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Baby Swing Buying Advice

Buying Guide for Baby Swings

Buying the Best Swing for Your Baby

One of the best infant accessories you can buy for your newborn baby is a swing. Swings can help soothe a fussy baby and provide exhausted parents with a few minutes of quite time.

There are basically three different types of swings currently on the market for busy parents:

• Windup swings
• Battery operated swings
• Travel swings

Windup swings are often considered the old fashioned type. They are great for parents who would rather not spend a small fortune in batteries. They do require a little manual labor. Battery operated versions are perhaps the most popular. Most take 4-6 D batteries, in exchange for endless hours of entertainment for your newborn.

Travel swings are a good option for parents on the go. They are mini versions of swings that can be set up in doorways. Many are manually operated.

Tips for Buying the Best Swing For Your Baby

So what should a concerned parent look for in a swing? Here are some things you should keep in mind when buying a swing for your baby:

• Durability: you want a swing that is sturdy and durable. A swing with a wide base is less likely to tip over than one with a narrow base.
• Safety straps and buckles: at all times you should secure your baby safely in a swing. Make sure the swing you select has safety straps.
• Reclining seat: some versions have a reclining option which helps your baby find their way to dreamland more easily.
• Washable seat: if your swing has a cloth seat, make sure it is removable and washable.
• Toy tray or activity bar: many swings come with an activity bar which helps keep restless babies entertained for hours on end.
• Dual option swinging: some swing can swing side to side and back to front.

Remember you should never leave your infant alone in a swing for any length of time. You should also always make sure your bay is securely latched into the swing before operating.

Most swings accommodate babies between 15 and 20 pounds. Most babies are able to benefit from a swing after they start gaining some head control, typically from about 1-2 months on. Make sure you set your swing on a low setting if your infant is young, and avoid placing your baby in the swing after meals (as this may facilitate unnecessary spitting up!).

Remember as with any infant toy or product, send in your product registration so that you are notified in the event of a recall!