i used to swear by our battery operated swing - omg what a lifesaver that was. the kids loved it and i could move it around from room to room. dd was happy to sit in it (without the swinging motion) and look out the window at the cat and dog playing or my ds outside playing footy with his mates.

you can get them relatively cheap, i got mine 9yrs ago for $180 (a graco brand) and it is still in good condition and been used to death.