The rockaRoo vs. the mamaRoo: Comparison & Buying Guide

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There are so many baby products out there. And you could never possibly stock every item in your home. So naturally, it can be a bit stressful to choose the best baby gear for your family—especially when you’re faced with choices like which infant swing to buy: the 4moms mamaRoo vs. the rockaRoo. The two products look almost identical, but there are subtle differences. For starters, the mamaRoo is technically a baby swing, while the rockaRoo is a baby rocker.

So how do you know which one is better? Price alone won’t tell you the full picture, so we asked our baby gear experts to compare the two to help new parents make an informed decision. 

Main Difference Between the mamaRoo and the rockaRoo

At first glance, you might mistake the rockaRoo and the mamaRoo for the same item. After all, they are both manufactured by 4moms. But there are definitely subtle differences between these two products. While both are meant to help soothe baby, the main difference between a the mamaRoo and the rockaRoo is that the mamaRoo is a baby swing and the rockaRoo is a baby rocker. What exactly does that mean? The mamaRoo swings in five different directions, while the rockaRoo simply swings side to side the way a rocker might. 

4Moms mamaRoo4: Pros and Cons 

• Retail Price Range: $299.99

• GoodBuy Gear Price Range: $85.00 - $129.99 

• Resale Value: Up to $76

• Age Range: Approximately 9 months (once the little one attempts to climb out) 

• Weight Limit: Up to 25 pounds

The mamaRoo 4 is the more popular of the two baby products, likely due to how high-tech it is. The mamaRoo baby swing has an overhead mobile and moves in five different directions: car ride, kangaroo, tree swing, rock-a-bye wave. There are also various speeds to choose from. What’s more, the seat reclines to four different positions. 

The mamaRoo also functions as a sound machine. It has four built-in sounds including rain, waves, and white noise. You can even use the Bluetooth functionality to play your own music—like lullabies on Spotify (this is one of our favorites). Simply pair the swing to your phone. Once paired, you can even control the movements and speeds, too. 

New parents like this flexibility, because all little ones are different and respond to different methods of soothing. With this baby swing, you’ll be better equipped to experiment to see what works best for your little one.

The mamaRoo may look a bit like a spaceship, but it’s purposefully designed this way. The 4moms mamaRoo baby swing has a more compact size than other baby swings, since it doesn’t hang from a big frame—ideal for those who live in smaller spaces, like apartments. 

Overall, the mamaRoo is an incredibly popular baby swing—and rightfully so. It has a lot to offer. But it’s worth noting: This baby swing is definitely an expense, and not all little ones take to it. You may want to buy secondhand or borrow one from a friend before investing in your own. Plus you can always sell it back to us if it doesn't turn out to be the right fit for your little one. It’s also important to check the model number if you opt for the mamaRoo—previous models with the 3-point harness were recalled in August 2022.

Best for: Families who want all the bells and whistles

Pros 

• Multiple motions and speeds

• Functions as a sound machine

• Comes with an included newborn insert

• Smaller footprint

• Machine-washable fabrics

Cons 

• Expensive

• Some parents report difficulty connecting to Bluetooth

The mamaRoo Alternatives: Our GBG Picks 

Maxi-Cosi Cassia Musical Baby Swing

Munchkin Bluetooth Enabled Baby Swing 

Graco Soothe My Way Baby Swing

What Our Team Thinks: 

“The mamaRoo4 is a great option for parents looking for a swing-like option that has a small footprint compared to traditional swings on the market. A major plus is the variety of options to choose from including “sway” which is a naturally soothing motion that’s totally unique to mamaRoo. It also comes with white noise and and multiple recline positions, so finding what your baby needs and likes on any given day is limitless!” — Megan Larsen, In-House Gear Expert 

Shop the mamaRoo

4Moms rockaRoo: Pros and Cons 

• Retail Price Range: $159.99

• GoodBuy Gear Price Range: $49.99 - $99.99

• Resale Value:  Up to $28

• Age Range: Approximately 7 months (once the little one attempts to climb out or can sit up unassisted)

• Weight Limit: Up to 20 pounds

The rockaRoo looks very similar to the more popular 4moms mamaRoo but is a bit more limited in functionality. As a baby rocker, the rockaRoo only moves in one direction: It moves in a front to back gliding motion. This soothes your little one the same way you might when comforting them in your nursery glider or rocking chair. 

Although the rockaRoo only operates in one motion, it does come equipped with five different speeds. But that’s where the functionality ends. The rocker doesn’t have any built-in-sound, is not Bluetooth enabled and doesn’t recline. 

On the plus side, the rockaRoo is a bit smaller than the mamaRoo. It’s also a bit lighter. Additionally, it’s about half the price—an important factor is budget is a concern. 

Best for: Families on a budget

Pros 

• Budget-friendly

• Five speeds

• Smaller and lighter

• Machine-washable fabrics

Cons 

• Limited movements

• No built-in-sounds

• Doesn’t recline

The rockaRoo Alternatives: Our GBG Picks 

Ingenuity Soothe ‘n Delight Baby Swing 

Dream on Me Rock With Me 2-in-1 Rocker

Fisher Price Rock With Me Bassinet

 What Our Team Thinks: 

“The 4moms rockaRoo has an even smaller footprint than the mamaRoo4 and has fewer options to choose from as far as motions and music. BUT, the patented design in the automated “rocking” motion is concentrated near baby’s head vs feet, like traditional swings. A lightbulb goes off when you envision your baby in utero ;) The makers of the rockaRoo clearly thought about an infant and the best techniques to soothe your baby. Another plus: the rockaRoo is even less expensive than the mamaRoo and has rave reviews!” — Megan Larsen, In-House Gear Expert 
Shop the rockaRoo

mamaRoo vs. rockaRoo: Comparison Chart 

Price Comparison 

Though the two baby products look similar, the rockaRoo is significantly less expensive than the mamaRoo. A brand new 4moms mamaRoo is just shy of $300, while a new rockaRoo rocker runs about $160. Just note: Though more expensive, the mamaRoo provides a better overall value, since the functionality is superior. 

Winner: The rockaRoo 

Weight Comparison 

The mamaRoo and the rockaRoo are both relatively lightweight baby products, but the rockaRoo weighs less than the mamaRoo. The rockaRoo weighs 11.5 pounds; the mamaRoo weighs 15 pounds. 

Winner: The rockaRoo 

Size Comparison 

Both the mamaRoo and the rockaRoo are smaller than most traditional baby swings, since they don’t hang from a large frame or support system. But if space is a real concern, the rockaRoo is ultimately a bit smaller than the mamaRoo. The rockaRoo is 3 inches longer than the mamaRoo, but 7 inches slimmer and 8 inches lower. 

Winner: The rockaRoo 

Age/Weight Range Comparison 

The rockaRoo and the mamaRoo both have relatively short lifespans. Most little ones will outgrow these baby products between 7-9 months, at most. With both baby products, you'll need to discontinue use once your little one can sit up unassisted or attempts to climb out. If longevity is a concern, it’s worth noting that the mamaRoo has a slightly higher weight capacity. As long as the little one isn’t attempting to climb out, you can use the mamaRoo until baby is about 25 pounds. The weight capacity on the rockaRoo is just 20 pounds. 

Winner: The mamaRoo 

Swing Motions Comparison 

These baby products both move automatically in effort to soothe your little one, but the mamaRoo offers more choices than the rockaRoo does. The rockaRoo only moves in a front to back gliding motion, while the mamaRoo has five different motions to choose from: car ride, kangaroo, tree swing, rock-a-bye and wave. 

Winner: The mamaRoo 

Features Comparison 

If you love the idea of a feature-filled product, the mamaRoo is a better choice. The mamaRoo has five different motions, multiple speed settings, four built-in sounds four recline positions and is Bluetooth-enabled. The mamaRoo also comes in three fabric colors. On the other hand, the rockaRoo only moves in one direction at five different speeds. The rocker can’t be reclined, doesn’t have any built-in sounds and isn’t Bluetooth-enabled. What’s more, the seat comes in just two fabric colors. 

Winner: The mamaRoo 

Bluetooth Comparison 

The mamaRoo connects to your device via Bluetooth, which affords you the option to control the movement, speed and sound from afar. Plus, this also allows you to play your own music through the swing’s speakers. The rockaRoo is not Bluetooth-enabled.

Winner: The mamaRoo 

Safety Comparison 

It’s important to note that both seats are perfectly safe to use—as long as you follow the guidelines outlined in each baby product's respective user manual. This means your little one should never be left unattended in the baby swing/rocker, plus should only use the product if they meet age and weight requirements. It’s also worth noting: the rockaRoo was recalled in August 2022. Make sure the baby product you’re using is newer and includes the added safety strap fastener. 

Winner: Tie

Resale Value Comparison 

Because the mamaRoo offers a better overall value, it has a higher resale value than the rockaRoo. New parents love all of the added features the mamaRoo offers. 

Winner: The mamaRoo

The rockaRoo vs. The mamaRoo: Which Is Better For You? 

Overall, it’s hard to deny that the mamaRoo offers a better overall value. While you’ll spend up for the baby swing, you get a whole lot more. 

Though it does have multiple speeds, the rockaRoo is a basic rocker with a single motion. The mamaRoo is pricier, but has multiple motions, varying speeds, reclines to four different positions and is Bluetooth-enabled.

Most families will like the flexibility the mamaRoo provides—it makes it easier to find just the right thing to soothe your little one. But families on a budget or those who live in very small spaces may gravitate toward the cheaper, smaller rockaRoo. 

FAQ 

What is The Price Difference Between The mamaRoo vs. The rockaRoo?

The price difference between the mamaRoo vs. the rockaRoo is $140. The mamaRoo costs $299.99, while the rockaRoo costs $159.99. 

Can You Put a Newborn in the mamaRoo or the rockaRoo? 

You can put a newborn in the mamaRoo and the rockaRoo—as long as you follow the guidelines outlined in each baby product's respective user manual. Never leave your little one unattended in either baby swing/rocker. And never let your little one sleep in the mamaRoo or the rockaRoo overnight. Both baby products also have compatible infant insert hat may make your little one more comfortable in the seat during the newborn period. 

Both the mamaRoo and the rockaRoo are great baby products that can help soothe your little one. You can’t really go wrong with either one, but if you’re comparing the mamaRoo vs. the rockaRoo in order to choose the perfect product for your family, you’ll note there are inherent differences. Overall, the mamaRoo offers a better overall value, but the rockaRoo is a solid choice for anyone who wants a budget-friendly and space-saving alternative. 

Further Reading 

If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out our Spectra S1 vs. S2: Which Spectra Pump is Best or our article UPPAbaby VISTA V2 vs. Mockingbird: Stroller Comparison & Buying Guide. The village is a great place to find tips and tricks for all your baby gear needs.