**Update** (5 years later)Going to be using this for my second kid, had in storage and still looks like new. I had the liner separate with baby clothes and just washed it, looks perfect. All the parts still work and swings just like it did for my first born! So excited it's held up and can get more usage from it!_______________________________I am a new mom, however, first of my friends to start having children. My friends that are now pregnant have been asking me, "What were the top lifesaver items you bought to get you through the first year?".This my friends, is one of the TOP purchases. I love my Graco DuetSoothe Swing + Rocker, Winslet. We have used this swing when baby was irritable and just wanted to be rocked to sleep, when baby had a cold, and just for a nap during the day so that my hands could be free to do some chores!The main reasons why I love this swing, and why I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it:1) It plugs into the wall. Seriously, no more batteries to operate swings!! This has been so helpful during the nights when he needed CONSTANT movement to sleep. (Batteries still needed to power vibrating option on chair)2) I love the swing seat. It has a nice, comfortable bucket style that cocoons the little one in safely. I have friends that bought the Fisher-Price Snugabunny Cradle 'N Swing (With Smart Swing Technology). Nice swing, but comparing the two seats... The seat is just not as nice, it's at a downward angle and the child doesn't look comfortable or as safe as in the Graco - even with the harness strapped on.3) Easy to wash. We have had many, many explosions (need I say more?) in the swing. Little man was happy as a clam, meanwhile the seat looked pretty bad. We just took off the infant liner and threw it in the wash (added a little baking soda)- looks great. The main lining on the swing is a little more complicated to remove, especially when soiled, because you have to turn it upside-down. Suggestion- use a towel underneath!4) Has easy turn axle to alternate swinging side-to-side and front and back. Our baby doesn't really have a preference, but I have heard stories from my patients in the hospital that they bought a nice swing and the baby didn't like the direction. They had to then go out and buy a whole new swing. That dilemma can be completely avoided with this swing!5) The seat can detach and become a rocking vibrating chair. This was helpful when we had our little guy right out of the hospital, we were honestly in the middle of MOVING and only had a few baby items. This was great because it doubled as a bouncing chair and swing all in one. Less to movewith and easy take on and off- you can do it with one hand.Things that don't really matter:1) It can play music/soft noises (ocean, birds, etc.)2. It has little bears for little man to look at. They don't move and when he was little, he didn't seem to care. I now tie little toys to them to extend the toys so he can play with them.In summary, I highly recommend this swing. It is incredibly soft, comfortable, safe and durable. He loves his swing for naps during the day or if I need a safe place to put him while I take a shower. If I were Oprah, I'd have a giveaway of my favorite things with this at the top of the list. I hope this review was helpful to you in your decision!