REASONS TO BUY
Exciting features
Flatter recline
Higher child seat
REASONS TO AVOID
Complex assembly
Cost
Large footprint
Shorter lifespan
Ingenuity InLighten Swing Review
A full-size baby swing with an entertainment-packed experience
Credit: Abriah Wofford
RELATED: The Best Baby Swings
The Skinny
The Ingenuity InLighten Swing is packed with exciting entertainment features to captivate little ones. It's a full-size swing with a usage range of 0 - 9 months or up to 20 lbs. It offers six swinging speeds, twenty melodies, sounds, a spinning mobile, lights, vibration mode, and a 180-degree rotating seat. It's a big swing that will likely have a designated space in your home, and you'll have to pay more for a swing loaded with entertainment features. However, if you're set on entertainment, this Ingenuity InLighten Swing sets the bar high compared to the baby swing competition.
Editor's Note: With new products added to the baby swing competition, including the Ingenuity InLighten Swing, we updated this gear review on August 11, 2023. We detail how it compares to other baby swings in the lineup.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Ingenuity InLighten Swing | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  |  | | |
| Price | $180 List $179.99 at Amazon | $270 List $239.99 at Amazon | $120 List $119.99 at Amazon | $100 List $88.05 at Amazon | $90 List $78.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A big baby swing packed with exciting entertainment | A one-of-a-kind baby swing that's tech-friendly | A traditional baby swing with a more extended usage range | A space-saving baby swing ready for travel | A travel-friendly swing that's basic |
| Rating Categories | Ingenuity InLighten... | 4moms MamaRoo Multi... | Graco Simple Sway S... | Ingenuity Portable... | Ingenuity Comfort 2... |
| Quality (35%) | |||||
| Entertainment (35%) | |||||
| Portability (20%) | |||||
| Assembly (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Ingenuity InLighten... | 4moms MamaRoo Multi... | Graco Simple Sway S... | Ingenuity Portable... | Ingenuity Comfort 2... |
| Manufacturer Usage Range | 0-9 mths; maximum weight 20 lbs | Birth - 25 lbs, or until your baby attempts to climb out (approximately 9 mths), whichever comes first | 5.5 lbs - 30 lbs, or once your child attempts to climb out (approximately 9 mths), whichever comes first | 0-9 mths; 6 lbs - 20 lbs, or once your child can sit up unaided, whichever comes first | 0-9 mths |
| Weight | 17.9 lbs | 15 lbs | 17.2 lbs | 8 lbs | 7 lbs |
| Dimensions | 31.89"L x 42.13"W x 40.94"H | 26.25"L x 23.5"W x 35.5"H | 30"L x 31"W x 38"H | 22"L x 23.5"W x 23"H | 28.74"L x 22.64"W x 26.77"H |
| Harness | 5-point | Convertible harness from 5-point to 3-point, as needed | 5-point | 5-point | 5-point |
| Power Source | USB Cord (wall adapter not included), Battery | AC Adapter | AC Adapter or Batteries | USB Cord (wall adaptor not included), Battery | Battery |
| Number of Speed Settings | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| Sounds | 20 melodies, nature sounds, white noise | 4 sounds and Bluetooth streaming | 10 songs, 5 sounds | 8 melodies, 3 nature sounds | 12 melodies |
| Motion | Side to side, front to back (depending on seat position) | Unique, parent-inspired | Side to side | Front to back | Front to back |
| Fold | Yes, semi-fold | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Seat Rotate | Yes. Seat can rotate 180-degrees, so you can keep your baby in sight; 3 different directions. | No. But, it offers multiple motions. | No | No | No |
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
Our Analysis and Test Results
Ingenuity is part of Kids II, a company with a diverse brand portfolio. Kids II designs and delivers various child-related gear to support the parenting journey and cater to the different stages of babyhood. So far, the company has brought to market 400 unique baby and infant products worldwide, and this trajectory makes it one of the fastest-growing companies in the baby product industry.
Performance Comparison
Video showing our little tester being buckled into the Ingenuity InLighten Swing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
The quality of this swing is better than most, but it's not outstanding.
The seat features a shallower design, offering two recline positions to suit your baby's needs. The lowest setting provides a flatter angle than most contenders in the lineup. To recline the seat, press buttons on each side of the seat. We noticed minimal movement in the base when the swing was at its highest speed. However, this movement did not raise concerns about stability or tipping.
The 5-point harness could benefit from some improvements, and this would raise its quality score. While it doesn't use high-quality materials compared to others, we did notice a thoughtful addition; the fabric material covering the crotch buckle. This feature is valuable as it can reduce the chance of accidental pinching of skin when buckling. But we would love to see material or padding on the shoulder straps as this harness has none. We believe considerations like that create a more comfortable experience for the baby.
The baby seat is slightly elevated compared to some competitors. We think this may appeal to postpartum moms, especially those recovering from a c-section or parents who prefer to minimize leaning over while loading and unloading their baby from the swing. Sometimes a slight increase in height can make a difference.
The LightBeams mobile on the Ingenuity Inlighten Swing includes two plush toys and projects a light show. It also has a mirror on the underside.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Entertainment
The Ingenuity InLighten Swing is full of entertainment features, and very few competitors deliver what this swing does.
The swing features an electronic light-up mobile with plush toys and a mirror surface. We think this design element adds an extra layer of enchantment for little ones and will likely capture a fussy baby's attention. The swing's 180-degree rotating seat is versatile. It offers three different directions and either a front-to-back or side-to-side swinging motion. With six different speeds, a vibration mode, plus lots of music and sounds, there's something for every baby in this swing. We also think parents will appreciate the placement of the easy-to-reach control panel as it's more comfortable to access. However, we were disappointed with the ConnectMe feature, which utilizes an outdated audio attachment. Modern devices today don't typically have this connection.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Portability
If portability is at the top of your must-have list, the Ingenuity InLighten Swing isn't ideal for you.
This full-size swing is huge and takes up a good amount of space. While it offers a partial fold to help reduce its footprint when not in use, it remains big and in its height. To fold the swing, on the swing's backside, push the lever over and pull up on the frame. When folded, it's still cumbersome to move around.
We didn't experience any issues navigating the controls on the Ingenuity InLighten Swing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Assembly
The Ingenuity InLighten Swing is challenging to assemble, and we did not find the process enjoyable. We experienced a few hiccups throughout the assembly, and it ultimately took us at least 30 minutes to complete.
The process involves several steps, and having a screwdriver on hand is essential to complete the swing. While following the user manual, we encountered a slight issue with the screws as they didn't fit on the same side of the frame pole as illustrated. This required some troubleshooting before we could proceed to the next step. Also, ensure you install the batteries for the vibration feature before attaching the seat cover. Accessing the battery compartment is challenging once the seat cover is in place.
The underside of the mobile on the Ingenuity InLighten features a mirror surface.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the Ingenuity InLighten Swing?
If you're willing to tackle the assembly process and your baby thrives on stimulation to distract and soothe, the Ingenuity InLighten Swing may be a good choice. With a long list of features, there are plenty of options and customization to entertain your little one.
What Other Baby Swings Should You Consider?
If you're interested in a baby swing that offers a more extended usage range, check out the Graco Simple Sway Swing, along with the 4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion. If a more travel-friendly option is better suited to your needs, consider the Graco Slim Spaces or Ingenuity Portable Swing.
—
Molly Bradac & BabyGearLab Review Team
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