Best Pool Table Buying Guide

Best Pool Table Buying Guide

Of course you love spending time with your kids. Just this morning they probably woke you up with their little giggles and smiled in appreciation at the breakfast you prepared for them. Your heart must have melted when they hugged you real tight before you dropped them off at school. And later, you beamed with pride when you picked them up and they regaled you with stories about their day. You live for them, and we know it. That’s why you have that huge spare room downstairs that you and your spouse decided should be a family game room.

In that room, you set up a wide screen TV, a gaming console, and video player to make it an entertainment mecca for your kids and their friends. But mom and dad need to have some fun too! So in one end of the room is a fold away bar and in the center of the room is space for a pool table intended for good old fashioned fun with the grown-ups. We feel you. Sometimes you crave adult company.

What features should you consider in buying a pool table?

There are so many ways a pool table can enhance your game room experience. It’s a fun game to play that will harken back to your pre-kids days when you played pool with your buddies as a past time. And who doesn’t like billiards? It is a game still popular with your peers and is the perfect way to do some entertaining when you just want to be with adults.

That said, billiards isn’t just for grown-ups. We know your children will enjoy learning to play and you will be there to teach them. It is a great game to play that will have your children moving around the table instead of just staying seated at the gaming console. It’s a win for mom and dad. And it’s a win for the kids. But we didn’t need to convince you of that!​

With so many choices and such a wide price range, how do you even begin to find the pool table of your dreams? Use the following guidelines.​

● Budget

We know that it is almost bad form to be discussing money right away when that beautiful shiny pool table is staring back at you in all its artful glory. But pool tables can vary widely in price and quality that picking one can get a little crazy. We don’t want to have to say it, but once you’ve seen pool tables that are way above your price range, you might not like the ones you can afford and that’s a shame. We don’t want you to feel that way especially since there are so many beautiful great quality pool tables to choose from at different price ranges. You will definitely find one within budget that you would be proud to own and that could be the star of your game room. This is why we strongly suggest knowing your budget first so you could narrow your options down only to those tables which fall within it.

● Your Room Size

Pool tables come in three sizes: 7ft, 8ft, and 9ft long. To help you visualize, the width of a pool table is always half its length. You want to choose a table that gives you at least 6 feet of wiggle room all around the table. Less than that, and you will end up with cue marks on your wall or worse, end up playing with bad form due to lack of space.

Eight foot long tables are the most common tables for those who buy them for their homes. They fit nicely into most game rooms and there is enough room on the surface for a decent game of pool. A smaller 7-inch table is not bad by any means, although some feel that the balls get cramped on the surface. To each their own. But if you can fit a nine inch table at home, well, let’s just say that with enough practice playing on that huge surface, you’ll be the champion among your friends who play at smaller tables. They’d better come to your party prepared!​

● Purpose

Of course, you’re buying a pool table to play pool! But by its sheer size alone, a pool table can really dominate a room and can serve as a conversation piece. Do you intend for the pool table to be the main centerpiece of your game room? Would you like for it to be a family heirloom? If so, then maybe you should pick a design that fits the theme of your room or, if an heirloom is what you are after, choose a beautiful hardwood piece in a classic design that will delight your family for generations to come. You will also want to pick a slate cover color to match your game room if the normal blue or green is not to your liking. Likewise, if you are buying the pool table just for your kids and their friends to learn on and not really for your entertaining purposes, you might want to get a cheaper table for that purpose and just buy the heirloom piece when your kids are older.

● Material and Stability

Even if you’re picking a pool table in the lower mid-range, it is still a considerable investment. You want to evaluate the materials used to create the pool table and see if it is worth the price. A pool table that is mounted on solid wood will definitely be more expensive than one that is made of engineered wood, but it will also last far, far longer. But keep in mind that you will want to buy a pool table with a strong and heavy frame. You will be putting your weight on the table, after all, and nothing is more of a hazard than a table that gives at the slightest pressure. So when you shop, give the pool table a good strong shove. It should stand its ground and stay solidly in place. If not, it’s not likely to withstand your leaning over the rail to make that crucial shot.

● Surface

The jury is out. Slate is the surface of choice for a billiards table and no other. Slate is durable and heavy which adds to the weight and, therefore, to the stability of your table. It is the best for getting a smooth roll out of your ball and is the only material approved for tournaments. You don’t have to go for too thick a slab. Many experts agree that a 1” slate is enough to make a great pool surface. Thicker than that is redundant and just more expensive. Don’t be deceived by other surfaces called slate core or wood slate. Slate core is slate mixed with cement while wood slate is plywood. These are cheaper surfaces and are inferior. Slate is solid stone. If you’re investing in a pool table anyway, go for slate – we just can’t specify it enough! Like, did we mention that you should go for slate?​

● Frame

A pool table may have a lovely slate surface but if its frame is flimsy, you might want to consider a different one. A good frame is of paramount importance because it holds the slate in place. Basically, everything on the pool table is hinged on that frame, so sturdy construction is important. In addition, you want to check that the frame is level. You will definitely want to buy from a reputable store that stocks tables from the best and most trusted manufacturers of pool tables.

● Rails and Sights

The rail is where the cushion or edge is mounted. And sights are the dots that you see all around the rail. The sights actually guide players when they are making a shot and helps them when they need to bump the rail to create an angle towards a pocket. But aside from that, sights are a way to decorate the rails to make them really attractive. They could be made with scallop shells, ivory, cow horn, and other beautiful materials.

● Cloth

The cloth that covers the slate can be made of a variety of materials. Tournament quality tables are covered in a blend of wool and nylon. Although there are other materials in a variety of colors to match your game room. Tournament quality, of course, is the most durable, but some recreational quality cloth covers can last a long time if you take care of it.

● Installation Crew

So you’ve found the pool table of your dreams. Does the store have a crew to help install it in your game room? A pool table is definitely not a DIY project and you want to make sure that you have people who specialize in assembling a pool table to help you. If the store doesn’t have installation personnel, it is a good idea to look for another store who sells the pool table that you want.

Tips for maintaining your pool table

A pool table is a considerable investment and definitely something you can pass on to your children as an heirloom. This is possible if you conscientiously maintain and take care of your table. Here’s how:

• Brush the surface of your pool table after every use to remove talc. Brushes can be bought at pool supply stores.
• Don’t allow anyone to put food and drinks on top of your table, whether on the surface or on the railings. This is the quickest way for spills to happen and stains to form on your table.
• The frame of your pool table can be sensitive and can be prone to scratches. Discourage wedding rings, bracelets, and watches from getting close. Of course, we understand that you don’t want to be a party pooper, and sometimes you can’t avoid guests with jewelry approaching the table. So just maintain the leather and wood surfaces with oil based furniture protectants which you can find at furniture stores.
• The sun can be harmful to your pool table. So position it where there will be little or no sun exposure which can cause warping and fading. If you like natural light, make an effort to position the table out of direct sunlight and use a table cover to protect your pool table when you’re not using it.
• Keep your billiards balls clean. Balls that are covered in chalk makes for a dusty table cloth later.
• Pay attention to moisture levels in your room. If you live in a super dry climate, your table can get brittle as the moisture gets sucked from it making it brittle and prone to cracks. So if you live in a high altitude or in the middle of the dessert, make sure to have humidifiers in your game room.
• Teach the kids how to play pool! The better they know about the game, the better they know about taking care of the game equipment. This will ensure that they care as much about the pool table as you do.
• Play often. A pool table actually needs to be played on to keep it in good shape. Also, playing more often lets you interact with the table so you can easily see areas that need maintenance and get it taken care of right away.

Our Recommendation

We know you are super excited to shop for your pool table and welcome it to its special place in your game room. We tried and tested some of the top rated pool tables and let us tell you, there are a lot out there that will make your heart race. But you will want to know which we ranked the Top 5 Best Pool Tables and read about why we believe they deserve a place in your home. We absolutely adore the 19th century inspired Olhausen Huntington Pool Table. Steeped in tradition, the Huntington pool table is 100% American made by the master woodworkers of this family owned company. Read about why this pool table captured out hearts and is our top pick for the best pool tables to add to your game room.

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Best Round Trampoline Buying Guide

Best Round Trampoline Buying Guide

The types of trampoline may be classified according to their particular use. In general, there are three types of trampoline, mini trampolines, competitive trampolines, and recreational trampolines.

Mini trampolines, sometimes called as rebounder, jogging trampoline, exercise trampoline or trampette, measure around 1 meter in diameter and are usually 12 inches off the ground. They are used as part of exercise regimes and are often used indoors. Exercising on a mini trampoline provides an excellent cardiovascular exercise without contributing heavy impact on the knees and joints. Mini trampolines are not expected to give as high rebounds as those of the recreational or competitive types of trampoline.

Competitive trampolines are rectangular trampolines with steel frames that measure 17 ft by 10 ft. The trampoline mat measures 14 ft and 1 in by 7 ft. The number of steel coiled springs attaching the trampoline mat to the frame varies per manufacturer but the usual count is 110 steel springs.

Recreational trampolines may come in various sizes and shapes. They may be round, oval or rectangular. The materials used for recreational trampolines may not be as heavy duty as those for competitive ones. The trampoline bed is usually made of waterproof material since recreational trampolines are often kept outdoors.​

When should you choose a round trampoline over a rectangular trampoline?

The difference between a round trampoline and a rectangular trampoline is the way their springs react to the impact of a jump. With round trampolines, the springs give a consistent bounce to the jumper since they are uniformly placed around the frame. As a result of this design, the jumper is forced towards the middle of the trampoline mat with each bounce. Rectangular trampolines allow jumpers controlled and even bounces regardless of where they land on the trampoline mat since the springs react differently and do not work together.

Although rectangular trampolines often have larger jumping areas, their frames are also heavier and are therefore more expensive. Round trampolines are available in more affordable prices since their frames need not to be as heavy duty and can be made of less costly materials. The round frame is capable of absorbing the impact of a jump so the frame does not necessarily need to be weighted.

A round trampoline is a good investment if you are looking for a more affordable option. It is also easier to move around the yard since the frames are lighter. Round trampolines are ideal for use by single jumpers since the tendency to be pushed towards the center may result to collisions among jumpers. Since the jumper is always pushed to the middle, round trampolines come with less risk of the jumper falling out the frame.​

Round Trampolines

Getting a trampoline does not stop on deciding which shape to get. There are other things to consider when buying a round trampoline. With the number of round trampolines available in the market, how do you choose which one to get? We here at ParentsNeeds HQ have prepared a buying guide to help you choose the best round trampoline for your recreational activities with the whole family.

What are the things to consider when buying a round trampoline?

● Size

The size of the round trampoline that you will purchase will depend on the available space in your yard, as well as on the number and size of the expected jumpers. Round trampolines measuring up to 12 feet are great for your younger children and pre-teens. If you are going to be jumping around with your kids too, however, a fourteen-foot trampoline should be more appropriate.

● Material

Recreational trampolines are most likely to be kept outdoors. This means the chances of the trampoline being exposed to the sometimes harsh outdoor elements are pretty high. A good round trampoline will be made of durable materials that are weatherproof. The amount of cash that you would be spending on a trampoline is not to be take lightly. It better be a good investment and should last you for years to come. The spring coils should be of quality standard since the quality of the bounce actually depends on the springs instead of the trampoline mat.

● Weight Capacity

For something on which you and your kids will be bouncing on with a level of abandonment, it better be able to carry your combined weights. A good round trampoline should have a reasonable weight limit that will let your children rebound without the risk of the trampoline giving in.

● Sturdy Base

Look for a trampoline with a sturdily built base. With round trampolines, the legs are uniformly distributed. A good trampoline will have well-reinforced legs that will remain stable when the trampoline is in use.

● Safety Features

Trampolining is not exactly the safest activity in the world. In fact, a significant figure of trampoline related injuries have been reported over the years. Therefore, a trampoline with as much safety feature should be a good choice. Look for a round trampoline that is equipped with a durable safety net. This safety net will serve as a safety enclosure that will keep the jumpers within the trampoline mat area. It is quite easy to lose sight of where one might land when one is busy bouncing and twisting in the air. A safety enclosure can prevent jumpers from falling to the ground. A good trampoline should also have safety pads that will completely cover the frame and the springs. These safety pads will prevent unwanted injuries caused by getting caught between the springs or falling on the hard frame. Landing on the safety pads should soften the impact.

● Price

Possibly the most important consideration is the price. Good, quality trampolines are expected to be quite pricey. Expensive trampolines from trusted manufacturers are built to last you for years and are designed to give you the best rebounds. High end trampolines maintain the quality of their bounce even as they count off years. Mid-range trampolines are expected to show signs of wear and tear over the course of a few years but they may be relied on to give you some quality bounce and safety. Budget trampolines, however, cannot be expected to deliver their claimed quality and safety. They may not be ideal for long-term use as they might easily wear and tear, given that the manufacturers may have used materials of lesser quality to bring the prices down.

● Warranty

It is always a good idea, no matter what purchase, to buy products that come with a warranty. This way, you will be able to test and enjoy your bought trampoline with the assurance that you may get a replacement or the necessary service in case you encounter some issues with your purchased product.

● Additional Entertainment

It would not hurt if the trampoline would come with additional accessories like a basketball hoop. Such add-on features may further add excitement to your trampolining experience. With additional fun, expect to spend a few more hours on the trampoline.

How to buy the best round trampoline:

• As with all purchases, conduct your own research before taking the plunge. Not only a summable amount of dollars is involved, but your child’s safety as well. Read reviews submitted by consumers to help you research and compare different trampoline brands. Read up on the different models that are available in the market. Go online and visit their websites to accurately obtain their products’ specifications.
• Determine what you are looking for in a trampoline. How big should the trampoline pad be? Will it be big enough for multiple users? Does it have safety features? Can it stand multiple users? What are the ages of the jumpers that will use the trampoline? What should the weight limit be? Is it within your budget?
• Prepare a working budget. Be ready to spend from $250 to $2000 for a round trampoline.
• Keep your proof of warranty especially if you are to purchase your round trampoline online. Inspect the parts of your purchase. They should be complete, without any defects. Do not accept trampolines with incomplete parts or damaged parts.
• Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions regarding assembly and installation. Follow their safety guidelines. Conduct a final check for the completeness of the assembled trampoline before letting your kids use it.

Important things to keep in mind:

• Trampoline use must be adult-supervised at all times. Never leave your children unattended on a trampoline.
• Keep track of the weight of the jumpers and take note of the weight limit of the trampoline according to the specification given by the manufacturer. Make sure that all jumpers are within the specified limit to ensure a safe trampolining experience.
• Do not allow your children to perform tricks and somersaults if they are not properly trained to do these. Doing tricks may result to bad landings, which may in turn cause serious head and neck injuries.
• Follow the specified number of jumpers allowed on the trampoline at a time. It is always best, however, to have just one jumper at a time especially with round trampolines. Since round trampolines have the tendency to force jumpers in the middle, multiple jumpers may be at risk of colliding into each other.
• Always check the trampoline before use. Repair or replace damaged parts immediately. Remove access to the damaged trampoline in case immediate repair cannot be done.

Our Recommendation

We are sure you can’t wait to go out and finally get your own round trampoline. Having read our buying guide for the best round trampoline, we hope we have helped you determine which trampoline to get. Should you need further help in narrowing down your list, we are glad to inform you that we here at ParentsNeeds HQ have prepared our own Top 5 Best Round Trampolines. We have rounded up the most popular trampoline brands that come highly recommended and we have put them head to head. They don’t come without drawbacks but the trampolines on our list sure have proven why their names are reputable. Check out our top 5 list and find out how AlleyOOP DoubleBounce Trampoline snagged the number one spot.

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Basics for Cleaning a Baby

As mothers will attest, it is very difficult cleaning a newborn baby or even one who has been around for few weeks or months. Cleanliness is one thing that is highly prioritized when dealing with babies even though they don’t like that. Should you sit down and watch as the baby smells because you don’t know where to start? You don’t have to and the following basic information will give you a guideline on how to do that stress-free. There is the question on how often a baby should be cleaned and it should not be that frequently. Regular bathing of a newborn baby can cause the skin to dry out quickly leading to cracks. That is a health hazard so you should not dare try it.

As long as the critical areas like face, genitals and neck are clean you don’t have to wash the baby regularly. Which is the right time to wash a baby; is it at night, in the morning or during the day? That is a critical query that you must get adequate answers to in avoiding doing the wrong thing. It will all be upon the mother of the baby to decide when it’s the ideal time for washing since there is no standard time that is recommended. You should settle on the time when you are free and enough spell is available. You should not wash your baby while on a rush as some of the smelly body parts might be overlooked.

In case you decide to wash the baby immediately after a meal, it should not be too immediate but after the stomach has settled down. Rushed washing might cause the baby to vomit. Whether the baby is newborn or is few weeks or months old, considering a baby tub is a good idea but you should choose the right type. Free-standing tubs made of plastic are the best for newborns while inflatable tubs and plastic basins are equally good. Regardless of the one you choose for your baby washing, the baby’s safety must be given top consideration. You are advised against leaving the baby to stay alone in the water as drowning is a fatal consequence.

The amount of water that you put in the tub is another debating point when it comes to washing a baby. There are those who recommend 2 or 3 inches but it should be enough to ensure the baby gets cleaned with ease and without drowning. You should use your own intelligence to make such a decision. Whether the water is half or full, the baby should be held with firm grips all the time washing is in progress as a precautionary measure. The water has to be warm regardless of the prevailing weather conditions. Sponge bath is also an ideal way of washing a baby but it’s very demanding requiring a soft towel, free hand, warm and flat surface as well as essential supplies like shampoo.

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Best Convertible Baby Car Seat Buying Guide

Best Convertible Baby Car Seat Buying Guide

So your baby is fast approaching his first birthday, huh? Oh, how time flies, don’t you think? You wish your baby would stop growing so fast. You want to savor every moment, in slow motion because before you know it, he would have grown into a toddler. In a blink of an eye, he would have outgrown those cute baby clothes that you bought months before his arrival, only for him to wear it for a month or two. You wish you could slow down time. So does your baby needs list.

A growing baby will need new things that are age, weight and height appropriate for him. Often times they grow so fast that they easily exceed the limitations of the baby products you have bought to aid you in taking care of your baby. Say your infant car seat, for example. You will find yourself looking for a bigger infant car seat to accommodate your baby even before he turns one year of age. Then comes the time for a convertible baby car seat to enter your life.

In the United States, the mandated requirements in the use of child safety seats may differ from state to state. Child safety seats may be classified into infant car seats, convertible baby car seats and booster car seats. The type of child safety seat to use will be determined by the age, height and weight of the child. Infant car seats are required by the law for infants until they are both one year of age and 20 pounds in weight. It is highly recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the NHTSA to continue the use of rear facing car safety seats when transporting children until they are two years of age.

Booster car seats are required for children until they are able to properly wear an adult seat belt, though in states like South Dakota and Florida, if a child is four years of age or older, he or she may wear the adult seat belt without a booster seat. It is important to note, however, that the NHTSA recommends the use of booster seats for children under 4 ft and 9 inches regardless of their age and weight.​

This is a buying guide for the best convertible baby car seat. You probably have a lot in your hands with your baby growing so fast and all. We are here to help make your life a little easier. We here at ParentsNeeds HQ hope that this convertible baby car seat buying guide will help you when you are making a decision on which car safety seat to get for your growing baby, especially when there is a number of things to consider. A lot of manufacturers have convertible baby car seats out in the market that come in various shapes and forms, offering different features and advantages over each other. We are here to discuss with you the things that you need to look for in a good convertible baby car seat, and hopefully help you narrow down your list of choices to a manageable one.

What is a convertible baby car seat?

Convertible baby car seats are child safety seats, which can transition from being a rearward facing seat into a forward facing seat. These are usually purchased once the baby turns one year of age or when the baby exceeds the height and weight limit of the infant car seat, whichever comes first. These car safety seats are useful when your child has outgrown his infant car seat but is not quite ready yet for a forward facing car seat. Convertible car seats have a higher rear facing weight limit, and depending on the model, they can be used up to 40 to 50 lbs. This type of child restraint must be installed facing the rear for children who are less than one year of age and weigh less than 20 lbs. Rear facing set-up is recommended until the child is at least 2 years of age. When the child is ready, the car seat may be turned to face forward until it becomes time for a booster car seat. We shall talk about booster car seats next time.

What are the things you should consider when buying a good convertible baby car seat?

● Your child

First and foremost, the reason why you are in the market for a convertible baby car seat is probably because your child has outgrown (or just about to) his trustee infant car seat. Know your child’s height and weight since the suitability of car safety seats largely depends on these criteria. Child safety seats are crash tested by manufacturers to determine that level of protection it can give covering a specific height and weight range. It is important that your child’s height and weight be within the specifications of a car seat to ensure maximum protection and effectivity in an event of a collision.

● Safety rating

When it is your baby’s safety that we are talking about, you would want to buy a car seat that will actually keep your baby safe with minimum harm or none at all. All car safety seats are crash tested to determine the effectivity of these seats in an event of a crash. The federal standard is to test these seats in a 30 mph crash. Consumer reports have been conducting crash tests for over 30 years and they regularly update their processes to accurately reflect the current conditions of vehicular accidents. They conduct their crash tests at 35 mph. Look for a convertible baby car seat that has a high safety rating from consumer reports or other equally trustworthy organizations.

● Ease of use

The best convertible baby car seat will not only have a high safety rating but will be easy to use as well. One factor that can deem a convertible baby car seat easy to use is its ease of installation. Easy to install convertible baby car seats are more likely to end up being properly, well, installed. A large percentage of car seats in use are actually poorly installed, and this highly decreases the chances of the car seats to actually protect the children. Look for a convertible baby car seat with good reviews from consumers regarding its ease of installation. A good car seat will have clear and easy to follow instruction materials. A good seat will also have a good LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system that could be paired with your vehicle, trouble-free and painless. Its LATCH system could be color coded or labeled accordingly to help you see which goes with what. Other features that you may look for are built-in indicators which could help you determine if you have properly installed your convertible baby car seat. Such indicators may include spirit levels or air bubbles that can tell you if the car seat is properly levelled.

● Side impact protection

While most car seat models are designed against frontal collisions, few are equipped well enough to protect against a side impact crash. Look for a convertible baby car seat that is padded with energy-absorbing foam that can minimize crash impacts even when the impact is from the side.

● Easy to adjust

When the harness is easy to adjust, the chances that you will get the harness tightness right is high. The harness should be fitted correctly on your child because a loose harness may only serve to cause further injury in an event of a crash. A good convertible baby harness will not take up too much of your time because it will have quick release buckles and straps that do not twist. There will be no need to fiddle with it. The car seat may also have adjustable headrest that you may eventually remove once your baby grows.

● 5-point harness

Speaking of harnesses, look for a convertible baby car seat that has a 5-point harness, although all new models are already equipped with 5-point harnesses anyway.

● Easy to clean

Some car seat models are actually quite hard to clean and maintain. It is best to look for convertible baby car seats with removable covers that you could regularly wash. You wouldn’t want your baby to be sitting on something that is crawling with germs.

● Comfort

Going out on a drive with an infant is no easy feat. Babies are easily irritated and it surely will be hard to focus on the driving part when you have a bawling baby at the back. There are good convertible car seats in the market that are designed for comfort. Choose a car seat with quality padding and soft linings that can soothe your baby. A calm baby is equal to a calm drive, which could mean more safety for you and your baby.

● Your car

Get familiarized with your car and read your owner’s manual. See and find out if your vehicle is compatible with the LATCH system, although new car models should be compatible by default.

● Your budget

Car safety seats are not exactly cheap. To get a quality convertible baby car seat, prepare to spend somewhere between $100 to $400.

Important things to keep in mind:

• Do not forget to do your own research. Read up on specifications and features of different convertible baby car seat models. Prepare a checklist for the features that you would want your car seat to have and through your research, narrow down your choices to those that meet the most features on your checklist.
• Once you have installed your convertible baby car seat, have it checked by your trusted local stores. Better yet, have professionals install your car seat for you. The effectivity of the car seat to protect your child in an event of a crash depends on correct installation.
• As the NHTSA recommends, it is best to keep your child in a rear facing position until they are two years of age. Flip the car seat to forward facing position once the child has reached this age or has outgrown the weight and height limitation for rear facing child safety car seats.
• Know when to retire your convertible baby car seat and when it is time for your child to move on to booster seats. Know the height and weight limit of your car seat and use it for as long as your child meets the specification.
• Check the tightness of the harness every time you strap your child in the seat by performing the pinch test. The harness is tight enough when you can no longer pinch away the fabric from its shoulder straps.
• Avoid dressing your child in bulky clothing like winter clothes before strapping them on. These types of clothing are thick. They may prevent the harness from being properly adjusted and may end up being too loose. During a crash, bulky clothing may compress and the loose straps may then stand to increase the risk of injury. The best way to do it is to dress your baby in normal clothing and tuck a cozy blanket over him once he is properly strapped in.
• Avoid buying second hand convertible baby car seats when you are unable to know the car seat’s history. Damaged car seats or ones that have already been in a crash should no longer be used.

Our Recommendation

We here at ParentsNeeds HQ understand how gruelling it could be to go out shopping for convertible baby car seats even when you already have an idea what features you want your car seat to have. Perhaps it may be even harder when you have a checklist because then you would want to go through each model and see which meets your requirements the most. It could take hours. We are happy to tell you that we have compiled a list of convertible baby car seat models that possess most of the desirable features we have just discussed with you. Check out our Top 5 Best Convertible Baby Car Seat Reviews and see if our number one choice, the Evenflo SureRide DLX Convertible Car Seat, could be the best seat for your baby.

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Top 5 Best Baby Swings | 2018 Reviews

Top 5 Best Baby Swings | 2018 Reviews

You never realize how much “stuff” there is to buy for a baby, until you have your own. Sure, you know you’ll need a crib, and a changing table, and a bassinette. Oh, and a baby chair, and a playpen, and don’t forget the stroller and the – well, you get the picture. You don’t need a bigger apartment or house for the new human addition to your family. You need to upscale just to have a place to put all of the “stuff.”

A baby swing can seem like just one more item on a long list, until your baby arrives and you find yourself pacing back and forth for hours trying to convince her to give up and doze off for a little while. At that point, you realize that a quality baby swing may be the most indispensible of all of the new “stuff” in your now-crowded home. It makes sense, when you think about it; the motion of the swing replicates the safe, soothing motion she grew accustomed to during months in the womb.

Quick Navigation

Quick Comparison Table

Fisher-Price Snugabunny Cradle ‘N Swing

4moms MamaRoo Baby Swing

Graco Comfy Cove LX Swing

Arm’s Reach Concepts Beautiful Dreamer Cocoon Swing

Comfort & Harmony Cozy Kingdom Portable Swing

It’s not a good idea to use a swing in place of a crib or cradle, since too much rocking can make a baby dizzy. But for short periods of time, a good baby swing can let both an infant and an exhausted mom get the breaks they need from the 24 hours a day they spend together.

In this list of the top 5 best baby swings, we’ll check out models with different speed, motion and sound options; we won’t go too much into detail on their safety, though, since we wouldn’t dream of listing a “best” baby swing that wasn’t completely safe for the most important person in your life. We’ll also focus on full-sized swings rather than portable ones (although we will mention one portable model for completeness), since most of today’s best baby swings are portable “enough” to be moved from room to room in a house.

Before going through our list, you can also check out our Best Baby Swing Buying Guide here. Done? Here we go with our list.

Quick Comparison Table

Fisher-Price Snugabunny Cradle ‘N Swing	4moms MamaRoo Baby Swing	Graco Comfy Cove LX Swing	Arm’s Reach Dreamer Cocoon Swing	Comfort & Harmony Cozy Kingdom Swing
$$$	$$$	$$$	$$$	$$$
25 pounds	15 pounds	18 pounds	16 pounds	7 pounds
Not Foldable	Not Foldable	Foldable	Not Foldable	Foldable

Fisher-Price Snugabunny Cradle ‘N Swing

A name you know and trust, and a swing that has all of the features you need – at a budget-friendly price of about $130. What’s not to like?

We looked at a number of Fisher-Price models for this list, and were tempted by their 4-in-1 Smart Connect Cradle N’ Swing which rocks in three different directions (instead of the two provided by the Snugabunny) and is controllable by an app. We decided, though, that it wasn’t necessary to spend an extra $70 when this terrific baby swing does everything you’ll need.

The Snugabunny swings both front-to-back and side-to-side, has adjustable recline and padded head rest, can run at six different speeds (slowly speeding up and slowing down for baby’s comfort), and quite frankly, is the best at calming infants and putting them to sleep. We think that last benefit is because this baby swing’s plush fabric that positions baby deep into the seat is so darn comfortable. Another factor may be that the telltale “baby swing hum” on the Fisher-Price is somewhat louder than some competitors; adults may be annoyed by the hum, but it has exactly the opposite effect on most infants, lulling them to sleep quickly – even more than the included 16 tunes and several nature sounds. There are also three visual distractions, including a mobile with cute toys, a bunny rattle attached to the center crotch strap and a round mirror globe; they can be easily removed to satisfy babies, or parents, who don’t like them.

There are some very nice user features on the Snugabunny which aren’t common on most baby swings. Key among them is that the baby swing can be plugged in, a relief for parents who feel like they’re changing batteries during most of their spare time. (The swing can also run on battery power as well.) The controls are on top of the swing so they’re easy to reach, they’re all push buttons instead of knobs (useful because clicking knobs can wake up babies), and there’s a backlight on the speed buttons (helpful if you’ve turned the lights off to let baby sleep).

If controlling a baby swing from your iPod or iPhone is important to you, the 4-in-1 will fit your needs. Otherwise, we think the Fisher-Price Snugabunny is the best choice.

Details of the Fisher-Price Snugabunny Cradle ‘N Swing
Weight Limit	25 pounds
Harness	Five point plus padded head rest
Speed/Motion	Six speeds, back-and-forth and side-to-side
Other Features	16 songs, two nature sounds, mobile and mirror globe
Timer	Yes
Reclines	Yes
Power	AC or 4 D batteries
Foldable	No
Footprint	36 x 39 inches
Weight	25 pounds
Warranty	One year

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4moms MamaRoo Baby Swing

Just about the only things this baby swing won’t do is change a diaper or warm a bottle – and of course, you pay extra for extra features. The price tag is around $240 for this top-end model, which we’ve ranked lower than the Fisher-Price for exactly that reason.

If you’re not scared off by the price tag, though, you’ll be getting a whale of a swing. We’ll start with the available motions, which 4moms categorizes by what their nature rather than their direction: car ride, tree swing, rock-a-bye, wave and kangaroo. The company’s goal is to replicate the actual motions that parents use to sooth their baby rather than the traditional motions used by every other baby swing. We can’t validate the scientific reasoning, but the MamaRoo does put babies to sleep, and quickly. There are five different selectable speeds.

This swing isn’t without drawbacks. It’s smaller than the competition and modern in appearance, looking almost like a Scandinavian chair instead of a baby swing. However, that makes the comfortable seat shallow instead of deep, so we wouldn’t recommend using this model for older infants. It’s great that the MamaRoo works on AC power, but there’s no battery option so you may be limited in where you can place it. There’s a full LCD control screen with the ability to hook up your own MP3 player to supplement the included nature sounds, but it’s at the base of the swing so you have to kneel down to use it, unless you use the model’s Bluetooth connectivity to control it from your phone – probably a good idea for the sake of convenience. There’s a removable mobile attached.

We aren’t convinced you need everything the 4moms model provides, particularly at its price, but it is definitely one terrific baby swing for younger infants.

Details of the 4moms MamaRoo Baby Swing
Weight Limit	25 pounds
Harness	Three point
Speed/Motion	Five speeds, five unique motions
Other Features	Five nature sounds, mobile and mirror globe
Timer	Yes
Reclines	Yes
Power	AC
Foldable	No
Footprint	20 x 20 inches
Weight	15 pounds
Warranty	One year

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Graco Comfy Cove LX Swing

We’ll move from fancy and expensive, to simpler and less expensive – in fact, this baby swing from another well-known and trusted manufacturer is one of the least expensive on our list at just over $100. It also folds down for convenience and takes up less room than the Fisher-Price.

There’s just one motion on the Comfy Cove LX, back-and-forth. Even so, it’s a winner when it comes to putting baby to sleep; that may be once again because the hum and creak on this model is noisier (and the speaker produces sound that’s scratchier) than some of the more expensive alternatives, and babies react to sound differently than we do. The comfort for baby is terrific, with a deep, plush reclining seat as well as added body support and a removable headrest. The controls are push-button, and easy to reach toward the top of the swing. The one real negative we found is that this isn’t as sturdy as most of the other top 5 best baby swings we’ve listed, probably because it’s built to fold for easy movement. Even so, we never felt there was a safety issue with this model.

We would have ranked this Graco higher if it had more than one motion and was a little stronger, but it’s still a great value and will let you save some money for all of the other “stuff” on your baby furniture and equipment list. One note: the LX runs on batteries but there’s also a DLX model which can run on either AC and battery power, which might be worth paying a little more if the swing will be remaining near an outlet.

Details of the Graco Comfy Cove LX Swing
Weight Limit	30 pounds
Harness	Five point, plus headrest and body support
Speed/Motion	Six speeds, front-to-back
Other Features	10 songs and 5 nature sounds, mobile
Timer	Yes
Reclines	Yes
Power	3 D batteries
Foldable	Yes
Footprint	31 x 27 inches
Weight	18 pounds
Warranty	One year

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Arm’s Reach Concepts Beautiful Dreamer Cocoon Swing

This “all-natural” baby swing has become a trendy choice for many parents, even though it’s far from the traditional type of swing most of us grew up with. To begin with, there’s no motor, no AC power, no batteries and no controls, because it’s designed to resemble the natural environment of the womb with gentle swinging created by either a parent’s light push or the baby’s body motions.

There are also no harnesses to hold the infant in place (again, for a more natural feel). Instead, the construction of this baby swing is very similar to a hammock with netted sides. There’s no way that the child will fall out, but she’s also not restricted and is free to wiggle or bounce. Surprisingly, that doesn’t mean that babies stay awake and play when placed in the Cocoon Swing; they’ll fall asleep as easily as when placed in a more modern powered swing.

There are also no harnesses to hold the infant in place (again, for a more natural feel). Instead, the construction of this baby swing is very similar to a hammock with netted sides. There’s no way that the child will fall out, but she’s also not restricted and is free to wiggle or bounce. Surprisingly, that doesn’t mean that babies stay awake and play when placed in the Cocoon Swing; they’ll fall asleep as easily as when placed in a more modern powered swing.

Details of the Arm’s Reach Concepts Beautiful Dreamer Cocoon Swing
Weight Limit	15 pounds
Harness	None
Speed/Motion	None
Other Features	None
Timer	No
Reclines	Not applicable
Power	Not required
Foldable	No
Footprint	38 x 25 inches
Weight	16 pounds
Warranty	Information not available

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Comfort & Harmony Cozy Kingdom Portable Swing

Here’s the portable swing we mentioned at the top, although it’s study enough that many will just it set up in one place and leave it there. At $60 it’s a very good bargain for that purpose, but there’s one important condition: it’s only meant for babies under the age of six months who weigh between six and 20 pounds. In other words, don’t expect this to be the only swing you purchase over the course of your child’s development.

The Cozy Kingdom sits low to the ground, so you may have to bend over to reach the knob controls for the six speeds and six songs – and of course, you’ll have to get onto your knees to put baby in and out of the swing. The seat has plenty of padding and a removable headrest so it’s comfortable for a young infant, but the construction (as you’d expect) isn’t as sturdy as the larger, more substantial models on our list. There’s a recline function which isn’t terrific. Even if there weren’t weight and age limitations specified by the manufacturer, we still wouldn’t use this swing for a larger baby.

However, this is a very quiet baby swing (which for some infants will be a positive and for others will be a negative), it folds and carries very easily, and has a removable toy bar in baby’s vision. It’s nothing extraordinary, but it’s a good choice if you’re on the go a lot and need a decent baby swing to take with you and your smaller infant.

Details of the Comfort & Harmony Cozy Kingdom Portable Swing
Weight Limit	6-20 pounds, six months
Harness	Five point, plus headrest
Speed/Motion	Six speeds, front-to-back
Other Features	6 songs, toy bar
Timer	Yes
Reclines	Yes
Power	4 C batteries
Foldable	Yes
Footprint	22 x 14 inches
Weight	7 pounds
Warranty	One year

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