The Best Baby Swing - A Parent's Friend

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The Best Baby Swing - A Parent's Friend

Why do you need a baby swing?

It is 5:00 pm and you really need to fix something for supper. Your newborn baby is fussy (again), and there is no way you can put him down without his great and vociferous protest. You have 3 choices:
Try to fry bacon while shielding your baby from splatters.
Put him down and attempt to tune out the crying.
Place him in a baby swing with motions and sounds that soothes him enough so that he is content.

A swing or baby cradle is the next best thing to holding your baby. It has been a sanity saver for me with my babies. I consider it one of the necessities for a happy mom.

What to look for

Baby swings are available in a dizzying array of options. To this point, I haven't found one that will change your baby's diaper, but I'm hoping that the manufacturers are working on that! Meanwhile, let's explore some of the current options.

Types

Traditional - The tried and true, traditional baby swings move front to back.
Portable - These are a great option for people who don't have a lot of space for a baby swing. Travel swings are usually low to the ground, requiring a smaller base. Overall, they have fewer "bells and whistles" than the full size swings (and the motors tend to struggle with larger babies), but they are good solutions when the full size is not a practical option.
Cradle Swing - This is a swing that rocks from side to side, usually having the additional option of switching to a back and forth motion. Some babies prefer one motion over the other, so this is a well-liked feature.

Power
While you may still be able to find the old wind-up swings, today's newer swings have real power! While many are battery operated (like the portable size swings), some are available with a choice of battery or power adapter. I love this option because it allows you to take the swing outside on those perfect days, yet save on the batteries when you use it indoors (which can add up to significant money).

Entertainment
With music, lights, attached toys, vibrations, nature sounds, white noise, and even some with a plug-in for an mp3...today's baby will have no problem finding entertainment. Just be careful not to over-stimulate your newborn, or the whole idea may backfire. Look for a model that has volume controls for the music, and preferably one that plays multiple songs, or it may start to drive you crazy.

Ease of Use/Safety
Look for removeable, washable fabric covers and open top designs that allow easy entry and exit. Also pay attention to the stated weight recommendations. It is frustrating when your swing-loving baby becomes too heavy for the motor. Look for swings that work to at least 25 pounds.

Since newborns have under-developed neck muscles, it is best to have a model that reclines. Look for swings with a base that is wide enough to be stable when swinging with a 25 pound baby in it. Harness systems are available in 3 point or 5 point, with the latter being preferred for safety.

Recommendations for the best baby swing

After hearing from parents, the following swings rise to the top of our recommended list:

Fisher-Price Cradle n Swing/Fisher-Price Papasan Cradle Swing
Graco Sweet Peace Soothing Baby Center
Bright Starts Comfort & Harmony Portable Swing

Amazon.com Widgets

A word about baby swing safety

It's easy to brush off the excessive warnings posted on every product that we buy today. (Like: "Caution: Remove infant before folding for storage" on a baby stroller.) The abundant lawsuits that have taken over our legal systems have driven manufacturers to protect themselves to the point of being ridiculous. Don't fall into the trap of glossing over the warnings because you think they are excessive.

When I was pregnant with my fourth baby, I heard a news report about a newborn who had died as a result of improper baby swing safety. The baby had not been properly buckled into his seat, and the mother had fallen asleep nearby. When she awakened, she found that the baby had partially slipped through one of the leg openings, and was strangled. What a tragedy!

I never forgot this example, and from that point on I have taken the warnings seriously (although I may roll my eyes a bit when I do it). Please don't be the next headline. Your newborn is much too precious to take chances.