subject: Cradles That Turn Into A Seat [print this page] Today's baby gear does it allToday's baby gear does it all. No longer do parents need to buy separate cradles, swings and seats, because modern baby swings and strollers offer multiple uses. In addition to new features -- such as MP3 plug-ins and side-to-side or up-and-down movement -- the newest swings come in many sizes and offer several recline positions, allowing baby to lay flat in a cradle position or sit up to play in a seated position. The latest strollers are equipped with removable bassinets, and seats with multiple recline positions.
Full-Sized Cradle Swings
The Starlight Papasan Cradle Swing by Fisher Price was rated the best overall baby swing by ConsumerSearch.com. According to Fisher-Price.com, the Starlight swing's papasan seat cradles baby and provides head support in the recline position and offers a choice of swinging side-to-side or front-to-back with six swing speeds. The cradle then adjusts to a seat position, where baby can use the included play tray.
Another full-size, adjustable recline swing is the InGenuity Cradle and Sway by Bright Starts. Like the Starlight, the Ingenuity offers two recline settings: a cradling recline position and a seated position. BrightStars.com reports that the seat also rotates 180 degrees for side-to-side motion and also includes an easy-to-remove play tray for use in the seated position.
Travel-Sized Cradle Swings
The Ocean Wonders Deep Blue Sea Space Saver Swing and Seat by Fisher Price is touted by Fisher Price as "two products in one-a soothing infant swing and an infant feeding seat." This compact swing cradles the baby in the swinging position and includes a stationary position to convert from cradle to seat. Consumersearch.com lists the Ocean Wonders as the best travel swing available, and it is also an American Baby Best of the Year award winner.
A second space-saving option is the Carter's Love Bug Cuddle Me Travel Swing. According to SummerInfant.com, the Love Bug "has an over-sized, cradling seat pad," and it features two recline positions. When sitting up, baby can enjoy the two toys included on the pivoting toy bar.
Luxury Cradle Swings
While most swings offer two recline positions, the SweetPeace Infant Soothing Swing by Graco has four seating positions and three recline positions. The swing reclines into a cradling position or can be used in a sitting position. A unique feature is the removable seat, and the seat base is also compatible with Graco car seats. This enables parents to move baby from car to cradle without taking the baby out of the car seat.
The Mamaroo by 4moms is another luxury swing. This innovative seat was designed to cradle a baby "like you do." The Mamaroo's seat reclines to any position along its axis for maximum flexibility when adjusting from cradle to seat position. It also has five motion settings and speeds designed for rest or play. This seat is the top choice among luxury swings by Consumersearch.com, and is the winner of four awards, including Creative Child Magazines top product of the year 2010.
Adjustable Strollers
For parents on the go, several strollers offer features similar to cradles, like prams and stroller systems with detachable bassinets. The Stokke Explory Complete includes a bassinet that detaches when users want to put their baby in the seat with multiple recline positions. The seat swivels, and is also height-adjustable.
Another option is the Quinny Buzz 3 Travel System. The Quinny Buzz also includes a detachable bassinet and a molded seat that fully reclines.
