Review by Marcus Reid
Graco Sense2Soothe Swing with Cry Detection
Best for hands-free, cry-responsive soothing · $$$ · Premium
Our verdict
★ 4.4 / 5
✓ Pros
- Cry Detection listens and auto-adjusts motion and sound to soothe
- Parent Mode saves your baby’s favourite settings
- Eight motions across two directions for variety
- Seat lifts out as a portable rocker
✕ Cons
- Cry detection works better for some babies than others
- Premium price
- Bulky full-size frame
Specs at a glance
Design & build
The Sense2Soothe is a full-size powered swing whose headline trick is a built-in microphone: its Cry Detection technology listens for your baby and automatically tweaks the motion and sound to settle them. The seat also detaches as a portable rocker, and there is a 3-position recline plus a toy bar.
Motion & comfort
You get eight distinct motions across two swing directions (front-to-back or side-to-side) and three speeds, so there is plenty to experiment with. In Cry Detection mode the swing chooses for you; in Parent Mode you save the combination that works, or you can run it as a normal swing.
Power & noise
It runs on a plug-in AC adapter — good for the long sessions you might leave it running — with 15 songs and sounds and two vibration levels on hand.
Ease of use & cleaning
The softgoods are removable for cleaning and the rocker seat lifts out to carry baby with you. Controls are on-unit; there is no smartphone app to fuss with.
Safety
In swing mode it is rated to 25 lb and as a rocker to 18 lb. Cry Detection does not replace supervision — keep your baby in view, use the 5-point harness, and never use the swing or rocker for sleep.
Value
Cry Detection and the breadth of motions justify the premium for parents who want the swing to react on its own; if you just want reliable motion, a simpler swing costs far less. The removable rocker adds genuine day-to-day flexibility.
Buy it if…
You want a swing that responds on its own when baby fusses, like the idea of saved soothing settings, and want a removable rocker too.
Skip it if…
You are on a budget, want app/Bluetooth control, or your baby is unpredictable about what soothes them (cry detection may need tweaking).
Ready to check the latest price?
View the Graco Sense2Soothe Swing with Cry Detection on Amazon →Price & availability change often — confirm on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
How does Cry Detection work?
A built-in microphone listens for your baby and automatically adjusts the swing’s motion and sound to try to soothe them. You can also save preferred settings in Parent Mode or turn the feature off and use it as a normal swing. It does not replace adult supervision.
Does it need batteries?
No — it uses a plug-in AC adapter, which suits longer daily sessions.
Can my baby sleep in it?
No. Neither the swing nor the rocker is a safe sleep surface; move a sleeping baby to a flat, firm crib or bassinet and always supervise.
The verdict
The Sense2Soothe is the most genuinely “smart” swing here that doesn’t need a phone: Cry Detection plus eight motions and a removable rocker make it a flexible, hands-helpful pick. The cry feature is hit-or-miss baby to baby and it is pricey, but for parents who want the swing to do more of the work it’s a strong choice.
Our score: ★ 4.4 / 5
→ Compare it in our roundup: Best Smart / App-Controlled Swings
Not sure it’s the right fit? Take the quiz or check your safe-use window.