As a parent, you cherish the moments spent holding your newborn. However, every now and then, it becomes necessary to put your baby down and have two hands free to get things done. If a baby isn’t happy relaxing in their crib or on a floor mat, a baby swing is the answer many parents turn to.  

The gentle rocking of a baby swing reminds your baby of the movement they felt while they were inside the womb, which is both adorable to us and comforting to them. If you haven’t tried a baby swing for your newborn before, it might be just the resource you need to actually get some work done at your desk, finish meal prepping for the week, or squeeze in a quick Youtube yoga break.  

There is a lot of talk surrounding baby swings and their safety, usage, etc. We’re here to set the record straight on baby swings and give you some suggestions of how to make the most out of them.

3 Reasons to Love Baby Swings

Wondering why so many parents are gaga over baby swings? Take a look at the benefits below and we bet you’ll want to try a baby swing, too!

1.   They Give You A Break

For most parents, this is enough of a reason without anything else. Holding your baby is great, but it’s not possible to do so around the clock. Baby swings give you a much-needed moment of ‘you’ time as you are able to put your baby down without having them immediately bursting into tears.

2.   They Relax Your Baby

All baby swings provide a gentle rocking that will hopefully be soothing to your little one. Some baby swings also have other bells and whistles like a white noise machine that will further relax your baby.

3.   They Can Help Acid Reflux

For adults as well as babies, lying down can exacerbate acid reflux. Lying down is the only option for your baby in their crib, but not in a baby swing. In baby swings, you can put your baby in a more upright inclined position that will help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux.

Best Features of a Baby Swing

Not all baby swings come with bells and whistles, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t work for your baby. Consider the following features and which you would like to have on your baby swing.

Portability

A lightweight or foldable swing you can pack and carry around can be very helpful for parents who are always on the go.

Sound Element

Most babies love the sound of white noise, so choosing a swing with a shusher will help create a calming environment for your baby. Some swings also offer a musical element with a choice of lullabies to play to your little one.

Multiple Settings

Take a look at the rocking settings as well as the reclining positions available on each swing you are considering. Which settings do you think you’ll actually use for your baby? Remember that for babies four months and under, you should keep them in the most reclined position for safety reasons.

Machine Washable

Having a baby means that you will always have a load of laundry going at all times. Babies make messes, that’s just what they do. A removable infant insert in your swing will make cleanup easy, especially if it is machine washable.

Controls

Some swings have Bluetooth technology that will allow you to connect the swing to your phone via an app. From there, you can control the rocking setting and the music the swing plays.

Power source

It’s simple, do you prefer a plug-in or battery powered swing?

Baby Swing Safety Tips

Nothing is more important than the safety of your baby, so be sure to read the instruction manual of the swing carefully before use. It’s also important to consult your baby’s pediatrician if you have any questions about the use of a swing for your baby. Here are some common precautions to consider when using a baby swing: 

●     Follow weight limit guidelines for the swing

●     Don’t let your baby sleep in the swing

●     Buckle up! Don’t forget the safety straps for your baby

●     Keep toys and blankets away from the swing

●     Keep swing time to thirty minutes or less

●     Don’t become over-reliant on the swing -- it’s important that your baby learns to self-soothe without it as well

●     Make sure your baby is full and burped before putting them in the swing