The Graco Slim Spaces received our Best Value award and is a perfect choice for parents looking to travel with their swing or for something to keep tucked away at grandma's house for weekend visits. It is one of Graco's most compact swings and can fold to be even smaller. This swing keeps it simple and is easy to operate with only a roller switch control to adjust the speed. The fold method is very intuitive, and the legs have three different height positions so you can keep your baby close, whatever level you are on. This compact swing isn't a good choice for parents looking for all the bells and whistles as it has limited features, but as our Best Value award winner, we highly recommend the Slim Spaces for anyone looking for a good swing on a budget.
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Compact
Foldable
REASONS TO AVOID
Basic
Battery power only
No music/sounds
Safety Warning The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has published a safety alert regarding some Fisher-Price infant rockers and similar baby gear, like rockers, bouncers, and swings, with more than a 10-degree incline. According to the CPSC, you should never use these products for babies' sleep. They remind caregivers to monitor a baby while using the gear. Don't add bedding, and ensure your child is correctly restrained, following the manufacturer's instructions. If your baby falls asleep in a bouncer, rocker, or swing, transfer them to a safe sleeping area with a flat and firm surface (like a crib, bassinet, or play yard), even if it upsets you to wake a sleeping baby.
Good soothing ability, multiple swing directions, interactive mobile
Quality materials, vibration feature, 2-in-1 function
Compact, full features, less expensive
Fun for smaller toddlers, 5-point harness, durable
Cons
Basic, battery power only, no music/sounds
Large footprint, loud, difficult assembly
Large footprint, shallow seat, simple mobile
Difficult to assemble, basic infant insert
Not for soothing, lower quality, short ropes
Bottom Line
Perfect foldable swing to use when traveling, but with limited soothing ability
Cute seat with exceptional soothing abilities but takes up a lot of space
Perfect swing to fill a certain 2-in-1 niche, but other options might be better at soothing
A small swing ideal for babies who are accustomed to gliding but has limited motions
Fun and safe outdoor swing for use with older babies and toddlers, but not meant for soothing
Rating Categories
Graco Slim Spaces
Fisher-Price Cradle...
Graco DuetSoothe an...
Graco Glider Lite LX
Little Tikes Snug '...
Soothing(35%)
6.0
9.0
7.0
5.0
2.0
Ease of Use(25%)
8.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Quality(25%)
6.0
5.0
6.0
6.0
4.0
Safety(15%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
Specs
Graco Slim Spaces
Fisher-Price Cradle...
Graco DuetSoothe an...
Graco Glider Lite LX
Little Tikes Snug '...
Dimensions
31.5"L x 22.8"W x 29.5"H
44"L x 35"W x 37"H
33"L x 34"W x 43"H
27"L x 26.25"W x 28"H
16.3''L x 16''W x 17''H
Footprint
718 in²
1368 in²
1122 in²
684 in²
260.8 in²
Weight
15 lbs
25 lbs
21 lbs
12 lbs
3 lbs
Usage Range
5.5-25 lbs
Birth to 25 lbs
Swing: 5.5-30 lbs
Rocker: 5.5-25 lbs
5.5-25 lbs
9 months up to 50 lbs
Harness
5-point
5-point
5-point
5-point
5-point
Power Source
Battery
AC Adapter
Battery
AC Adapter
Battery
AC Adapter
Battery
Manual
# of Speeds
Roller switch with infinite speed settings
6
6
6
NA
Sounds
None
16 soothing songs & nature sounds
10 melodies and 5 nature sounds
10 classical melodies and 5 nature sounds
None
Motion Direction
Front to back
Front to back, side to side
Front to Back, side to side, vibration mode
Front to back glide
NA
Seat Recline
No
2 positions
2 positions
No
No
Cleaning and Care
Machine wash seat pad cold, line dry
Machine washable cover
Machine wash cold, drip dry
Machine wash cold, drip dry
Cleaned with a damp rag or hose down
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Graco company began in 1942 co-founded by Russell Gray and Robert Cone in Philadelphia, PA. They initially manufactured car parts but eventually decided to broaden their horizons and hired an engineer to design gear for babies. Their first product was a baby swing, which was wildly successful. They quickly moved on to include strollers, high chairs, car seats, and more. They have been striving to create innovative products that will help simplify a parent's job ever since. Graco has been manufacturing baby gear for over 60 years and is one of the most popular brands.
The angle and depth of the seat on the Graco Slim Spaces helped to encourage proper leg placement and healthy hips.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Performance Comparison
The Graco Slim Spaces is a favorite swing that excels for ease of use. It is one of the lightest swings in the group and the most compact when folded.
The Slim Spaces has a very simple structure with very few extra gadgets and doodads.
The profile of the Graco Slim Spaces is the second smallest in the group.
Soothing
When it comes down to it, the Slim Spaces is just a swing and nothing more. It has no fancy music, soothing sounds, or timer. The stationary mobile is attached to the swing's frame (above left) and is about as basic as they come, not even moving when the swing is in motion. However, the Slim Spaces does swing exceptionally well, especially for being solely powered by batteries. The maximum swing speed is more vigorous than the other seats we reviewed, which is key to soothing savage little ones. The motor only swings the seat in one direction, front to back, but when powered off, the seat is hinged so that it can be swayed side-to-side manually (above right).
Baby can sit up and look in on the action while mom gets things done around the house.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
This swing is as easy as it gets, thanks to its simplicity. There is only one roller switch to turn it on and off and to make speed adjustments. Due to the nature of the switch, the number of swing speeds is infinite, allowing you to find your baby's sweet spot. However, if you want music, white noise, or playtime distractions, you will have to bring your own as the Slim Spaces does not offer any other features.
One roller switch operates the Slim Spaces, powering it on and off and making speed adjustments.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
One of this swing's unique features is its adjustable height options. There are two height positions, one that keeps the baby close to the floor and keeps the footprint at a minimum, and a taller one that puts the baby closer to sitting level but takes up a little more space. The height positions are clearly labeled, so there is no chance of unequally setting up the legs.
Folding the Simple Switch only takes two steps; there are two buttons on either side of the frame that you press at the same time to fold the rear set of legs in towards the front, and then the seatback folds forward to complete the process. This system is so intuitive compared to the competition; we managed it on the first try without any trouble. The swing folds nearly flat, measuring a compact 33"L x 22.7"W x 11"H, and is small enough to fit comfortably in even the most crowded trunks and closets. It also has a convenient carry handle to make transportation easier. Unfolded, the dimensions of the Simple Switch are 31.5"L x 22.8"W x 29.5"H.
The Slim Spaces is very compact when folded and will fit easily into most storage spaces and car trunks.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
The quality of the Graco Slim Spaces is average, and that isn't a surprise for a swing in this price range. There is nothing wrong with the swing, but there is nothing exceptional about it either. Because this unit is so light and portable, there are no extras or perks commonly found on other swings. The fabric is a synthetic canvas-type material that isn't soft on sensitive skin. The infant insert is fleece covered, so the areas around the baby's head and shoulders are more comfortable.
The fleece lined infant insert adds another level of comfort to the seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The need for frequent battery changes is another major downside of this swing. We would like it much better if you could use it with an AC adapter. As is, we recommend investing in some rechargeable batteries as you will be going through a LOT. However, the Slim Spaces is much quieter than anticipated for a battery-operated swing, and we hardly noticed the noise during use.
Safety
This swing has a 5-point harness with cloth backing behind the crotch strap that prevents pinching, and the basic inverted V shape of the frame ensures that it is very stable when swinging.
The seat is deep but is positioned more upright than others, and the recline level is not adjustable, and it may be better for use with older babies with better-developed head and neck control. It may also be beneficial for infants with reflux as it keeps them in a better position to move things along.
BabyGearLab was founded by a Pediatrician Mom with a mission to provide a reliable, independent, source of information to new parents. Our experts have tested thousands of baby and kids products to share key performance, health, and safety findings. We spend tens of thousands of dollars crash testing car seats to inform our ratings. And, we combine our review work with gobs of expert parenting advice. To assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing by people who care.
