As a new parent, it’s the little things that make all the difference. A full night’s sleep, five minutes to yourself to get some jobs done. A shower. Yes, it’s amazing to have cuddles with your little one and share your waking moments with them. But sometimes you just need a little break.
A baby swing or bouncer is perfect. It will keep them occupied for 15 minutes whilst you go about your day. The rocking motion will soothe them and they may even fall asleep.
But are swings safe? And can a baby sleep in one? These are the most important things you need to know about baby swings.
When can babies go in swings?
Your little one can go in a swing or a bouncer anywhere from birth up to around six months. Just remember that newborns tend to sleep a lot (lucky them), but they shouldn’t sleep in a baby swing – more on that later.
Babies tend to start sitting up when they hit six months. You should stop using the swing at this stage as it becomes easy to knock over when they try out their newfound skill.
Can a baby sleep in a swing?
The gentle rocking and the soothing sounds, it’s a magical combination to get baby to sleep. And while it can be tempting to let them snooze where they are, it’s not a good idea. For safe sleep, you’ll need to move them to a flat sleeping surface.
So, how long can a baby sleep in a swing? As soon as they fall asleep, we recommend that you move them to a normal sleeping space.
Are baby swings bad for development?
If your baby is asleep in a baby swing, it can be dangerous. Young babies (under four months) have a hard time controlling their heads. This means their heads can drop forwards when they’re sleeping in an upright position, which can narrow or block their airways making it difficult to breathe.
If they’re not properly strapped in, they can potentially roll onto their fronts which can increase the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Also, if a baby sleeps in a swing or upright in a car seat this can put pressure on the back of their heads which can result in a flat spot. If they turn their head to the side their neck can also twist.
But this is only an issue if you let your little one sleep in their swing or bouncer. Properly supervised play in their swing is perfectly fine for their development.
How long can a baby play in a swing or bouncer?
Limit play time to no more than 15-30 minutes in the swing for each session if you can. This ensures your baby is safe at all times. Plus, it’s plenty of time for you to get on with those little jobs around the house.
To keep them safe, make sure you:
– Always check the weight limits and only use the swing if your little one is under the recommended weight
– Keep them secure with the straps provided at all times in the swing
– Use on flat surfaces – never place the swing on the sofa or a mattress as it will easily topple over
– Check attachments – keep any mobile toys out of baby’s reach
Choosing the right baby swing for your little one
Our Munchkin Swing creates a calming side-to-side motion – your baby will love spending time in it. It weighs just 10lbs so it’s super easy to transport around the house when you do your jobs or hop in the shower – just take baby out whenever you move it. And with Bluetooth compatibility, you can play your little one’s favourite songs through the high-quality speaker for a dance party in their swing. It’s the perfect solution for babies and parents.
Interested in more baby advice? Simply head to our blog or check out our StrollerCoaster podcast.
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