What to consider before buying a baby swing

A baby swing is a great way to give your baby, and your arms, a much-needed rest.

Whether you want your baby to stop crying, have a little nap or just hang out while you throw in a load of laundry or prepare a meal, a swing can be a safe, soothing place to put them down. The gentle rocking motion is reminiscent of the womb, and for most babies, it quickly lulls them into a peaceful state. Still, some babies don’t like the motion of a swing, so it’s a good idea to try one out before you buy to see if your baby likes it.

How big is your house? If you have a smaller space, you’ll want to avoid a large swing with a big base that will take up a lot of floor space. Try a smaller, portable travel swing instead.

How much do you want to spend? Swings range in price from about $50 to $200. Keep in mind that a swing is a short-term investment, as your baby will probably only use it for the first few months of his or her life. Consider whether you plan on having more children, or if you have a friend or relative who you can pass it onto when you’re done.

Is the seat comfortable and safe? Ideally you should look for a seat that has a five-point harness for baby’s safety. Check to make sure the buckles are secure yet easy enough to get your baby in and out of. A well-padded seat with good head support is ideal. You should also check the fabric to make sure it is washable.

Do you want basic or all the bells and whistles? You can choose a simple model that swings back and forth or side to side, or a more elaborate one with lights, music and vibrating seats. Keep in mind that sometimes all of those lights and music can over-stimulate your baby and also become an annoyance for mom and dad – not to mention the batteries you’ll have to change.

Buy new instead of used. While there are many baby items that are great to buy secondhand to save some money, a swing is not one of them. Your baby’s safety is the most important thing, so buy new to ensure the swing meets the latest safety standards.

Whichever swing you choose, try not to leave baby in it for more than 30 minutes at a time and don’t let them sleep in it overnight.