EmailYour baby will ultimately decide whether a particular swing is a good buy. Some babies will respond better to different features, and many parents buy a swing with a lot of bells and whistles only to discover that their baby doesn't care for music or swinging. Experts recommend borrowing a friend's swing or trying one out in a store before buying to see whether your baby likes it. Some features won't appeal to younger babies, such as attached toy bars, but will provide added entertainment for older babies who are able to interact. Likewise, some babies may not like vibrating sensations at first but will a few weeks or months later, or vice versa.
One aspect that irks parents has nothing to do with whether their baby enjoys the swing. Battery use is the single biggest complaint we find. Many manufacturers are stepping up by offering swings with two power options: plug-in or batteries. Unless you have an endless supply of size D batteries on hand, choosing a swing with a power adapter is the way to go.
Standard swings typically swing only back and forth, and cradle swings offer back-and-forth and side-to-side swinging motions. Cradle swings generally get better reviews than standard swings. Travel swings are less popular, although some parents say they are convenient for smaller spaces, travel, grandma's house, or even the office. Travel swings operate solely on batteries; depending on your intended use, this may not be an issue.
The following is what experts recommend looking for when shopping for baby swings:
- Look for smooth surfaces with no sharp edges, no small parts and no hinges or pinch points that are in reach of the baby.
- Look for a wide base that ensures against tipping.
- A five-point safety harness is best. Parents report some problems with three-point harnesses that enable an active baby to lean over the edge. The Fisher-Price swings have three-point belts. The Graco Silhouette and Lovin' Hug swings are two of the few models with a five-point belt.
- A reclining seat is nice for a younger infant. Most models have an adjustable seat, and a few offer three reclining positions.
- Removable and washable padding is important for easy cleanup.
- Activity trays provide entertainment for your baby.
- Music can be soothing to a baby, but annoying to some parents who tire of hearing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" ad nauseam. Most models have music that can be turned off or lowered, and they offer eight to 12 music options for variety.
- Look for a timer that turns off the swing after baby is asleep.
- Swings with multiple swing motions (back and forth or side to side) can help if your child likes variety or prefers one motion over the other.
- Look for a footprint that will fit well in your home. Some of the full-size swings can take up a significant amount of floor space, and you should be sure there is room for the base to be fully extended and for the swing motion back and forth and, if it's a cradle swing, side to side.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, parents shouldn't leave babies unsupervised in a swing. Young babies should be propped up so their heads can't slump over -- a rolled-up towel can do the trick. Safety experts say you should always use the seat's safety belt.