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 |  | Portable: $40-$80 |  | Medium: $60-$140 |
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A baby swing is intended to simulate motion from the womb or a parent's arms. Although traditional swings operated by hand crank, modern versions run on batteries or AC power. Often described as a must-have for parents, baby swings can be particularly important for colicky babies or fussy babies who have a difficult time falling asleep. ConsumerSearch.com[1] says the swing's incline position often helps babies with acid reflux, colic or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. There are typically two types of swings available: standard or portable.
Typical costs: |
- Standard swings range from $60 to $140, depending on the types of features offered.
- Portable or travel swings, which tend to be less expensive than standard swings since they offer fewer features, run from $40 to $80.
Related articles: Bassinet, Glider Rocking Chair, Crib, Crib Mattress, Car Seat
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What should be included: |
- According to The New Parents Guide[2] , a standard or portable swing should have a wide, sturdy base with a low center of gravity to prevent tipping. It should also have secure safety restraints, variable speeds, music and toys or a mobile.
- Most swings carry detailed age and weight specifications and are typically for use by babies up to 15 or 25 pounds. Check the National Center for Health Statistics[3] to see Weight-for-age percentile growth charts for boys and girls, from birth through 36 months.
Additional costs: |
- Many newer models offer additional features such as dual motion (side to side as well as back and forth), multiple reclining positions and volume control. In general, the more features offered, the higher the price.
- Most swings that run on batteries use three or four C or D size batteries. Consider investing in rechargeable batteries to keep those costs at a minimum
Shopping for a baby swing: |
- When shopping for a swing, make sure to let your baby "test" several models. Bring C and D batteries (at least 4 each) in case the ones in the floor or display models are dead. If you have friends or relatives whose infants have swings, ask them to let your baby test it for a nap. Make sure you can tolerate the sounds and motor noise of each model.
- Look for a swing with a five-point harness that secures your baby at the waist, crotch and shoulders. Consumer Reports[4] says these harnesses keep your baby from climbing out of the seat and falling to the ground.
- Consumer Reports also recommends swings with a detachable or pivoting front tray, so you can slide your baby into and out of the swing easily.
- For second-hand swings, be sure to check the Consumer Product Safety Commission[5] for recalls or safety advisories.
- Consider products which bear the certification seal of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, which indicates that the swing was built to safety standards developed in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. For medical decisions, always consult your physician for the right course for your infant or child.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: AJ in San Jose, CA. | Posted: July 29th, 2008 03:07AM |
| Brand: Graco | Model: Sweetpeace Newborn Soothing Center |
| Store: Babies R Us |
I read the reviews on Amazon & Babies R Us and several parents claimed that the Graco Sweetpeace gave them the only quiet time they had to take a shower. I wouldn't go that far -- our baby wasn't too fussy -- but I did think a good swing is a good investment, and I've recommended this model to friends. It's the most expensive one we saw, and it can rock in 4 directions, plus vibrate, plus play white noise or music, and you can even plug in your MP3 Player. The biggest risk is that it won't work for your baby, because every one is different. Besides that, I thought the biggest negatives were that it only works for a brief period -- I think the maximum weight is 20 pounds, and anyway, after about 3.5 months, the hear sound & rocking motion stopped working on our baby. The second downside is that it takes up a lot of space. But if you can afford to spend some $ just for some peace during the first 3 months, it's money well spent. |
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External Resources: |
- www.consumersearch.com/baby-swing-reviews/review
- www.thenewparentsguide.com/choosing-a-baby-swing.htm
- www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes.htm
- www.consumerreports.org/cro/baby-swings/buying-guide.htm
- cs.cpsc.gov/ConceptDemo/SearchCPSC.aspx?query=http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/p...
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