diff. btwn a rock n play and swing

namos

Hi Ladies-

I know this will probably seem like a silly question to many of you but as this is my first pregnancy, I am still learning about the all baby gear!

I keep hearing about swings and rock n play's and have seem them in the store....they seem pretty similar...in fact the rock n play seems like a swing but with more bells and whistles...however, I see that many people on the board have registered for 2 swings and 2 RNP's for their twins....

Can someone explain why I would need or want both...what am I missing?!

Thanks!

 

masked_rose86

I actually think a rock'n play is much simpler.  In order to get it to move you have to rock it yourself....it is sort of a glorified bassinet that is at 45 degree angle.  It is often used for napping/sleeping or having a place to set down a baby.

 A swing often has more bells and whistles, like a mobile, music, and of course, swinging that you do not have to do (will swing via motor).  

I think they are both for different things, the rock n play for a baby that likes a "rocking" motion more than the swinging (which was my girls until recently) and a place for babies to sleep.  The swing certainly can be used for sleep also, but is a nice break if you don't want to do the "rocking."

festivus

I agree with PP that the RnPs are the simpler item. They're also cheaper, since I think my RnPs were $50-60 each but our swing was about $160 (had to have one with a plug!).

One of the big differences for me was that the RnPs are mobile- we used them in different places within our own house as well as took them when we were visiting friends and family. We certainly used the swing a good amount (we only registered for 1, not 2), but could NOT have lived without our RnPs. Even DH says those were the most helpful baby item we used.