April 2007
Baby swings
A baby swing can work wonders, soothing a fussy baby, lulling her to sleep at night or nap time, or occupying her for a few
minutes while you get things done nearby or grab a bite to eat. It also comes in handy if your baby needs to sleep in a semi-upright
position because she has a cold or stuffy nose. A swing provides a gentle rhythmic motion, which babies are accustomed to
from their months in the womb. If you’re like countless parents, you may consider a swing a godsend, especially for calming
a colicky newborn and de-frazzling your nerves.
Full-size baby swings designed for indoor use from birth to 25 or 30 pounds (depending on the model) typically consist of a seat suspended by a pair of arms attached to a frame with wide-standing, tubular-metal legs. Most swings move from front to back, though several models swing from side to side, cradle-style. Portable travel swings are popular with on-the-go parents. These swings sit low to the ground and are designed to be moved from room to room or stowed in the car for a trip to Grandma’s. Most swings on the market today are battery-operated and driven by a motor that uses four C or D batteries, which may provide up to 200 hours of swinging time. AA batteries may be required, too, if the unit has accessories, such as a CD player. Such models emit a low churning noise with each swing, which can be soothing for some babies but may irritate others.
Only one model we know of, the Power Plus Swing by Fisher-Price, features a plug-in option, eliminating the constant need for batteries. Windup swing models are a relic in the marketplace; we don’t know of any new models for sale. Old windup models should not be used, and should be discarded. We recommend buying and using new models only.
Although windup and battery-powered swings are lightweight, they’re cumbersome to move. Standard-size swings eat up a fair amount of room, so they may not be for you if floor space is scarce.
You’ll use the swing the most in your baby’s first few months of life. After that, you’ll probably use it less, maybe even abandon it altogether (save it for your next baby) unless your baby is addicted to motion. Keep in mind that some babies don’t like the rocking of a swing, no matter which type you buy, although they may change their mind after a few tries.
SHOPPING SECRETS
If you can, try your baby in a friend's or relative’s swing first, to see if he likes it. Or take your baby to the store with you for test runs. Take along your own C and D batteries and try the floor models. Your baby’s reactions may help you decide on a brand, or whether he’s even a candidate for a swing in the first place.
Decide between a traditional swing or a portable one. If you want the option of moving your swing from room to room often and taking it on road trips, or if you’re short on living space, a travel swing may be right for you. Travel swings take up about as much space as a bouncy seat, and many have a sturdy carrying handle. The downside? Because you have to crouch down to put your baby in the swing and take her out again, using the swing can be uncomfortable, or impossible if you have a bad back or are recovering from a C-section. It also can be tricky to maneuver a squirmy baby into the swing from a sitting position.
If you choose a traditional swing, decide between side-to-side movement or front-to-back motion. Some swings, like Nature’s Touch Baby Papasan Cradle Swing by Fisher-Price, move in both directions. Cradle-style swings recline so your baby can lie down for the ride, which newborns tend to prefer--but the useful life of these swings is shorter. As soon as your baby can push up on his hands and knees, he’ll want to sit up and see out. That’s when it’s time to retire it.
Look for a five-point harness. Traditional swings are required to have a fixed restraint system, which may include a waist and crotch belt (three-point harness) that must be used together so that your baby can’t slip out, or a passive crotch restraint and a waist belt, such as a tray with a crotch post and a waist belt. Some models feature an over-the-shoulder, five-point harness. This type of harness is best because it keeps your baby from climbing out of his seat and plunging to the ground, which can happen long before you think possible. Travel swings don’t have a tray with a middle post, just a safety harness.
Consider comfort. Seating ranges from deep, padded, womb-like cradles to a wider chair with an adjustable infant head support. For the infancy stage, you’ll want a seat that reclines or has an angled back because your baby won’t be able to hold his head up. An infant headrest is a bonus; it will help keep your baby’s head positioned properly. If your baby will use the swing after 3 months of age (up to 25 or 30 pounds), look for a seat with an infant head support that’s removable and that has several seatback positions. Older babies will want to sit upright and reach for the toys on the toy bar, if the swing has that feature. If the swing has a front tray, make sure it pivots from side to side, flips up, or is detachable. You’ll have a much easier time sliding your older baby in and out of the seat with the tray out of the way.
Check the store’s return policy. Try the swing within the time limits of the store’s return policy (usually within 30 days), so you have the option of taking it back. Keep the receipt and the packaging. A noisy motor may be a deal-breaker for you.
Buy new. Infant swing safety standards are continually being updated. To make sure that your baby is using the safest possible swing, buy new, not used. Older swings may not have an adequate restraint system, which can put your baby at risk of falling, so don't be tempted to use an old, outdated swing.
WHAT’S AVAILABLE
The major brands are, in alphabetical order: Cosco (available at www.walmart.com), Evenflo (www.evenflo.com), Fisher-Price (www.fisher-price.com), Graco (www.gracobaby.com), J. Mason (www.jmason.com), Kolcraft (www.kolcraft.com), Safety 1st (www.safety1st.com), and Simplicity (www.simplicityforchildren.com). Prices range from $42 for a portable swing to $140 for traditional swings with multiple speeds and features.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Look for a swing that has a sturdy, stable frame with strong posts and legs and a wide stance to prevent tipping. The bottom of the legs or frame should not protrude so far that you’re likely to trip over them, however. Examine the seat. It should be well padded, washable, and have a crotch post with a waist belt (if it’s not a travel version), or a secure three-point or five-point harness (five-point is better). It should also have a partially reclining position for snoozing, and a position for sitting up. If you buy a cradle-style model, make sure it’s firmly mounted underneath; the cradle-to-frame connection shouldn’t feel loose or flimsy. To find the safest swing possible, look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturer’s Association certification seal, which means the model meets the latest American Society for Testing and Materials F2088 safety requirements. Give yourself a good half-hour to assemble the swing. Make sure it’s stable by swinging it without your baby in it, pushing down on the seat a little to make sure it’s secure.
Full-size baby swings designed for indoor use from birth to 25 or 30 pounds (depending on the model) typically consist of a seat suspended by a pair of arms attached to a frame with wide-standing, tubular-metal legs. Most swings move from front to back, though several models swing from side to side, cradle-style. Portable travel swings are popular with on-the-go parents. These swings sit low to the ground and are designed to be moved from room to room or stowed in the car for a trip to Grandma’s. Most swings on the market today are battery-operated and driven by a motor that uses four C or D batteries, which may provide up to 200 hours of swinging time. AA batteries may be required, too, if the unit has accessories, such as a CD player. Such models emit a low churning noise with each swing, which can be soothing for some babies but may irritate others.
Only one model we know of, the Power Plus Swing by Fisher-Price, features a plug-in option, eliminating the constant need for batteries. Windup swing models are a relic in the marketplace; we don’t know of any new models for sale. Old windup models should not be used, and should be discarded. We recommend buying and using new models only.
Although windup and battery-powered swings are lightweight, they’re cumbersome to move. Standard-size swings eat up a fair amount of room, so they may not be for you if floor space is scarce.
You’ll use the swing the most in your baby’s first few months of life. After that, you’ll probably use it less, maybe even abandon it altogether (save it for your next baby) unless your baby is addicted to motion. Keep in mind that some babies don’t like the rocking of a swing, no matter which type you buy, although they may change their mind after a few tries.
SHOPPING SECRETS
If you can, try your baby in a friend's or relative’s swing first, to see if he likes it. Or take your baby to the store with you for test runs. Take along your own C and D batteries and try the floor models. Your baby’s reactions may help you decide on a brand, or whether he’s even a candidate for a swing in the first place.
Decide between a traditional swing or a portable one. If you want the option of moving your swing from room to room often and taking it on road trips, or if you’re short on living space, a travel swing may be right for you. Travel swings take up about as much space as a bouncy seat, and many have a sturdy carrying handle. The downside? Because you have to crouch down to put your baby in the swing and take her out again, using the swing can be uncomfortable, or impossible if you have a bad back or are recovering from a C-section. It also can be tricky to maneuver a squirmy baby into the swing from a sitting position.
If you choose a traditional swing, decide between side-to-side movement or front-to-back motion. Some swings, like Nature’s Touch Baby Papasan Cradle Swing by Fisher-Price, move in both directions. Cradle-style swings recline so your baby can lie down for the ride, which newborns tend to prefer--but the useful life of these swings is shorter. As soon as your baby can push up on his hands and knees, he’ll want to sit up and see out. That’s when it’s time to retire it.
Look for a five-point harness. Traditional swings are required to have a fixed restraint system, which may include a waist and crotch belt (three-point harness) that must be used together so that your baby can’t slip out, or a passive crotch restraint and a waist belt, such as a tray with a crotch post and a waist belt. Some models feature an over-the-shoulder, five-point harness. This type of harness is best because it keeps your baby from climbing out of his seat and plunging to the ground, which can happen long before you think possible. Travel swings don’t have a tray with a middle post, just a safety harness.
Consider comfort. Seating ranges from deep, padded, womb-like cradles to a wider chair with an adjustable infant head support. For the infancy stage, you’ll want a seat that reclines or has an angled back because your baby won’t be able to hold his head up. An infant headrest is a bonus; it will help keep your baby’s head positioned properly. If your baby will use the swing after 3 months of age (up to 25 or 30 pounds), look for a seat with an infant head support that’s removable and that has several seatback positions. Older babies will want to sit upright and reach for the toys on the toy bar, if the swing has that feature. If the swing has a front tray, make sure it pivots from side to side, flips up, or is detachable. You’ll have a much easier time sliding your older baby in and out of the seat with the tray out of the way.
Check the store’s return policy. Try the swing within the time limits of the store’s return policy (usually within 30 days), so you have the option of taking it back. Keep the receipt and the packaging. A noisy motor may be a deal-breaker for you.
Buy new. Infant swing safety standards are continually being updated. To make sure that your baby is using the safest possible swing, buy new, not used. Older swings may not have an adequate restraint system, which can put your baby at risk of falling, so don't be tempted to use an old, outdated swing.
WHAT’S AVAILABLE
The major brands are, in alphabetical order: Cosco (available at www.walmart.com), Evenflo (www.evenflo.com), Fisher-Price (www.fisher-price.com), Graco (www.gracobaby.com), J. Mason (www.jmason.com), Kolcraft (www.kolcraft.com), Safety 1st (www.safety1st.com), and Simplicity (www.simplicityforchildren.com). Prices range from $42 for a portable swing to $140 for traditional swings with multiple speeds and features.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Look for a swing that has a sturdy, stable frame with strong posts and legs and a wide stance to prevent tipping. The bottom of the legs or frame should not protrude so far that you’re likely to trip over them, however. Examine the seat. It should be well padded, washable, and have a crotch post with a waist belt (if it’s not a travel version), or a secure three-point or five-point harness (five-point is better). It should also have a partially reclining position for snoozing, and a position for sitting up. If you buy a cradle-style model, make sure it’s firmly mounted underneath; the cradle-to-frame connection shouldn’t feel loose or flimsy. To find the safest swing possible, look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturer’s Association certification seal, which means the model meets the latest American Society for Testing and Materials F2088 safety requirements. Give yourself a good half-hour to assemble the swing. Make sure it’s stable by swinging it without your baby in it, pushing down on the seat a little to make sure it’s secure.
