How to Use a Baby Swing

Undoubtedly, taking care of a newborn is a lot of work, and it’s partly down to a baby’s need to be rocked and held. While some babies enjoy hanging out in the crib or baby chair during the sleepless or nursing hours, some babies seem to crave more attention and fuss if not held by their parents, swing or walk.

This is perfectly normal behavior for babies and there’s nothing wrong with hugging your baby as much as you can. But most of us can’t hold our baby all the time, that’s why the invented baby swing is so amazing.

However, many of us receive confusing messages about swings. Is a kids swing ever a bad thing? Can they be overused? At what ages can you use a child swing and when should you stop using it? And what about safety? What important safety tips should you keep in mind?

Benefits of swings for babies

Dr. Harvey Karp, author of “The Happiest Baby on the Block,” describes a baby’s first three months of life as the “fourth trimester”. Unlike other mammals, humans are born not as independent and dependent on their parents as they were in the womb. In fact, they really crave the environment in the womb. That’s why they love to be swaddled, rocked and squashed – all of these activities remind them of the comforts of being in the womb.

Most of us parents want nothing more than to provide that kind of soothing to our babies, but it’s nearly impossible to hold, rock and shake our babies 24/7. And while some children are content without these activities, there are some children – especially those who develop colic or are just very fussy – who actually seem to demand this kind of comfort all the time. this!

This is where baby swings can feel like a lifesaver for new parents. Most infant swings work to hug, rock your baby, and can even provide music, squeaky sounds, and other forms of audio or visual entertainment for babies. , such as a lamp or a cell phone. While not all babies are ready for a swing, many parents find that this is the only place they can put their baby down.

Many parents also find that swings help babies cope with acid reflux, as the upright nature of swings can help manage symptoms. You should talk to your pediatrician to see if using a baby swing is an appropriate treatment for your child’s reflux and what other medications or actions can be advised. question.

Disadvantages of baby swing

For the most part, baby swings are a lifesaver for parents. However, there are certain pitfalls to baby swings.

First of all, while it’s rare, there are some babies who really don’t enjoy spending time on the swings and actually tend to be more fussy about them. These babies may feel uncomfortable swinging or may find sounds and movements overstimulated.

Consider trying out different swing settings, different sound settings, or putting your child in the swing at different times of the day.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) mentionsthat babies shouldn’t be so reliant on swings or other baby seats that they don’t lie on their stomach every day, because tummy time is so important to a baby’s development during the first few months of life. AAP also warnsthat sitting for too long on a baby swing or other infant car seat can cause a baby’s head to flatten.

Do not use swings for babies when sleeping

Finally, unsafe use of baby swings is another thing that parents need to be aware of. As the AAP advises,Contrary to popular belief, children’s swings are not used as a sleeping device.

Cradles and cribs are the only places you should put your baby to sleep. For safety reasons, babies should be placed on their backs when sleeping on a flat surface. You should also never become complacent and leave your baby in your swing.

What to look for in a baby swing?

As you prepare to buy a baby swing or add a swing to your subscription list, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• These days, there are many baby swings on the market, with many “bells and whistles”. Some even use Bluetooth technology. Most babies are satisfied with a basic swing: movement is what they like best. But if your budget allows, you can use all the extras.
• Also consider the size of your home and your lifestyle. Many parents love baby swings that they can carry around the house easily, from room to room. In this case, buying a smaller, more portable model makes the most sense.
• Before you buy, try the swing on in a store or watch an online video of what it looks like or sounds like. You want to make sure the music and pictures satisfy you — you can watch and listen to this for hours a day.

When can children use the swing?

For each baby swing you buy, you should read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using it. In general, baby swings can be used from birth and until a baby reaches a certain weight limit, which is usually around 25 to 35 pounds.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advisesParents use the most reclining position on a baby swing for any baby under four months of age.

When do babies swing?

Again, you should read the manufacturer’s instructions on how long to use the baby swing. When your child grows beyond the provided height and weight limits, you should stop using the swing.

But your baby can let you know when they’ve finished using the swing. Usually, there comes a point when swings are no longer light or enjoyable for them. Sure, if your kids start trying to climb out of the swing, you know they’re not interested anymore – and the swing is no longer a safe place for them.

Safety precautions for baby swing

It is paramount that you pay attention to safety precautions when using a child swing. Unfortunately, while rare, infants have been injured using baby swings. Infants have even died from unsafe practices.

As the American Academy of Pediatrics explains,“350 swing-related incidents were reported between 2009 and 2012, including two infant deaths and 24 injuries.” As a result of these incidents, the AAP has come up with a list of safety rules that all parents should follow when using baby swings.

Guidelines for safe use of swings of AAP

Safety tips from the AAP regarding the use of baby swings include:

• Always use the most reclining position swings for babies four months and under
• Make sure the swing is firm and don’t turn it upside down or fold it up too easily
• Use seat belts provided so that your baby does not fall out of the swing
• Put away toys and cell phones from your baby
• Do not use if your baby is no longer suitableso be sure to check if your child is over the manufacturer’s weight limit
• Make sure the swing stand is flat at all times while in motion so your baby can’t fall out

In addition to these tips, be sure to never place your baby’s swing on a high surface, such as a kitchen counter or coffee table. Don’t put the blanket on the swing with your baby, as this is a strangulation risk; Instead, let your baby wear more layers. Always stay in the same room as your baby when he or she is using the swing and watch carefully.

Children’s swing and infant sleep

Perhaps the most surprising thing you’ll learn about baby swings is that they should not be used while your baby sleeps. This seems contrary to what you may have heard about children’s swings, right? And when your baby falls asleep in the swing, as most babies do by swinging?

As the AAP advises,It’s okay if your baby falls asleep on the swing, but it’s a good idea to move them into the crib soon. The reason why it’s the safest way for your baby to sleep is to lie on his back on a flat, open surface. And this isn’t just a swing guide for babies: babies don’t have to sleep in car seats, deck chairs, or strollers.

This is because infants who sleep upright in these baby seats are at higher risk of suffocation if their head is pressed or if their breathing is compromised, especially if they are left unattended. carefully monitor.

Research published by AAP shows thatinfants who have died from sleeping in a “sitting device” such as a baby swing, stroller, or car seat. Of the 11,779 infant deaths studied, 3% (348 deaths) occurred in “sitting equipment” and 35% of them occurred in baby swings.

Remember the baby swing game

As with any product, you should be aware of recalls. If you are using a swing arm, you should ensure that your product has not been recalled. You should also register any new products you purchase with the company so that you will be notified if your product has been recalled.

There have been several well-known swings recalls, and these are related to safety concerns, including manufacturing defects that caused the swing to topple over. or problems with the swing’s limiter or tray.

Since recalls of infant products are often due to safety concerns, you should consider recalling baby swings seriously. You can look up the baby swing recall at the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

A very good word

When going through the first months of life with a newborn, you will be exposed to all kinds of opinions and recommendations, and whether or not a baby swing should be used is no exception. There will be people who think that a baby swing is absolutely necessary and that it will not be possible to take care of a child without a swing. Others may think the baby swing is just a substitute for a parent’s embrace and is overused. Like everything else regarding parents, the truth lies somewhere outside of these extremes.

While baby swings are certainly not necessary, especially if they are out of your budget, they can be very useful. After all, sometimes a parent’s arms need a break, and no parent is meant to be a martyr. And most babies really enjoy swinging, so it’s really a win-win situation. While you can overuse a baby swing, as long as you’re a caring parent, you won’t be able to overdo it to the point of neglecting your baby’s other needs.

The biggest concern about children’s swings is their safety, especially while sleeping. You can easily let your child sleep and nap on the swing, but keep in mind that this is not a recommended practice. If your baby falls asleep on the swing, you don’t need to panic, but you should gently move them into the crib if they’re taking more than a cat nap.

If you’re unsure about how to manage this, or if you have other questions about baby swing safety, be sure to bring this up during your next pediatrician appointment.