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4moms mamaRoo vs rockaRoo (2021): What’s the Difference?

Parents who want to take a break from having to rock and soothe their baby will benefit from 4moms’ line of baby swings. Two of 4moms’ top-rated baby swings are the mamaRoo and rockaRoo, and their major differences include the price and their swinging motion. While every baby’s needs are different, our in-depth comparison of these 4moms baby swings can help you make the right choice.

4moms mamaRoo4 vs rockaRoo Comparison Chart

Model4moms mamaRoo44moms rockaRoo
 Amazon productAmazon product
PriceAmazon productAmazon product
Special FeaturesMultiple swing motions, multi-directional seat positionsFront to back gliding motion
Weight Limit25 lbs25 lbs
Motion Options51
Swing Speed Settings55
Music4 built-in sounds, MP3 pluginMP3 compatible
Bluetooth EnabledYesNo
Seat Fabric OptionsGrey classic, Black classic, Multi plush, Silver plush, Dark grey cool meshClassic grey nylon
Machine-washableYesYes
Adjustable Seat ReclineYesNo
Overhead ToysRattle, crinkle, mirror, and reversible toy ballsReversible toy balls
Item Weight19 lbs16 lbs
Dimensions (LWH)25.5″ x 19.5″ x 33″29.6โ€ x 16.5โ€ x 27.5โ€
PowerAC adapterAC adapter

Design

The mamaRoo 4 has more fabric options and an adjustable seat recline that’s not available on the rockaRoo

The mamaRoo 4 (left) and its adjustable seat recline

Both the mamaRoo and rockaRoo are compact baby swings that take much less space than a traditional swing. They also come with a smooth, nylon fabric that’s not harsh on the baby’s skin. Both baby swings are available in grey classic, but if you want more fabric options to choose from, the mamaRoo 4 also comes in black classic, multi plush, silver plush, and dark grey cool mesh. There are also washable inserts you can buy if you want more fun designs for the baby seat.

The major difference in their design is the mamaRoo has an adjustable seat recline, a feature missing on the rockaRoo. You can recline the mamaRoo’s seat to any position–from seated to full recline. Their bases also have different control mechanisms. The mamaRoo 4 has more buttons for its different swing speeds and swing motions (more on this in the next section) while the rockaRoo has a dial.

Like most baby swings, the mamaRoo and rockaRoo come with toys for the baby’s entertainment. Both come with reversible colorful stuffed balls, but the mamaRoo boasts interactive toys like a mirror, rattle, and crinkle.

Swing Motion and Speed

The mamaRoo boasts five swinging motions that can be controlled through its companion app while the rockaRoo only features one front to back gliding motion

Bluetooth-enabled, the mamaRoo lets you change the swinging motion setting through your phone

As 4moms puts it, the mamaRoo “moves like you do.” It boasts five swing motions–kangaroo, car ride, rock-a-bye, wave, and tree swing–designed to imitate how parents rock their baby. With these five swinging motions, your baby is sure to find one that s/he likes. As for the rockaRoo, it only moves in one front to back gliding motion designed to replicate that of a rocking horse. You can still adjust the swing’s speed settings, however, as both 4moms swings have five speed settings.

For busy parents, the Bluetooth-enabled mamaRoo 4 will come in handy. Through its companion app, you can change the motion and speed settings or control the music using your phone.

Additional Features

The mamaRoo 4 comes with four built-in sounds and can be connected to your iPhone

mamaroo vs rockaroo featured
Here’s a closer look at the 4moms mamaRoo4 featuring a 3.5-mm jack for MP3 music.

Both the mamaRoo and rockaRoo are MP3-compatible, but the mamaRoo takes it up a notch. You can connect your iPhone to the mamaRoo and play music directly from your phone or use its four built-in white noise sounds. As for the rockaRoo, you can still plug in your MP3 player, but you’ll need to buy an adapter if you want to plug in your phone and play music from your phone’s library.

Verdict

The mamaRoo 4’s swinging motion options and adjustable seat recline make it worth the slight price jump

Amazon product

While the 4moms mamaRoo 4 may cost a bit more than the rockaRoo, its features justify its price. The adjustable seat recline alone ensures you can find a position that works well for your little one. Its swinging motion options can also cater to different babies’ different preferences. Not to mention that having the app makes it even more convenient to soothe your baby.

If you’re on a budget, the rockaRoo is still a solid option that many moms rave about. However, if your baby doesn’t like the front to back motion, you’re left with no other motion options to choose from.

FAQs

๐Ÿ“Œ Which is better, the 4moms mamaRoo or the rockaRoo?

The mamaRoo offers overall better features and has more options than the rockaRoo.

๐Ÿ“Œ What’s the difference between the rockaRoo and the mamaRoo?

The mamaRoo has more swing motion options, an adjustable seat recline, and more additional smart features missing in the rockaRoo.

๐Ÿ“Œ How long can babies use the mamaRoo and rockaRoo?

It depends on the baby, but 4moms recommends stopping the use of its baby swings if the baby becomes heavier than 25 lbs or can sit unassisted or start rolling out of the swing on its own.

๐Ÿ“Œ Do you need a newborn insert for the rockaRoo or mamaRoo?

You can use either baby swing without an insert, but the added support that the insert provides can help make the baby feel more comfortable.

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Rhodaline Escala-Phelps

Managing Editor and Team Leader at Compare Before Buying. Writer and researcher passionate about people, product comparisons, culture, and current events.