When it comes to baby activity gear, baby swings are both helpful for you and fun for your baby. Rhythmic swinging motions are soothing for babies because the feeling is similar to the feeling of being in the womb. A baby swing can help soothe even the fussiest babies with a comfortable seat and a gentle rocking motion. Without a guide, navigating the world of baby gear can be confusing and difficult. This baby swing buying guide will help you figure out how to buy a baby swing that will best meet your needs.
When nothing else seems to be able to calm your baby, a baby swing can do the trick. A baby swing can also provide you with a safe place for your baby while your hands are full. Taking care of a baby is hard work, but a baby swing can help make your job a little easier by providing you with a helping hand or an extra set of arms to hold and rock your baby when you need them most. If you're thinking about buying a baby swing, here are a few things to take into consideration as you make your choice.
Portable or standard
If your home is on the small side or you anticipate regularly moving your swing from room to room or from house to house, a portable swing might be more convenient for you than a standard swing. Portable swings are lighter weight and slightly smaller and easier to move.
The downside of portable swings is that they often sit much closer to the ground than standard swings, causing you to have to stoop and bend to put your baby into and take your baby out of the swing. If you have a physical issue such as chronic back pain, knee or joint pain, then a standard swing will probably be much more convenient for you to use.
A standard swing is larger than a portable swing and therefore makes it easier for you to load and unload your baby but also less easy to move around than a portable swing. But if your home is short on space or you need your swing to be able to travel with you, a standard swing may be too large and cumbersome for your needs.
Safety and comfort
Your baby swing should be both safe and comfortable. Look for comfortably padded seats, adjustable seat recline, infant head support and a good harness or restraint system to keep your baby from slipping or climbing out. A five-point harness is always best. If the swing has a tray, look for one that swings up or is removable. This will make getting your baby in and out of the swing much easier.
Side-to-side or forward and backward
Some baby swings have a side-to-side motion, others have a forward-and-backward motion, and some have both options. Your baby may prefer one motion over the other, so unless you choose a swing that has both options, try them both before you buy if you can. To ascertain which type of swinging motion your baby will like best, take your baby with you to a baby gear store and try out both types of swings or ask friends and family if you can try their swings out.
Power source
Most baby swings are wind-up or battery operated, but a few do have a wall outlet option. While the plug-in option is definitely the most convenient power source, very few swings have this option. Because batteries need to be replaced, they add cost to the operation of the swing. But battery operated swings are in many ways more convenient than wind-up swings. Battery operated swings are typically quieter than wind-up swings and some have multiple speed options to suit your baby's preference while wind-up swings only go at one speed. Also, as the name implies, wind-up swings need to be re-wound at regular short intervals which can wake both you and your baby when you are trying to take a nap.
What are the size and weight limits for baby swings?
Most swings accommodate infants and babies up to 25-30 pounds, but you should discontinue using your baby swing when your baby begins to attempt to climb out. Even if your baby is within the weight and size limits of the swing, if he or she is climbing out or attempting to climb out, the swing becomes a safety hazard and can no longer be used as a safe place to sit your baby.
How much do baby swings cost?
Like most baby activity gear, the price range of baby swings varies with options. You can find a great basic baby swing for around $50 or you can opt for a fully featured baby swing for $150 or more. The price you pay for your baby swing depends on your preferences and the features you want and need. But safety is the most important feature of all. Regardless of all the extra fun features there are to choose from, above all, make sure the baby swing you buy is sturdy and safe.
Do I need a baby swing?
A baby swing is a very helpful item of baby gear for soothing your baby and giving you some hands-free time to multitask. But there are other options available if a swing is not quite your speed or just not within your budget.
Bouncers
A baby bouncer is a space-saving alternative to a swing. If there simply isn't room in your home or apartment for a swing, a baby bouncer could be the perfect thing. A baby bouncer is a comfortable, recline-angle, small-frame bouncing seat in which to lay your baby when he or she is fussy or you need both your hands free for a few minutes. Baby bouncers perform a similar function to a swing, so you probably don't need to buy both unless you have twins. Come check out our great selection of baby bouncers at Overstock.com. We have the bouncers you want at prices to fit your budget.
Play yards
A play yard provides your baby with a safe, enclosed space in which to play or nap. Some play yards even come with an attachable changing station and bassinet for added convenience and usefulness. At Overstock.com, we have a variety of beautifully designed play yards at prices below retail, so you always get more for your money.
Baby walkers
For those especially wiggly and active babies who just are not content in a swing, bouncer or play yard, a baby walker can be a fun alternative. A baby walker is basically a set of wheels for your baby. Baby walkers are fun for babies because they allow your baby to be upright and totally mobile before he or she can walk. As with all items of activity gear, take safety seriously. When using a baby walker, make sure to first block staircases and areas of uneven flooring to prevent injuries and never leave your baby in the walker unattended. Overstock.com is your online shopping outlet for the baby gear you want and need.
