Broken

My phone, the one I got only 31 days ago, is busted. Not beyond use, but the LCD on the front screen is cracked. I can't return it, I can't fix it, and I'm out the money no matter what. The store said they'd be willing to let me bring it in and I could sign up for insurance, and get a new one for $50, plus $5 a month that I can't take off. Uhhh, that doesn't seem like much of a deal. Pay again and again each month for a crappy phone that if it broke again, I'd be out another $50? So, I'll just have to suffer. Or maybe I'll go shopping on eBay and get a phone there...

My phone is not the only thing that broke today. My Boppy Rock-in-Comfort swing broke. I was waiting for this to happen, though. Our first swing's motor broke within 60 days of purchase (steady use). This one lasted through the rest of Miranda (another 3 months) and five months of Veronica. I still feel I got my money's worth, but I'm sad that it doesn't work, and even more so that I can't let friends use it!

Here's a review I posted on Babies R Us about the swing:

Yes, I would still recommend this to a friend, but I would DEFINITELY get the extended warranty!!! It seems almost inevitable that it will break. Although that's rather depressing, I still feel that I got my money's worth- I just really REALLY wish it were better construction so it would last for more than one child.

I LOVED THIS SWING! It was quiet, it was smooth, the music was pleasant. The batteries lasted rather well.

Why then only one star?

PROBLEMS:
1. If the swing is not level, the motor won't work. So if it's tilted to the left or right (when looking at the baby) it won't swing.
2. The battery compartment is difficult to open and close properly. If one isn't careful, even if the screw is in tightly, the batteries will fall out.
3. The toy bar is quickly destroyed by older siblings and can fall on the infant at a light touch. The toys are irrelevant, too high for the baby to grab.
4. The seat folds in half (for travel), but this has some people thinking that the second seat position is with the seat folded or half open. There are buttons on the side that go from reclining to laying down. There's not a real "sitting up" option.
5. The motor burns out EASILY! I had to chase people away from the swing (difficult with toddlers who love their baby sister!) as any consistent resistance against the motor burns it out. I've had two, and the first one burned out after only 2 months, the second after 7 months of use.
6. Can't tell when the "lock" is on, which is a problem because it seems either the motor is burned out, the batteries are dying, or makes one think the swing doesn't work. Just double check to make sure it isn't pushed in! This will also wear out your motor.

I loved the look, I loved the portability, and I loved how much my babies loved being in the swing. I loved the neutral coloring, and that it was perfectly machine washable (great for those diaper blow-outs).

I just wish they would build a better motor, let you see how much time is left before auto shut-off, have a better way to indicate the lock is pushed in, let it work on uneven floors. I'm ok with chasing the kids away from the swing- it's a smart thing to do anyway. Folding flatter would also be appreciated.