A swing can be your lifesaver in those long fussy days when your little angel just won’t give you a break. However, as great as baby swings are, it does come with a few rules that you need to follow to ensure you’re not taking unnecessary risks.
At Beberino, we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for babies and their mamas. Our curated list of products ensures you get to provide the best baby and mom care and comfort at home. One of our biggest-selling products is the baby swing.
Due to our line of work, we often come across questions like “which one’s better in baby swing vs. bouncers?” and “are baby swings necessary?” We even face questions like “which one’s better? Baby swing or bouncer?” and the most common question of all is “when to stop using baby swing?” So we thought we should address it all.
In the following passages, we will go beyond answering basic questions about when to stop using a baby swing. So without any further delay, let’s check them out!
Baby Swing Usage Timeline
You can usually use a baby swing from birth until the specified weight or age limit. The usual weight limit varies from 25 to 35 pounds, and there’s typically no age limit.
You can start using a baby swing very early, and you can even use it with newborns as long as you follow a few simple rules.
The primary rule you should follow with newborns is to get a baby swing with an adjustable swing with a wide range of angles and only use it in the most reclined position.
When To Stop Using Baby Swing?
The first thing you should know about not using baby swings is the time frame when babies outgrow them. A baby usually outgrows baby swings by the time they are 9-10 months old.
However, you should stop using an infant swing once the baby reaches the weight limit or tries to crawl out. But if you invest a little bit, you can buy models that are designed to transform into baby seats, meaning that they will outlive their use beyond the age or weight limit.
As for babies not liking baby swings anymore, there isn’t any concrete age or time. It varies from baby to baby as each baby has different temperaments.
That means your baby can start losing interest in one month or continue loving their swing until they reach the age or weight limit. However, the only qualified authority for using baby swings safely is your pediatrician for premature babies.
As for outside swings, you can only use them once your baby has enough control over their neck and abdominal muscles to sit independently without their head wobbling.
Now, there’s the worry of the baby tripping over or falling off. Sometimes your baby may start fussing and trying to crawl out of it even when they are within the weight limits of the swing.
That’s a vital sign that you should stop using the swing. The first reason is that they may not be comfortable in the swing anymore, and the second reason is much more apparent.
As soon as your baby starts fussing and making attempts to crawl out, the risk of them tipping the swing over, falling out, or getting tangled in the straps goes up drastically.
However, it’s not all golden as baby swings come with a fair bit of warning from Consumer Reports and the AAP. Both organizations warn parents that leaving the baby in the swing for 30 minutes to an hour a day increases the risk of the baby developing flat spots on their head.
As for incurring brain damage, doctors and specialists agree that the risk of getting brain damage from a swing is slim to none. As long as you buy baby swings approved by the CPSC and other regulatory bodies are designed to keep your baby safe.
Weight & Age Limits In Baby Swings
There isn’t any specific number as baby swings vary according to their manufacturer. However, a good reference point is around the 25-30 lbs range.
As for the age limit, there isn’t any because babies vary widely in development. But babies usually reach the weight limit around the 9-10 month mark.
AAP Guidelines For Baby Swings
The AAP strictly warns against using baby sleepers or bouncers as sleepers, even for naps. In 2013, the US government issued new voluntary rules to address research that reached a staggering conclusion.
The study found that 3% of SIDS cases happened while the baby was sleeping in a ‘device’ designed for sitting. The study also revealed that cases happened in car seats and swings. To counter this, the AAP issued the following guidelines:
- Do not under any circumstance the weight limits of the swing.
- If your baby is younger than four months, you should only use a swing in the most reclined position.
- Make sure the swing is stable and sturdy, meaning it shouldn’t fold up or tip easily.
- Make sure there are swings shoulder straps that can be adjusted to angles of 50+ degrees.
- Any additions (like toys) should be safely attached.
- Even in motion, the cradle surface should not change shape. The AAP instructs that it should “stay fairly flat.”
Baby Swing Vs. Bouncer
So are baby swings and bouncers the same thing? Well, they are not, even though they do the same thing. However, bouncers are lighter and more portable than swings.
You should stop using a baby bouncer when the baby can sit on their own or reach 20 lbs of weight, which happens at around 4-6 months. That’s the time when babies tipping the bouncer over and hurting themselves becomes significant.
Find The Right Place For Baby Swings
As you can see, baby swings are the perfect baby care item to have at home, especially during those fussy days when the rocking motion is the only thing that soothes them. But baby swings aren’t that necessary if you can.
However, you should remember that rocking the baby too long and allowing your baby to sleep in it gets you into the hot water of increased SIDS risk.
Ensuring you know the time, weight, and age limits in your child’s case will allow you to enjoy the benefits while staying on the safe side.
Now, if you think about which one you should get, a baby swing or bouncer? Well, it depends on your personal preference. However, baby swings tend to be more versatile than baby bouncers.
If you are looking for the perfect baby swing to get you over those fussy days, then Beberino can help you out. Our curated list of baby swings and other baby and mom care products will make your life easier. So contact us, and we will hook you up.
Also, if you have any questions about baby swings or baby care products, drop them in the comments below or hit us up on our socials, and we will answer them all for you. And with that being said, that’s about all we have for you today. We will come back with something new for you soon. Until then, see ya!