

tummy time) or simply held to keep them healthy and happy. After 30 minutes, they should be picked up and put into a different position (e.g.

It's also worth keeping in mind that many babies only enjoy swinging for 20-30 minutes at a time (my oldest only tolerated 10 minutes at a rip). Most offer adequate body support and many come with a newborn insert for extra padding, but some do not. Pay attention to the fabrics used as some are more baby-friendly, breathable, and softer than others, ensuring the comfort of your child year-round. Some are even Bluetooth-enabled so that parents can control the swing's different motions and timer with a phone or tablet.īaby swings and bouncers are also made with various fabrics, some of which are removable and machine-washable, which can make life easier for cleaning spit-ups, blowouts, and such. In addition to the side-to-side swaying and/or front-to-back rocking motion, which can sometimes be customized to different swing speeds or modes, many swings have toy bars, mobiles, vibration settings, and/or music such as nature sounds, white noise, and other melodies to entertain your baby. If you are going to be alone with your child most of the time and don’t have others to hold them, a swing could be a great addition to your daily routine together.

While some parents swear by baby carriers or slings, I found it to be near impossible and borderline dangerous to clean the house with my infant in a front pack (think about how many times you bend over while cleaning you’ve always got to be wary of where the baby is to avoid bumping their head).

Doing basic chores around the house while keeping an eye on your child will be much easier when they’re content in a swing. If you’re the type of person who likes their house to a certain level of tidiness, a baby swing is a worthy purchase. Taking breaks from holding a baby doesn’t make you a bad parent in fact, this can be a good thing to do as babies who learn to self-soothe will be less fussy in the long run.
#DO I NEED A BABY SWING AND BOUNCER FREE#
While we all love to get our baby snuggles in, there are times when you need to put a child down for certain tasks, bathroom breaks, a quick shower, or to simply free up your hands.
#DO I NEED A BABY SWING AND BOUNCER MANUAL#
There are also different types of baby swings, including mechanically operated swings, plug-free bouncers, and manual rockers.Ī baby swing may very well be worth it if you fall into the following categories: You Need Extra Hands All baby swings are different, so check each manufacturer's guidelines regarding age and weight limit, and always consult with a pediatrician about what is best and safest for your child.įor those wondering whether an infant swing will make a difference in their first year of raising a child, it’s worth considering its purpose and benefits as it fits into your lifestyle, as well as where you plan to use it (around the house or on the go) and how much you want to spend. Those are just some general recommendations. While they’re great at freeing hands for busy moms, dads, grandparents, and other caregivers, a baby should only be left in a swing for up to 30 minutes at a time, and they are not recommended for safe sleep unless under careful supervision. Many babies love the soothing and rhythmic motion of swings, but some can’t stand them, so keep that in mind when budgeting for your baby gear.īaby swings tend to be among the more expensive pieces of baby gear, ranging from around $50 to $300, and you’ll only be able to use a baby swing for six to nine months before your child starts trying to climb out (that’s when it’s time to put it away for the next baby or re-gift it). Until you begin to understand the personality of your newborn-which takes time-it can be tough to determine how much use you’ll get out of a baby swing, that is, a padded chair suspended by a sturdy frame that can rock front to back and/or sway side to side. Everything else is a bonus, sometimes even overboard, and while something like a baby swing might seem like a must-have, it’s not, but it certainly can make caring for an infant (a baby less than age one) easier. When it comes to absolute necessities when preparing for a baby’s arrival, all you really need is food, shelter, clothing, and love.
