Best Baby Swing Reviews

Baby swings provide a simulation of the gentle and rhythmic motion babies experience in the mother’s womb. A swing is an indispensable tool to parents especially when dealing with a colicky new baby. Swings also offer relief and ease in breathing for babies experiencing breathing impairments or a stuffy nose. Swings allow them to be in a fairly upright position while sleeping to alleviate sinus pressure.

Full size swings are made to support babies from newborn to the weight of around 30 pounds. This specification can vary by model. Most swings are equipped with a motor powered by batteries which allows the swing to operate for around 200 hours. The low constant noise of the motor on this type of swing may be annoying to parents, but soothing to babies. The motion of most swings is forward and back, but many models also feature sideways swinging, similar to that of a cradle.

There are some models that do away with the batteries by the use of an electric plug. The standard-sized models of either power supply are light in weight although awkward to move. For this reason, they are typically placed in the rooms of most activity like the kitchen or living room.

Swings require considerable space which makes them a difficult piece to fit into limited living areas. Most people only use a swing for a baby’s first couple of months. Use will decrease after that time and may stop altogether unless the baby has developed an addiction to motion in order to go to sleep.

Initially, no baby likes the motion of the swing, regardless of the model or type. It takes a short time for them to become accustomed to it, though. The primary consideration for parents in regards to baby swings is whether the baby likes it or not. This is not something that is easily determined before purchasing one. There are basically two kinds of movement achieved by swings. The forward and back motion is accomplished by all swing models but those that are the least expensive only have this type of motion. Cradle swings additionally feature the side-to-side movement that simulates a cradle.

Types of Baby Swings You Can Buy

The main considerations in choosing a swing to purchase are whether you need it to be portable and where you intend to place it in your home. With these 2 considerations in mind, there are two swing types to consider:

1. Full-size swings – This style is for use indoors and for babies newly born up to a weight of 30 pounds, which depends on model specifications. The frame of this type is made of metal tubes and the legs stand far apart. The seat is suspended by two arms attached at the top middle of the frame.
2. Portable swings – These swings are made for travel and popular with parents who need to take their baby with them throughout the home or to various locations. It is easy to assemble and sits low to the surface on which it is placed.

How to Choose the Best Baby Swings – Features to Consider

Evaluate all the features with an eye toward safety and comfort for the baby. This is the list of features to be considered while shopping for swings:

• Frame – In the full-size style, make sure the posts are sturdy and that the distance between them offers enough stability to avoid tipping while the baby is awake and active. Look for ease of storage and assembly.
• Accessibility – More current models of swings feature the “open-top design” which differs from past models in that there is no crossbar at the top of the frame. This innovation allows the parent access to the child from over-head as opposed to having to stoop down and remove the child from the swing while keeping clear of the bar. This design is infinitely preferable to the older models and will make using your swing much easier.
• Seat Cover – The cover should be soft and padded as well as machine washable. It is best to have an infant head support that is removable. Other than that, it’s a matter of personal taste and preference.
• Seat Settings – There should be a minimum of three positions to be set for the baby’s reclining. You will need this flexibility if you want the baby to be able to sleep in the swing. Some models also have height settings that can be adjusted to a raised setting to accommodate newborns and lowered for infants who have become more active.
• Speeds – Swings that are powered by electricity or batteries can have as many as eight speeds. Four speed settings are plenty. Faster speeds tend to excite babies more than relax them. It is best to try the slowest speed with your baby and gauge the reaction before trying faster settings. The more the baby weighs, the slower the swing will move, so plan on increasing the speed to achieve the same effect as time passes.
• Entertainment – Many swings are equipped with enjoyable diversions for the baby such as toy bars, tray and mobiles. Babies usually have no interest in the toy bar until they reach the age of 3 months. Toys need to be securely attached with no removable parts that can cause choking. Some models come with cute extras like music, volume control, lights and storage receptacles attached.
• Convertibility – Since swings can only be used for between 6 and 9 months, it may be practical to choose one that can convert to other purposes as the baby grows. Some can transform to a bouncy seat, a rocker or to a portable carrier for the baby by removing the seat. Although convertibility translates to a higher price, it can save space in the home from the storage of extra gear. The amount of use you can get out of one pricier item may save more expense and hassle later on.

Other Buying Recommendations for Baby Swings

Never purchase a used baby swing. Parts could be missing, the restraint can be inadequate or certain parts could be broken. The risk for injury to your child is too great to gamble on an old swing.

Sturdiness and stability are the key factors in the frame that you want to find. The legs should stand far enough apart to prevent the possibility of tipping, but not so far apart that they protrude too far out to avoid tripping over them. The seat should have good padding and a 3 to 5 point safety harness. The seat should also offer reclining options to facilitate sleeping as well as an upright position.

Cradle-type models should be mounted firmly underneath and the frame connections should not be flimsy or loose. Look for safety certifications on the packaging. Allow for 30 minutes to construct the swing. Before you place your baby in the swing for the first time, operate it while pressing your hand down in the seat some to check for stability.