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Graco Sense2Soothe Swing Review by a Real Mom


If you are looking for some baby gear for your little one, you just might want to check out the brand new Graco Sense2Soothe Swing with Cry Detection Technology.  I found this swing to be pretty impressive and unique as it is the only swing currently on the market that is babyoperatedThis swing will actually adjust the many setting options when your baby cries including altering the motion and the sounds. It is awesome!

Review from a Real Mom

I recently received this exact swing from the manufacturer for the purposes of doing a review for fellow parents just like you.  As an experienced mom, I offer my honest thoughts and opinions about this new type of swing made by Graco.

The Graco Brand

Graco Sense2Soothe Baby Swing with Cry Detection Technology, Sailor

If you are looking for anything for your baby, the brand Graco will most certainly show up in your search.  You will find that Graco is one of the most recognized and trusted companies for many baby products including swings, car seats, and strollers.  It is nice to know that they have been providing safe products for babies and children for more than sixty years.

Specifications of the Graco Sense2Soothe Swing

Measurements

Length18.90 inches
Width28.35 inches
Height32.28 inches
Weight21.94 pounds

Recommended Weight of Baby

Swing Weight Limit5.5 to 25 pounds
Rocker Weight Limit 5.5 to 18 pounds

Key Features of the Graco Sense2Soothe Swing

The Cry Detection Technology

The most unique and standout feature Graco calls “Cry Detection Technology.”  On the swing, there is a built-in microphone that is specifically designed to hear your baby’s cries so that it will automatically respond by adjusting the swing’s settings soothe him or her. Surprisingly, it quickly responds to a crying baby and then adjusts to a new setting to help soothe and comfort the baby.  I would have to say that this feature is extremely impressive and probably my favorite new feature.

Two-in-One Swing and Rocker

Graco Sense2Soothe Baby Swing with Cry Detection Technology, Sailor

This seat is not only an innovative soothing swing with many options but it also doubles as a removable and portable rocker that can be easily moved from room to room in your home.  This is particularly helpful when I am trying to cook or clean in different parts of the house.

From my experience with several bouncer seats, swings, and rockers, the Sense2Soothe could potentially replace all three of those items for your baby.  This versatility gives you plenty of options and your money’s worth.  Also, it is helpful that it is quite seamless when you transition from the swing being on the motorized base to the portable rocker.

Soothing Options

To calm your baby, there are three swing speeds and two vibration settings that create soothing motions that are designed to mimic how a mom would move naturally. The swing starts slowly and is gentle when initializing.  Next, it builds the swinging motion instead of starting too fast and startling your baby.  It is also incredibly nice that the Sense2Soothe Swing can easily find the perfect combination to calm your baby.  It will randomize of the swing and audio settings but if your baby becomes fussy,  it will change the settings again to find the right combination that soothes your little one. The variety of movements is really awesome.

In addition to the different motions, there are fifteen songs and sounds to help soothe your little one.  You can choose from music, white noise, or nature sounds to play for your baby.  I personally think that the sounds and music are great.  Most newborns love white noise so that is definitely a great addition.

The seat is a good size and I appreciate that the seat can from move side to side or from front to back.  Also, the swing has three recline positions to fit your baby’s needs and provide soothing comfort.

Parent Mode

Graco Sense2Soothe Baby Swing with Cry Detection Technology, Sailor

The Graco Sense2Soothe Swing offers many automated options but also allows parents to be in control and choose preferences for their little one.  It is also convenient that you can save your baby’s favorite soothing settings.  If you turn off the Cry Detection mode, the Sense2Soothe becomes more like a traditional swing where you control all the options for motion and sounds.

Safety

There is no doubt that the number one concern for a parent is the safety of their baby.  While the motions on this swing are designed with your baby in mind, Graco also included a five-point harness to keep your baby secured properly. Always use the harness.  I like that this seat is nicely deep so I know that a baby is going to secure on all sides.

Color Options

The Graco Sense2Soothe Swing is offered in two colors.  The one I received is called “Sailor.” It has different gray tones and is certainly gender neutral.  In some of my photos, the colors show a bit darker and even a bit brown. But, in person, they are gray.  The other color option is called “Birdie” which includes lovely shades of plums and lavenders.

Toy Mobile

The included mobile is simple but super cute.  It was very easy to install and if you want to carry the rocker around the house, you could easily remove it if needed.  The mobile includes two soft toys that hang down for your little one to see and be entertained and stimulated.   On the “Sailor” edition of this swing, the included soft toys are a light gray bear with a mint-blue teething ring and a light gray moon. Like the rest of the swing, the toys are neutrally colored to fit with either gender and with almost any nursery decor.

Pros

  • Unique Cry Detection Technology makes the swing “babyoperated
  • Quick response to crying
  • Two-in-One Swing and Rocker
  • Easy Set-Up and easy to take apart
  • Washable plush soft goods
  • Removable infant insert
  • Automatically fit baby’s preference
  • AC Adapter means no need for batteries
  • Rocker: portable so you can move baby from room to room
  • Compact compared to traditional swings.  Fits almost anywhere that an infant seat will fit. This would be perfect for an apartment or a home where space might be an issue

Cons

  • While the Cry Detection Technology is innovative, if you have several children in your home, there is a small chance it will be triggered by someone other than the sleeping baby and change swings motions.  Saying this, I am not overly concerned with this happening all that often.
  •  Certain settings can be a little loud

Set-Up of the Graco Sense2Soothe Swing

Image of the Graco Sense2Soothe Swing instructions

I just opened the box with the Graco Sense2Soothe parts.  I can honestly say that I put it together in around 3 minutes or less.  The assembly was so intuitive that I did not have to look at the included manual.  With two simple steps, the swing is immediately ready to use.

When you open the box, you will find that the swing comes in two major pieces: the seat itself and the motorized base.  There are a few other items including the mobile attachment, the soft toys for the mobile, the AC adapter, and the manual.  The seat part of the swing comes separate from the mechanical base but easily connects together with just a click.  If you have assembled other swings or items for your baby, you will know this is not always the case.  The included AC adapter is also easy to attach and then simply plug in.  This means no batteries to install or change when they die!  When I looked through the manual, the instructions were very clear and the illustrations were helpful.

Sources

  1. Product Hazards – Swings, www.kidsindanger.org

Amy Sylvestre

Amy is a writer, mom, and southerner living in the suburbs of Chicago. She has also worked for several large non-profit organizations. Amy is married to her hunky pilot husband, and they have two sons, Graham and Hudson. Graham is a hilarious, talkative, four and half year old. After a strong fight with congenital heart disease, Hudson passed away at eight months old. Amy is also in the process of growing her family through adoption.