3 Simple Guidelines To Use A Baby Swing Safely

“It takes a village to raise a child”

Yet, how many new moms or parents have access to their village nowadays? Finding adequate childcare has become quite a nightmare. So, no matter what anyone says, invest in that baby swing, or buy that bouncer without feeling guilty. And if you’re wondering how to use a baby swing safely, let me help you.

Remember, baby swings aren’t just convenient, they can aid your infant’s development. The swinging and swaying are good for their vestibular growth. They also calm down colicky babies quicker than anything else.

So, if you are eager to know more about baby swings and how to use them, don’t stop here!

How to Use a Baby Swing: 3 Crucial Steps

1. Assembling Your Baby Swing Right

“Do I need an engineering degree?”

When I first bought all the baby gear, it seemed complex and daunting. Setting up the crib alone took me the whole day during my first pregnancy. However, I realized proper assembly is the first step in ensuring my baby’s safety.

Even though each swing is different, some things stay the same while assembling them. Let’s take a look at how you can properly assemble an infant swing for your little one (these are instructions based on the Bright Starts Portable Swing Manual):

Step 1: Extend the Legs

Locate the swing frame or pivots and the control module. Extend the legs outward from the center for proper positioning and stability.

Step 2: Attach Legs to Base

Now, attach the swings to the base at the four connection points. Insert the legs from above, push the locking pins, and release the pins to secure the legs.

Step 3: Assemble the Frame

Create or assemble the C frame by attaching them to the swing arms using screws. Make sure the frame moves seamlessly when folded.

Step 4: Attach the Seat Cover

Ensure a snug fit by unbuckling all the connections and sliding the cover above the C frame. Tighten the harness and secure it to ensure optimum safety!

Step 5: Install the Toy Bar

Slide the mobile or toy bar from above and secure it in place.

One more step if you have an electric swing…

Step 6: Insert the Batteries

Grab a screwdriver and remove the battery box from the outer side of the swing arms. Pop in the required ‘C’ size batteries, then secure the lid back on. Before putting your baby in, double-check if the batteries are right and give the swing a test run.

Don’t forget to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to the ‘T’ or enlist the help of a professional if you’re unsure.

2. Placing Your Baby in the Swing

Baby swings can be your best friend when caring for a newborn. It entertains the baby, calms them down, and gives you a certain level of mobility and independence back.

However, you should know how to place your baby safely in the swing. But why does it matter, you wonder?

baby-sleeping-in-a-baby-swing-with-their-head-tilted

Experts warn that incorrect placement in the swing, bouncer, or car seat can pose severe risks for your little one (especially car seats since you cannot always look at your baby when driving. In these instances, please place them correctly and understand if your baby is too small or big for their infant car seat).
If the gap between the swing and shoulder strap is too high, they may slip through and face increased fall risks. Improper positioning can also lead to a crooked neck, torticollis, or imbalanced neck muscle development.

Infant Inserts for Improper Positioning Issues:
Infant inserts or baby positioners are little inserts that lift your baby just right, ensuring shoulder protection and comfy breathing space in the straps.
If your baby is used to sleeping in a crooked position, use these inserts or head supports to realign their neck and head.

Remember, babies require early intervention to reverse conditions like crooked necks or torticollis! Regularly engage in stretching exercises, and buy infant inserts for their swings and car seats. Ensure your little one’s comfort by placing them in the swing just right.

You may also like: Is It Worth Getting a Baby Swing?

3. The Right Way to Swing

Parenting is like navigating uncharted waters. Even with six, I still fretted over using the baby swing, especially a battery-operated or electric one.

In manual swings, you’ve got to give them a push yourself to get them swaying. Babies can also make these swings move with their tiny movements and wiggles!
But for their automatic counterparts, it isn’t so simple. You have to choose from the existing speed and motion settings—that’s why most parents worry, and I did too.

So, if your little one’s a fan of electric or battery-operated swings, just remember these tips:

Don’t keep them in the swing too long—it can make them dizzy and overstimulated.
Rapid swinging can also cause motion sickness and discomfort for the little one as they struggle to adjust to the speed.
Start slow, and observe which speed and motion setting your little one loves.
Experts and manufacturers recommend slow and gentle movements to soothe and entertain the little ones.

“They need solid neck control, trunk control and to be big enough to stay seated. Go slow, feel it out.”

Baby Swing Safety Tips

We get so much conflicting information about baby swings on the Internet. But fret not! Here are some swing safety tips for your little one.

happy-brown-baby-looking-from-a-baby-swing

1. Know the Age and Weight Requirements

If your baby is too big for the swing, it can topple, resulting in a fall or more severe accidents.
The swing can also cause breathing difficulties, position asphyxia, and poor neck muscle development if your little one is too young (and small) for the swing.

2. Proper Positioning

The swing shouldn’t be on uneven or elevated platforms to avoid fall risks for the baby.
For babies under four months, recline the swing to its highest degree and lay them flat on their backs.
If the swing reclines over 50 degrees, ensure it has a five-point safety harness for proper shoulder and neck support.

3. Sleep Safety

If your little one can’t fall asleep anywhere else, try to wean them off the swing.
Check for signs of breathing distress – the color around their mouth and lips changing, wheezing, and sweating profusely.

You can find a more in-depth discussion regarding risks and concerns, and safety tips for using baby swings in this article on baby swing safety tips.

Supervision and Interaction

As parents, we’ve got to keep our children safe, but they need entertainment too! So, here’s how you can do both with baby swings:

baby-drinking-bottled-milk-sitting-in-a-baby-swing

1. Constant Supervision – Remember, swings can give your arms a break, but not your attention! So, while you enjoy a simple meal with your partner or a cup of tea, engage with your baby. Make faces, talk, and sing. Try tickle time and peek-a-boo too—they’re fantastic for swing-time fun!

2. Built-In Mobile – Most swings will come with a built-in mobile or a toy bar. Next time your little one is in the swing, play with the toys or the mobile to engage their visual and auditory senses.

3. Reading Time – It doesn’t matter if your kid is too young to understand what you’re saying. Read to them; your voice will constantly surprise, delight, and engage them!

Use Baby Swings Sparingly

Babies need to move. Period.

They develop proper strength and movements by kicking their feet, rolling their heads from side to side, and wiggling. And, spending too much time in baby swings restricts their growth.

Please ensure that your baby does not spend more than 20–30 minutes in the swing at a stretch, and you should use it only for a total of an hour a day. Babies always need more floor and tummy time to explore their movements and encourage development.

If your young baby is spending hours in their swing, it’s time to cut it off. Replace their swing time with play mats, baby gyms, or playpens. Prevent container baby syndrome and other developmental delays by encouraging them to free play and tummy time.

Also, help your little one associate the swing with playtime, rather than bedtime. Don’t let your kid nod off in the swing, and engage them constantly in the swing.

Recommended Article: When to Stop Using Baby Swings

Wrapping Up: Using Baby Swings

Now that we’ve discussed all the safety concerns and tips about using baby swings, let me tell you a little secret. When it comes to baby devices like swings and bouncers, you’re NOT in charge.

Shocking, but true. The only boss here is your baby—whether you use a baby swing depends on them. So, before you spring for an expensive model, borrow one from friends and family. Test it on your little one to find out if they like it, and how they like it.

Once you get their approval, it’s easy! Remember these 3 rules: Do not leave them unsupervised in the swing, don’t let ‘em sleep there, and finally, don’t forget to play with your baby, even when they’re in the swing. Their uncontrollable laughter will make up for all the sleepless nights, cluster feeds, and overwhelming feelings.

Happy swinging!