your arms can become invaluable for any parent. For babies who like being rocked to sleep, this can work as an alternative to mom or dad rocking in a glider or rocking chair.
The rockaRoo provides a front to back soothing motion, similar to the motion of a rocking horse.
Don’t wake the baby!
The soothing motions that the 4moms rockaRoo offers helps some babies to fall asleep on their own while sitting in it. This can get rid of that transition from parent to seat or crib that can wake your baby, leaving you to start over from square one. This takes away that risk of waking your baby by putting them down and also helps start training them to put themselves to sleep, without the aid of a parent.
Compact – 1/3 the size of other baby swings
Many baby swings on the market tend to be big and bulky. Something that you can’t easily move around. The 4moms rockaRoo is different. It is compact – coming in at 1/3 the size of your typical baby swing. Because the motor of the rocker is below the seat instead of above it, it doesn’t need the big support frame you see on other swings. What you are left with is a small seat that won’t take up a whole corner of the room.
Seat cover is machine-washable
When searching for baby products for my son before he was born I would always see things boast about how they were machine-washable. As a first time mom, I didn’t fully understand how important this was until his first diaper blowout. Since then I insist that things I purchase must be easy to clean!
The seat cover of the rockaRoo is removable and machine-washable. You can also purchase an extra seat cover so you can still have one on the rocker while you wash the other.
Looks
The 4moms rockaRoo has a sleek and modern design. It comes in grey or multicolored (if you are looking to add a pop of color to your nursery). Overall it is very aesthetically pleasing.
MP3 Plug in
The rockaRoo comes equipped with a MP3 plug-in cord so you can hook up an mp3 player or phone to provide your own soothing music or white noise sound. I always found myself using an old phone to provide white noise for my son instead of using the nature sounds that are usually on this type of equipment, so I see this as a definite plus.
Mobile
The 4moms rockaRoo features a colorful mobile with removable toy balls. This would become more useful as your little one gets a bit older and can interact with it, but it is a feature seen on many swings and rockers and can help keep your baby entertained.
Electric
The rockaRoo is powered by electricity, not batteries. This ensures you will never run out of power and you can save money on powering the seat – buying replacement batteries quickly becomes expensive!
Another Color Option
Product Video
Assembly
Concerns
Lacks adjustability
Unfortunately, there is not much adjustability with this swing. It does have 5 different speeds, but it only swings front to back, not side to side like other swings on the market. While hopefully the front to back motion would be enough for your little one, it is something to keep in mind.
The seat on the rockaRoo does not recline or adjust at all. The back of the seat is somewhat curved, not flat. Because of this, it is not recommended to have your baby in the seat for more than 4 hours at a time.
Not approved for overnight sleeping
Because it is not recommended to have your baby sit in this swing for more than 4 hours, that rules out overnight sleeping in the swing. While you could use it for a mid-day nap, it is not suitable for your baby to sleep in overnight.
If you were planning on using a swing overnight, you may want to research other products. From what I have seen however, swings are not typically approved for safe overnight sleeping.
Short Period of Use
The 4moms rockaRoo is only recommended for use until your baby is 6 months old, sits up on their own, or weighs 25 pounds – whichever comes first. There is a cut off limit for all bouncy swings and seats, but it is something to consider before spending a lot on a premium swing or rocker.
Reliability issues
There is some concern about reliability issues with this product. Sometimes the motor becomes louder than usual, motions become jerkier, or the motor stops working altogether. 4moms doesn’t seem to have an issue with sending out replacement motors, but having your baby’s soother break down is the last thing you want to happen.
Loud
Buying a top-of-the-line rocker, you would expect it to be the best in every category, right? Unfortunately, the 4moms rockaRoo sometimes makes loud, clicking noises that many parents found to be a nuisance. If you have an easily startled baby, you may want to steer clear of this rocker.
Have to buy an infant insert separately
The rockaRoo itself does not provide sufficient support for newborns. The separately sold infant insert is essential to keep your newborn from sliding down and slumping forward. Especially if you have a smaller newborn, you might not be able to put them in the swing comfortably without the infant insert.
This is further disappointing because the rocker already can only be used for 6 months. If you wait a couple of months for them to gain some head support before using it, you may only end up using this swing for a few months.
Reviews
Although some people have had reliability issues with this product, it has high ratings overall.
4.1 out of 5 stars, 95 Reviews – Target
4.3 out of 5 stars, 79 Reviews – buybuyBaby
4.5 out of 5 stars, 66 Reviews – Walmart
Pros
- Safe place for baby so you can free up your hands
- Soothing back to front motions
- Compact – 1/3 the size of your typical baby swing
- Cover is machine-washable
- Electric, no batteries needed!
- Sleek, modern look
Cons
- Not adjustable
- Not approved for overnight sleeping
- Can only use until your baby is 6 months old
- Loud, clicking noises
- Does not come with infant insert
What is the difference between a swing, a rocker, and a bouncy chair?
Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably, but there are usually some differences between the three:
Baby Swing: Typically bigger (although there are travel swings, too). Provides full swinging motion, front to back, side to side, or both.
Baby Rocker: More compact than a swing. Provides rocking motion similar to being rocked in a chair or glider, typically front to back.
Baby Bouncer: A bouncer, or bouncy chair, doesn’t move back to front or side to side. Bouncers work off of your baby’s own movements, and sometimes are battery-powered to provide soothing vibrations.
Swings, rockers, and bouncers all have a cutoff limit for use, whether it is age, weight, or abilities (e.g. your child starts trying to get out of seat). Always check the guidelines for whatever baby equipment you choose for ultimate baby safety.
Do I need all 3?
Probably not. But if you have a particularly fussy baby and you have the space for it, the different options can offer different motions to help soothe your baby to sleep.
My Recommendation
Like with all baby products, some babies will love this chair and others will not. It really depends on your baby’s preferences. I personally went with a bouncer for my son to use as a safe area to place him while I did some cooking or tidying up. My son wasn’t super picky about where he slept, but if you have a baby that you just can’t put down, I can understand trying anything.
Many moms swear by the 4moms rockaRoo’s usefulness and if you are looking for a compact rocker, this is one of the most premium on the market. However, it is not necessary, and there are other options out there. So if you are looking for a cheaper option, I recommend looking into bouncers or less expensive swings that still come loaded with features.
