The baby product that I regret buying, twice

MamaRoo vs. Graco Duet Soothe: Which One Actually Worked for Our Babies

I’ve now owned the MamaRoo twice and the Graco Duet Soothe across four babies, and I can say this confidently: there is a clear winner in our house.

This isn’t a sponsored post, and this isn’t a first-baby review. This is real experience - newborns, colic, high-energy kids, desperation buys, and what actually soothed our babies when nothing else worked.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Our Experience With the MamaRoo (Twice)

Baby #1: The Trendy Splurge I Regretted

With my first baby, the MamaRoo was the swing everyone had. It was trendy, highly recommended, and honestly a major splurge for us at the time. It was the cool thing to buy, all the cool babies had it.

But shortly after bringing our baby home, I realized something wasn’t clicking.

The movement — while interesting — didn’t seem to comfort my baby at all. She didn’t relax, didn’t fall asleep, and didn’t settle any better than if I had just set her down somewhere else.

Within a few months, we sold it.

Baby #3: The Fussiest Baby, Same Result

Fast forward to baby #3 - a high-energy kiddo who struggled with colic and needed constant movement to stay calm.

We tried everything. And in a moment of desperation, I convinced myself maybe the MamaRoo would work this time.

It didn’t.

Once again, the movement didn’t soothe her. It didn’t calm her body, and it definitely didn’t help her sleep. The joke was on me.

Baby #4: One Last Try

Now with baby #4 - who is actually pretty chill - we tried the MamaRoo again just to see.

Same outcome.

At this point, the MamaRoo is simply a place to set the baby down. We rarely even turn it on because we know it doesn’t make much of a difference.

The Graco Duet Soothe: What Actually Worked

With my first baby, a friend gave us the Graco Duet Soothe, and it quickly became the most-used baby item in our house.

Across all four babies, this is the one swing they have consistently loved.

Why It Works (For Us)

The difference is the actual swinging motion.

Unlike the MamaRoo’s side-to-side or gliding movements, the Graco Duet Soothe has a true swing that mimics what babies seem to naturally respond to.

It genuinely:

• Soothes fussy babies

• Calms overstimulated newborns

• Puts babies to sleep

This is the swing that allows me to:

• Cook dinner

• Get a workout in

• Tend to older kids

• Take a breath

And that matters when you’re parenting multiple kids.

MamaRoo vs. Graco Duet Soothe: The Breakdown

MamaRoo Pros

• Sleek, modern design

• Compact footprint

• Quiet

MamaRoo Cons

• Expensive

• Movement didn’t soothe any of our babies

• Became a glorified baby holder

Graco Duet Soothe Pros

• Actual swinging motion babies respond to

• Worked for all four of our kids

• Reliable for naps and calming

• Helps me get things done

Graco Duet Soothe Cons

• Bulkier than the MamaRoo

• Not as trendy

Which One Would I Recommend?

If you’re choosing between the two, my recommendation is simple:

👉 The Graco Duet Soothe wins.

After four babies and years of real use, it’s the swing that actually did what it promised — soothe our babies.

The MamaRoo may look nice, but for us, the movement never translated into comfort. Maybe your baby will be cooler than mine, but my babies we’re never cool enough for the trendy bouncers.

Final Thoughts

Parenting multiple kids has taught me that trendy doesn’t always mean effective. Sometimes the less exciting option is the one that actually works.

If you’re exhausted, holding a fussy baby, and wondering which swing will give you a few minutes of peace — the Graco Duet Soothe is the one I’d choose every time.

👉 Check current pricing for the Graco Duet Soothe

👉 See the MamaRoo (if you’re curious) https://amzn.to/3LkUBEy

For some options similar to the Graco Duet Soothe - here's what I would recommend!

Graco Duet Connect - This is a new and improved version of the Graco Duet Soothe (if I was buying a new swing - this would be my choice!)

Graco Simple Sway - This has a lower price point but is on track with the same swinging motion as the Duet Soothe