A baby swing is a great toy for any home with a young baby. Parents can put their babies in swings so they are free to do errands about the house knowing their baby is safe and content. Often these swings will also lull babies to sleep.
But baby swings aren’t safe for every child. There are weight and age restrictions involved. This article will take a look at the baby swing age and baby swing weight recommendations to ensure your child won’t get hurt while swinging.
In this article
What is a Baby Swing?
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Just as its name implies, a baby swing is a seat suspended from a sturdy frame. It is powered by battery or electricity to gently rock back and forth to mimic the womb’s rocking motion. It has seat belts that keep babies locked in preventing them from falling.
- 2 ways to swing; Side to side or head to toe
- 2 comfy recline positions
- 6 swing speeds, 16 soothing songs & nature sounds
- Easy to convert to different positions—just press button and turn
- Machine washable, plush seat pad with deluxe Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams body insert & head support
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
When Can I Start Using a Baby Swing?
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There is no baby swing age limit when it comes to how early you can start using a baby swing for your baby. You can use your swing as soon as you bring your baby home from the hospital providing it has some support to keep the baby’s head from rolling back.
It’s a good idea to introduce your baby to its swing early on. That way they will have some time to get comfortable with it and they will be happier when you put them in it.
However, if your baby is premature, you should talk to your doctor before putting them in a swing. A professional will be able to tell you if the swing has adequate support for your tiny baby.
Is There a Weight Limit for Baby Swings?
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A baby swing weight will vary from product to product. Each product may have different weights listed that will let you know when your baby has outgrown his or her swing. However, in general, most swings will support babies that are up to 25 – 30 lbs.
What is the Recommended Age for a Baby Swing?
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As mentioned earlier, babies can be put into a baby swing as newborns. However, there will be a time when your baby outgrows the swing both mentally and physically.
Usually, when babies reach the weight limit, they will also be emotionally ready to leave their swings behind. Babies typically reach a weight of 25-30 lbs. when they are 9 months to one year old.
Some signs that your baby is emotionally ready to leave the swing include the following.
- The Baby Tries to Climb Out: Not only is this a sign that your baby no longer wants to be in the swing, it also means he or she could hurt themselves trying to get out. This is definitely a sign that it’s time to move on.
- The Baby Throws a Tantrum When You Put Him in the Swing: Yep, this is another sign that your baby definitely does not want to be swinging anymore.
What Should I Look for in a Baby Swing?
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Even though children eventually grow out of baby swings, they can be great for younger babies. If you feel your baby would do well in a baby swing, here are a few things to look out for when making a purchase.
- Type of Swing: Baby swings can be portable so you can take them with you when you travel or full size to be used at home.
- Battery or Plugin: Swings can be powered by batteries or by electricity. If you opt for a battery-operated swing, it’s likely you will go through a lot of batteries to keep yours running. Electric swings may be a better choice but they tend to emit a humming noise that can soothe or startle your baby.
- Safety Harness: Swings can come with a five-point or a three points harness. A five-point harness will go over the shoulders to provide extra protection.
- Speed and Motion: Some swings rock back and forth and others rock side to side. Different swings may also operate at different speeds. It can be difficult to tell what your baby will prefer. To be safe, look for a swing that can be adjusted to different speed and motion settings.
- Sturdiness: Your swing should have a sturdy frame that is low to the ground to minimize the risk of injury.
- Comfort: Most swings will have a seat that reclines considerably which is good for supporting a newborn baby. You will also want to make sure the seat has soft padding to keep your baby comfortable.
- Extras: Some swings have mobiles, lights and mirrors to stimulate your baby. These extras may cost more but they are great for a child’s development and they can also keep your baby occupied.
- Price: Swings typically range in price from $55 to $270. Most parents will want a good compromise when it comes to affordability, safety and features.
- Unique swinging or gliding motions mean more options to choose from to soothe your little one
- Swing seat conveniently doubles as a portable rocker and has carry handles to keep baby close by throughout the home
- Choose from 4 soothing motions to comfort baby - swinging or gliding side-to-side or front-to-back
- Adjustable swing speeds ensure finding just the right soothing pace to fit babys preference
- Vibration with 2 speed settings so baby will remain soothed and content
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Other Safety Tips
Here are some things to keep in mind to make sure your baby’s swinging experience is as safe as possible.
- Make sure the swing is set up and assembled correctly so it doesn’t tip over.
- Make sure all toys are fastened and appropriately sized to prevent a choking hazard.
- Check the S. Product Commission Safety Recalls to make sure the swing hasn’t been recalled.
- Look for a certification seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturer Association. This means the swing is in accordance with independent safety standards.
Conclusion
The recommended weight limit to use a baby swing is 25 to 30lb’s. There is no recommended age limit to use a baby swing. Newborn babies can use the swings as soon as they come home, as long as there is support so their heads don’t roll backward.
Swings can be great for keeping your child calm and happy. However, it is important to pay attention to the baby swing weight and baby swing age limit to make sure your child stays safe. It’s also best to look out for basic safety features to make sure your child doesn’t get injured while swinging.
Here’s hoping your child has a wonderful swinging experience until they are ready to move on to the next stage of their lives.
