What is the weight limit for a baby swing?
Baby loves motion or constant movement to soothe. But mama you can’t constantly rock the baby in your arms. Moms have other stuff to do like taking a shower, cooking a meal, working, and so on. During that time, you need the safest place for the baby to keep that can also rock. Thanks to the baby swing to the rescue!
When you put the baby in the swing, its swaying motion will keep the baby calm and relaxed. On top of this, most swings are lightweight and portable. So, you can move it to all corners of the house and keep the baby in front of you all the time.
Having said that, when you use a swing for your baby, you must check and remember the maximum weight limit of the swing. If the babies outweigh the swing, it might break, and the little ones might get hurt. Usually, most of the swing’s average maximum weight limit is 30 pounds or 13.60 kg. But some swings come with only 20 pounds weight limit, whereas a few offer you up to 40 pounds of the weight limit.
If you have a heavy or larger baby, you can get great ideas about swings for bigger babies from this post.
Can A Newborn Go In A Baby Swing?
Yes, a newborn can go in a baby swing. But you have to use it as a soothing device. A swing is not a replacement for a crib, though some parents let the children sleep in the swing for hours. But we don’t suggest it because for most swings the position is upright, which is not a recommended sleeping position for a newborn. So, whenever babies fall asleep in the swing, you should move them to the crib or a flat sleeping surface.
Moreover, the swing you choose for a newborn should come with a safety belt. A 5 point harness provides maximum protection to the baby from falling over. A 3 three-point harness is also okay to secure the baby from falling out. But whenever you put the newborn in the swing, your supervision is always recommended.
What is the Recommended Age for a Baby Swing?
A baby can use a swing right after birth. But as I mentioned earlier, you must keep a close eye on your baby when he is in the swing. Besides, it would be best if you used the flat-lying position for a newborn initially. And the swing speed should be the lowest one. As the baby grows with time, you can use a more upright sitting position and increase the swing speed.
But don’t forget the swing is just a soothing device. So, you shouldn’t use it for a prolonged time. You can use it for 20-30 minutes maximum. The best time to use a swing is when your baby is awake in the daytime.
What Should I Look for in a Baby Swing?
To pick the best swing for your baby, you need to consider some key features that I’ve described below:
Safety straps:
A safety harness is the first thing you should look at in the swing you like to buy. It secures your baby in the swing. It protects the baby from flying out. Some swings come with a 5-point harness, and some come with a 3-point harness. Both are well enough to secure your baby. But a 5-point harness offers a shoulder strap so the baby can’t fall over even if he tries to climb out.
Battery & plug-in options:
The swing you choose should come with a power cord so that you can plug it into the wall. So, it will save your money on batteries. You can get ideas of some top plug-in baby swing following this link. Besides that, if it also runs with batteries, you can use it outdoor too.
Adjustable swing speed:
The swing speed should be adjustable so that you can control the motion with your baby’s mood. When the baby is fussing or crying, you can increase the speed to soothe. And when he is in a good mood, you can use a gentle soothing motion.
Head support:
If you want to use a swing for a newborn, it should come with head support. It’s because the little one’s head and neck muscles are still developing. So, head support will protect his head and neck.
Hanging toys:
The swing you choose should come with some colorful toys in a removable toy bar. These toys will help increase your baby’s motor skills, and he will have a good time in the swing.
2 in 1:
Some swings come with a baby rocker or bouncer feature. When the baby has enough of the swing motions, this 2 in 1 feature allows you to bounce or rock the baby. It means you will get more out of your purchase.
When to Stop Using an Infant Swing?
When your baby reaches the weight limit, he should stop using the swing. Otherwise, the little one might get hurt if a piece is broken. On the other hand, if the baby tries to climb out of the swing, you should consider that it is high time to stop using it.
On top of this, when your baby is nine months or one year old, you shouldn’t allow him to use the swing. At this age, the little one should learn how to walk and explore surroundings.
Final thoughts
Thanks for reading this guide. I hope you’ve found this article helpful. Finally, what I can say is that baby swings are a great soothing device for new parents. But you should check your baby’s weight and the maximum weight limit of the swing frequently. As soon as the little one reaches the maximum weight limit, you should stop using it.
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