In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Ingenuity Portable Swing Review

A simple, travel-friendly swing with some shortcomings
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Ingenuity Portable Swing Review (The Ingenuity Portable Swing can easily fold for storage or transport.)
The Ingenuity Portable Swing can easily fold for storage or transport.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $100 List
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Manufacturer:   Ingenuity
By Molly Bradac & BabyGearLab Review Team  ⋅  Aug 10, 2023
50
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#6 of 8
  • Quality - 35% 4.0
  • Entertainment - 35% 3.0
  • Portability - 20% 9.0
  • Assembly - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Ingenuity Portable Swing is a space-saving swing for infants weighing 6 to 20 lbs, or once a child can sit up unaided, whichever comes first. This lightweight, easy-to-fold contender is ready to entertain your baby while on the go, making it one of the most portable options. Whether you operate it using the AC adapter or batteries, you'll appreciate its relatively quiet operation compared to other swings. However, the Ingenuity Portable Swing has some shortcomings to consider. We aren't big fans of the product's quality, especially the seat's upright incline and limited recline. We feel this seat is more suitable for babies with head and neck control. But, with a maximum weight limit of 20 lbs, it has a shorter lifespan than some swings in the competition. Unless you need a travel-friendly product or have the tightest budget, we think other swings in the baby swing review will be better suited for everyday needs.
REASONS TO BUY
Space-saving
Travel-friendly
Quiet operation
REASONS TO AVOID
Lower quality
More suitable for older babies
Editor's Note: We updated this gear review on August 10, 2023, as new baby swings were added to the review, including the Ingenuity Portable Swing.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Baby Swing for Portability
Editors' Choice Award
Overall Best Baby Swing
Best Value Award
Best Budget-Friendly Baby Swing
  
Price $100 List
$84.99 at Amazon
$180 List
$139.99 at Amazon
$120 List
$109.81 at Amazon
$90 List
$76.98 at Amazon
$95 List
$75.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
50
62
51
47
44
Star Rating
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Bottom Line A space-saving baby swing ready for travelA big baby swing packed with exciting entertainmentA traditional baby swing with a more extended usage rangeA travel-friendly swing that's basicA baby swing for travel or for those on a tight budget
Rating Categories Ingenuity Portable... Ingenuity InLighten... Graco Simple Sway S... Ingenuity Comfort 2... Graco Slim Spaces
Quality (35%)
4.0
6.0
5.0
3.0
5.0
Entertainment (35%)
3.0
10.0
6.0
3.0
1
Portability (20%)
9.0
2.0
4.0
9.0
9.0
Assembly (10%)
7.0
2.0
4.0
8.0
5.0
Specs Ingenuity Portable... Ingenuity InLighten... Graco Simple Sway S... Ingenuity Comfort 2... Graco Slim Spaces
Manufacturer Usage Range 0-9 mths; 6 lbs - 20 lbs, or once your child can sit up unaided, whichever comes first 0-9 mths; maximum weight 20 lbs 5.5 lbs - 30 lbs, or once your child attempts to climb out (approximately 9 mths), whichever comes first 0-9 mths 5.5 lbs - 25 lbs
Weight 8 lbs 17.9 lbs 17.2 lbs 7 lbs 13 lbs
Dimensions 22"L x 23.5"W x 23"H 31.89"L x 42.13"W x 40.94"H 30"L x 31"W x 38"H 28.74"L x 22.64"W x 26.77"H 39"L x 23"W x 29.5"H
Harness 5-point 5-point 5-point 5-point 5-point
Power Source USB Cord (wall adaptor not included), Battery USB Cord (wall adapter not included), Battery AC Adapter or Batteries Battery Battery
Number of Speed Settings 5 6 6 6 Roller switch with infinite speed settings
Sounds 8 melodies, 3 nature sounds 20 melodies, nature sounds, white noise 10 songs, 5 sounds 12 melodies None
Motion Front to back Side to side, front to back (depending on seat position) Side to side Front to back Front to back
Fold Yes Yes, semi-fold No Yes Yes
Seat Rotate No Yes. Seat can rotate 180-degrees, so you can keep your baby in sight; 3 different directions. No No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

Ingenuity is part of Kids II, which holds a comprehensive brand portfolio. Kids II designs, markets, and distributes more than 400 unique baby and infant products, and it's one of the world's fastest-growing baby product companies.

Performance Comparison


The Ingenuity Portable Swing has a 5-point safety harness with material covering the shoulder straps.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


The Ingenuity Portable Swing has some room for improvement in terms of overall quality.


One positive we appreciate is the material on the crotch strap, which adds a touch of comfort for little ones during use. The swing is remarkably quiet when in motion, unlike some noisy swings.

The reclining seat offers two positions. However, we think the angles were somewhat disappointing, and prefer seats that provide a flatter recline, especially for infants. We suggest using the Ingenuity Portable Swing with older babies with better neck control to ensure an enjoyable swinging experience.

The Ingenuity Portable Swing is relatively low to the ground. This may require you to bend over or sit on the floor when loading or unloading your baby, which might not be the ideal setup, especially for postpartum moms. The toy bar can be a minor inconvenience as it easily pops off.

The Ingenuity Portable Swing offers different swing speeds, melodies, and nature sounds.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Entertainment


Some space-saving options compromise on entertainment features, but the Ingenuity Portable Swing offers more than the bare minimum. However, it's not a top entertainer.


It has five swinging speeds, melodies, and nature sounds. You can set a swing timer of 30, 45, or 60 minutes. For sounds, an auto-shutoff occurs after 20 minutes. While the toy bar is not as impressive as some other swings, it still offers some entertainment value. Our little tester could reach it and bat the toys, which captivated their attention for a bit.

ingenuity portable swing - the ingenuity portable swing can easily fold for storage or transport.
The Ingenuity Portable Swing can easily fold for storage or transport.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Portability


This is where the Ingenuity Portable Swing excels. Being lightweight, compact, and foldable, it's incredibly easy to store and transport this product.


Folding the swing requires a few steps. Start by closing the child seat, which folds in a clam-like fashion. Next, underneath the seat, you'll find a button on the handle. Press the button, pull the handle, and the swing will collapse. Carrying the folded Ingenuity Portable Swing around the house, even up and down stairs, was a breeze for us. The swing offers both an AC adapter and battery operation, providing flexibility in how you choose to power it.

ingenuity portable swing - the ingenuity portable swing has a few valued features on the...
The Ingenuity Portable Swing has a few valued features on the harness, such as material covering the crotch strap and shoulder straps.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Assembly


Setting up the Ingenuity Portable Swing is uncomplicated and relatively quick.


While it does involve installing two screws (screwdriver not included), the process is straightforward and not at all challenging. We also found the user manual easy to follow.

The Ingenuity Portable Swing offers two hanging plush toys for entertainment.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Ingenuity Portable Swing?


The Ingenuity Portable Swing is better suited for parents prioritizing ease of transport and compactness. However, compared to the top baby swings, it has limitations. Unless you want to bring it along on travel, we aren't itching to recommend this baby swing for everyday life with your little one.

What Other Baby Swings Should You Consider?


When it comes to everyday use, a few baby swings stand out, and they all cater to different needs and goals. The 4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion is a high-tech option with superior quality and exciting features. The Graco Simple Sway Swing takes a more traditional approach for an affordable price. If you want an entertainment-packed experience, the Ingenuity InLighten Swing may fit your needs.

Molly Bradac & BabyGearLab Review Team
 

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