Baby swings are the perfect solution for exhausted parents whose baby won’t sleep except he/she is in motion. Baby swings are significant when it comes to rocking babies, soothing them, and helping them sleep. However, swings should not be employed for long-term cure use.
Parents should train their babies not to depend entirely on swings once the baby exceeds the weight limit or grows old enough to attempt crawling out, then you should consider stopping the use of the swing permanently.
This article contains everything you need to know about baby swings, how long to use them and when to stop using them. Keep reading!
Baby Swings – Complete Guide
What is a Baby Swing?
Just as its name implies, a baby swing is a padded seat suspended on a solid frame, similar to an adult’s swing.
A baby swing moves back and forth or sides to side, in a similar motion to the womb’s rocking movement.
A baby swing can be used for babies right from birth till the baby is about 6-9 months old.
When To Stop Using a Baby Swing
When Your Baby Falls Asleep
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents should not use baby swings as sleepers for their infants. Though you can cautiously use the swing to lull the baby to sleep, it is best to remove the baby immediately he falls asleep,
Leaving a sleeping baby in a baby swing can cause the baby to slouch or slump, leading to sudden infant death.
After 30 Minutes
Even if you do not leave your baby to sleep in the seeing, you should not leave the baby for extended periods. It is best to get the baby out of the swing after about 30 minutes to avoid dizziness. Also, leaving a baby in the swing can heighten the possibility of the baby developing a flat spot on his head.
When Your Baby Exceeds the Weight Limit
Every baby swing has a specific weight limit; however, the general weight limit for many swings is 25 pounds. Typically, most babies arrive at 25 pounds between 16 months – 20 months. Once your baby becomes too heavy for the swing, it is best to stop its use.
When Your Baby Starts to Climb Out
Some babies have not yet exceeded the weight limit of the swing but are mobile enough to begin climbing out of the swing.
In this case, parents are advised to stop using the baby swing immediately.
Usually, from about 12 months, children might have the mobility to start attempting to climb out from the swing.
It is best to stop using baby swings once the baby starts to climb out because it can cause a fall or head injury.
Even if the baby is strapped in, which is necessary every time your baby is in the swing, your baby may get tangled up and hang from the straps, causing injury to the baby.
Bottom Line
Baby swings are a necessity for parents, especially busy ones. However, you have to be conscious of several factors when using a baby swing.
To prevent risk, parents should know the right time to stop using the swing. In this article, the perfect timing for stopping the use of baby swings has been discussed.
When your baby falls asleep, when he exceeds the weight limit, or when your baby starts to climb out, it is advised to quit using the baby swing to keep your little one out of danger. Visit the Ram Research homepage for more expert baby advice & information.
References:
- Charlie Summer. 2005. Introducing Discipline to Baby. https://www.parents.com/baby/development/behavioral/introducing-discipline-to-baby
