Graco Glider Lite LX Review
Pros: Compact, full features, less expensive
Cons: Difficult to assemble, basic infant insert
Manufacturer: Graco
The Skinny
Our Analysis and Test Results
Originally, Graco was a company that manufactured car parts. It started in 1942 by two men, Russell Gray and Robert Cone. In 1953, they decided to expand to include baby products and hired an engineer to design creative solutions to ease a parent's job. The tester product was a baby swing inspired by a coworker's crying infant. The swing was more successful than anticipated and launched Graco into the baby product market. Soon after, they started producing other baby gear such as strollers, car seats, high chairs, and more. Now, with over 60 years of baby gear experience, Graco is a go-to brand for many new parents.
Performance Comparison
Soothing
If you have tried other baby swings and had no luck with a more traditional swinging motion, this glider may be the perfect fit for your baby. The motion is very similar to what a baby would feel when rocking in a parent's arms in a glider chair, which may be more comfortable and familiar. It is nearly silent, even operating at full speed, with very few creaks and motor sounds. Although the mobile is very basic, it is attached to the seat of the swing and moves around when the seat is in motion. You can choose from six different speeds, ten classical melodies, and five nature sounds to keep baby happy.
The seat is deeper than many, but it is also much broader. So while it may be cozy for baby, there is still more room than necessary, and the baby may not feel as tightly snuggled as in other swings. The recline is not adjustable, and while it is at an acceptable angle for younger babies, there is no option for older babies to sit up after they gain better head and neck control. The edge of the seat and the insert are both lined with soft fleece material, and covering the bottom is a smooth feeling fabric that is wipeable in case of accidents.
Ease of Use
The controls on the Glider Lite are generally intuitive, with the exception of the timer. We had to review the manual to figure out how to set it, and it takes several uses before getting the hang of it without the instructions. Otherwise, all the buttons have icons indicating their function (below left) and are backlit to make night time use easier. The mobile connects to the edges of the seat and is easy to pop off when placing the baby inside. The fabric is machine washable but must air dry, so you will want to be sure to leave enough time between uses to allow it to dry completely.
Users complain that the assembly instructions are not user-friendly, and we agree. We were frustrated with the amount of rereading, reworking and rebuttoning required to assemble this swing. The snaps are especially challenging because the fabric has to be pulled tight around the frame (above right). After the initial assembly, though, the swing is lightweight and small enough to be easily carried from room to room as required.
Quality
For the price, this is a good quality swing. The fit and finish of the parts make it look tidy and minimalistic. The buttons are a rubbery material rather than hard plastic and have a silent operation. The mobile is a bit lacking, but we like that it moves when the swing is in motion and is removable.
Safety
The Glider Lite LX, along with every other swing in the review, adheres to the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The 5-point harness is similar to many other swings in this review with five separate straps and can be kept out of the way when strapping in the baby. It doesn't have a padded crotch strap, so you'll need to be thoughtful when buckling baby in to avoid pinching. The very deep seat ensures the baby won't roll around during buckling.
— Juliet Spurrier, MD and Abriah Wofford