Things to know before buying a baby swing

A baby swing is a great thing to have for your infant. The back-and-forth motion of the swing is soothing to fussy babies and can help you get them to sleep. Baby swings usually are not used by babies for very long before they outgrown them, so finding a used one is typically pretty easy. Whether buying a new or used baby swing, there are several things you should keep in mind.

SAFETY

Safety will be your primary concern when looking for a baby swing. Look for information on swing recalls on the Consumer Products Safety Commission website (http://www.cpsc.gov/) before shopping.

Swings should also be very stable when sitting on the floor. Babies have a tendency to slouch over, and making sure the baby swing does not tip over is important.

You should also make sure the swing has safety straps. They will keep your baby from sliding around too much and keep them in the swing should anything cause it to tip. Along these lines, make sure the seat reclines, or is in a reclining position. Because babies do not have the stability necessary to keep them sitting upright, seating them in a reclining position in the swing is important.

OPTIONAL FEATURES

I recommend purchasing a swing with variable speeds. This is especially important once your baby gets a little heavier, and the swing will need to be put at a higher speed to get the same amount of swing.

Music and lights are a nice addition. Make sure that you can turn these on and off if you want it quiet, and that the sound has a variable volume.

Purchasing a back-and-forth, or side-to-side model depends simply on your preference.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

There are wind-up, battery-powered and electric swings on the market. Wind up swings have the obvious disadvantage of having to wind them every so often. However, they use no batteries or electricity which is a bonus. I have had two different battery-powered swings, and in both instances the batteries have lasted a very long time. An electric swing is not as portable, and there is always the hazard of having an electrical cord laying around near your baby.

In purchasing a baby swing, it is also important to keep in mind the floor space you have available. Some models take up very little space, while others require quite a bit.

Another consideration is portability. The baby swing I used most frequently was one made specifically for traveling. I was able to take it with me when visiting friends and family. I had to bend down further to get my baby out of the swing, but nonetheless would recommend such a model to others.

Having a baby swing in the house, especially when you have a newborn, is very handy. Keeping the things I’ve outlined above in mind while shopping for a baby swing can help make your search a little easier.