Ever since Fisher Price’s Rock ‘n Play sleepers were recalled, the internet has been ablaze with controversy – comments run the gamut of good, bad and suuuuper ugly. Aside from that, it’s also been ablaze with frantic parents trying to find alternative options.
I understand why. Our Rock ‘n Play sleeper was a literal lifesaver during Jack’s newborn days. So much so, that I had 2 – one for each floor of the house! Disclaimer: they were different brands (meaning technically only one was a Rock ‘n Play, since that’s the trademarked name Fisher Price model), and the other was a Graco Lounger, but they were similar makes with similar features.
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He played and slept great in them both. I will admit, Jack was several weeks old before we started using the actual Rock ‘n Play regularly. The other model had a flatter cradle – which I was more comfortable putting him in as a brand new 5-pound baby – than the Rock ‘n Play’s deeper, pocket-like cradle.
Note that no rocker, lounger, or any product with any kind of incline is recommended for sleeping infants. When infants sleep unsupervised, the AAP only recommends sleepers that are flat and firm, with no soft bedding.
Even though I felt good waiting until Jack was a bit more robust to use the Rock ‘n Play, my mom anxiety has returned with a vengeance with the recent recall (my husband says this blog should be less “reluctant mom” and more “slightly neurotic mom.” He’s probably not wrong…).
Also since the recall, my Facebook feed has lit up with questions from parents asking about good alternatives, STAT. So, I figured I’d dig into some research to figure out a few good options.
Don’t wanna read the deets? Click here to see the best Rock ‘n Play alternative.
Table of Contents
Best Rock ‘n Play Sleeper Alternatives: Comparison Chart
| Sleeper | Name | Age/Weight Limit | Rating (/5) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Baby Delight Go with Me Sway Portable Infant Rocker | Newborn-5 months | 5.0 | Check here |
 | Graco DreamGlider Gliding Swing and Sleeper | Infants 5.5-30 pounds | 4.0 | Check here |
 | HALO Bassinest Glide Sleeper | Newborn-20 pounds | 4.0-4.5 | Check here |
Best Rock ‘n Play Sleeper Alternatives: 2019 Recommendations
Considering all the womb-mimicking features the Rock ‘n Play offered that made it so popular – the pocket-like cradle that enveloped baby, the rocking motion, the vibration setting – I set out to find products that replicated some of those must-have features. I also consulted parenting experts online (i.e. all the sleep-deprived mamas in my Facebook network), to see what was working for them.
Truth be told, I was pretty brutal in my decision about what to include and, most importantly, what to exclude. Some great and highly rated sleepers had features I wasn’t super excited about (like a cloth surround that was just too similar to crib bumpers for my liking), and some just didn’t have enough consumer reviews for me to feel comfortable recommending.
So, even after a couple weeks of research, the list is pretty short! But, honestly, what I found kinda makes me wish Jack were an infant again, so I could have an excuse to purchase one (errrr… all?) of these Rock ‘n Play alternatives. See below for details on the products I recommend.
Baby Delight Go with Me Sway Portable Infant Rocker
This is the closest model, feature-wise, as the Rock ‘n Play we used. It’s a manual rocker with a very simple frame, has full mesh sides, is quick to assemble and break down, and travels very well with its’ included carrying case.
The best part is that the cradle is shallow, as opposed to Fisher Price’s deeper, pocket-like cradle that gave me so much anxiety when I first tested it out with Jack (that’s a true story, btw… the angle and depth of the Rock ‘n Play’s cradle made me nervous… I’m not just saying it for the sake of this product guide!).
Bonus: if you’re a stylish-matching-accessories type, there’s the option of purchasing (separately) a matching travel bassinet and floor lounger.
The reviews say it all – consumers regularly rate it a 5-star product on multiple review sites. Like I said, it kinda makes me want a newborn again, so I can get one!
Baby Delight Go with Me Sway Portable Infant Rocker
Click here for details and price info
Graco DreamGlider Gliding Swing and Sleeper
This has all the features of a Rock ‘n Play, plus several, several more. It’s both a rocker and a bassinet, y’all!
It has 2 positions – it lays flat for baby to sleep, and folds slightly to become a lounger when baby is awake. It rocks just like a Rock ‘n Play (battery-powered, so you don’t have to manually do it) in both the flat and reclined positions, and adjusts easily between the two.
Again, customer reviews say it all. Folks on multiple review sites say it’s the best of both worlds, in terms of a rocker and a sleeper. This is something I’d be comfortable letting my newborn sleep in.
Graco DreamGlider Gliding Swing and Sleeper
Click here for details and price info
HALO Bassinest Glide Sleeper
If we’re less interested in playing and more interested in sleeping (which is really why we loved the Rock ‘n Play, amirite?), a flatter sleep-specific alternative is the HALO Bassinest Glide Sleeper (also comes in a “Swivel Sleeper”).
It’s very simple, with few bells and whistles, but has a soothing sway to lull baby to sleep. It also checks all the boxes in terms of being light, easy to assemble, and easy to transport. Best is the safety feature of 360° mesh side panels.
With consistent 4-star ratings across multiple review sites, it’s a solid alternative to the Rock ‘n Play.
HALO Bassinest Glide Sleeper
Click here for details and price info
And that’s that! As I continue my digging and see other models that fit the bill, I’ll add them. But for now, these are the options I’d feel good purchasing for my family. Good luck!
a Reluctant Mom is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post does contain affiliate links. I’m ONLY recommending products I would use.
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