When a baby comes, the days become a blur and you will not know what day it is in the week or not even the month. You will love cuddling your new bundle of joy but you might still starve for some alone time for a good long bath or a cup of coffee. That is when a baby swing comes as a savior.
There were many black, white, and grey opinions about baby swings and the choice to use a baby swing was a hard decision for me. In this article, I have included all the information that you will need to make an informed decision on using a baby swing for your baby and using it safely if you chose to have one.
CONTENT
2. BABY SWING VS. BABY BOUNCER
3. REASONS TO USE A BABY SWING
4. CAN A BABY SWING MAKE A BABY DIZZY?
5. AT WHAT AGE CAN I START USING A BABY SWING?
6. WHEN SHOULD I STOP USING THE BABY SWING?
7. HOW LONG CAN A BABY USE A SWING? WHEN IS IT ENOUGH?
8. IS IT OK TO SWING THE BABY ON MY HANDS?
9. CAN A SWING BE TOO FAST, TOO ROUGH FOR A BABY?
10. SAFETY TIPS TO FOLLOW WHEN USING A BABY SWING
11. THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A BABY SWING
1. What is a baby swing?
A baby swing is a seat that is attached to a strong base and makes rhythmic motions. They can either be moved automatically by power or moved manually.
2. Baby Swing Vs. Baby Bouncer
A baby swing is placed on a flat surface or fixed to a wall which makes them steady. They move in rhythmic motions to sides or back and forth to soothe the baby. Baby swings can be moved manually or work automatically with batteries or power.
A baby bouncer moves with the movements of the baby which means the baby has control over the intensity of the motions made by the bouncer. When those tiny hands and legs make moves, the bouncer will start to bounce by itself.
3. Reasons to use a baby swing
Holding a baby is the biggest joy one can have. I know, when that is your baby and you made him, you cannot get enough of him. But you cannot enjoy that warmth 24 hours a day as a baby comes with a load of extra work such as laundry on top of the postpartum healing process. Being a new parent can be overwhelming and you will need some time for yourself or you will have to spend time with the older kids to make them adapt to the new life as a big brother/sister.
A baby swing will have your baby soothed while you attend to all the other responsibilities. Babies love to be wrapped and cradled in our arms, so they love the swings which rock them as mamma does.
Babies are cute but they can cry in a screeching voice for 2 hours straight. If you have a baby, those nonstop cries will not be a stranger to you. When you have sung to the baby, danced with them, and tried out everything you know to soothe him but did not work, a baby swing can come in handy to save you. Although it is also swinging them as we do in our hands, it is different in the speed of motion, direction, temperature, and the scenery the baby will see. You can put the baby in the swing, put on some calming music and let him self-soothe.
The baby can spend his playtime in the baby swings. As a newborn, babies will have very little time that they are up till next nap once they are fed and changed. You can keep the baby in the baby swing and allow him to observe the surrounding or play with the toys. This way both you and the baby get alone time. The baby learns to be by himself while you can relax. Win-win!!
4. Can a baby swing make a baby dizzy?
Yes, a swing can make a baby dizzy when they are not used properly or used for too long. You have to start from the lowest speed of the swing and increase the speed if only your baby looks comfortable. It should not be an unusual speed at which you will never move your baby if he was in your hand.
“a swing can make a baby dizzy when they are not used properly or used for too long”
Watch your baby for any sign of dizziness while he is on the swing. Circular eye movements or eyeballs moving back and forth is a sign of dizziness. Babies will also cry to express their discomfort or vomit. It is better to contact your doctor if these symptoms of dizziness were identified in your baby.
5. At what age can I start using a baby swing?
Baby swings are manufactured for babies from newborn age. But you have to assure that the baby is strapped into the swing properly and the swing is moving at an appropriate speed. Starting with the lowest speed is the wise mom move that worked for me.
6. When should I stop using a baby swing?
The weight that a swing can carry changes from a manufacturer to another. You should go through the user guide of the swing you use and make sure that it matches the weight of the baby. There are models which are made safe for bigger babies and toddlers.
My personal opinion is if your baby can move, such as rolling over and move by pushing from their knees, it can be too risky for them to be in a swing as they can fall out of the seat or even flip over the swing.
7. How long can a baby be in a swing? When is it enough?
Leaving a baby in a baby swing for too long is one of the main reasons that can cause dizziness and other problems related to a baby swing. Make sure you do not leave the baby in a swing for more than a period of 30 minutes. As recommended by the American Association of Pediatrics, you should not let your baby fall asleep in the swing. Sleeping in the swing leaves them in a risky position which will block their supply of oxygen resulting in suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Keeping the baby too long in a baby swing will also impact the baby’s relationship with you and also be dependent on the motion of the swing to fall asleep. So the best option is to refer to the manufacturer’s guide and choose a maximum time limit that would be both safe for the baby and convenient for you.
8. Is it ok to swing the baby in my hands?
The safest place for a baby is the arms of his parents. Hold your little one gently in your arms and swing in slow movements. Never make harsh bounces or rough swings which can cause Shaken-Baby Syndrome.
The baby days will pass so fast so feel his warmth and enjoy the baby smell when you can. No swing can give him the comfort and sense of safety that he will have in your arms.
9. Can a swing be too fast or too rough for a baby?
Yes. A swing can make too rough and too fast motions that can be uncomfortable for your baby. The type of motion can be different from one manufacturer to another and not all the babies will prefer or be comfortable in the motions of a swing.
“Too drastic and hard movements are not good for a baby and can lead to health problems such as Shaken-baby syndrome”
Start with gentle slow-motion speeds with your infant. As they grow up or when you are sure that the baby is not uncomfortable, increase the speed gradually. Too drastic and hard movements are not good for a baby and can lead to health problems such as Shaken-baby syndrome. The tip is to buy a swing with multiple speed options and change them appropriately considering the baby’s weight, age, and preference.
10. Safety tips to following when using a baby swing
- Strap your baby properly to the swing as per the guidelines provided by the manufacturer before turning the switch on.
- Never leave your baby unattended. Keep the baby in a place you can easily see him.
- Make sure the swing is placed on a flat surface or fixed properly. Never place the swing on a table or kitchen counter just because you can see them easily from a distance.
- If you have older kids, do not allow them to push the swings. Talk to them about the risks and possible accidents if they are older enough to understand.
- Do not put the baby in the swing just after a swing. Just like us, too much motion after a meal can make them vomit and sick.
11. Things to consider when buying a baby swing
- Recommended weight limits
- Multiple speed options
- Steady base and high in balance
- No sharp curves and edges
- A good safety strap system, harness system
- The attached toys are safe if there are any.
- Removable or washable seat covers in case of a spit-up or a diaper leak.