All those who find themselves dealing with small kids know perfectly well how much is needed to calm and relax a newborn.
Taking care of babies is not easy!
We spend whole nights and days cradling our little ones, and we spend hours and hours up and down in the car, knowing that the car’s rocking forces sleep in a manner of minutes!
But there is a solution here…
Using a baby swing! Yes, baby swings are very helpful in such a sense! it will calm your baby automatically, making him relaxed and saving you km in the car by turning around in circles or spending nights continuously walking up and down the house.
Related: Best Baby Swing For Small Spaces
What To Look For In a Baby Swing?
The primary function of the baby swing is to provide babies with a comfortable and safe space to relax and play while giving a space and a chance for you to take care of yourself or to do some other activities.
The truth is: Anyone who has children knows perfectly well that finding moments to dedicate to themselves or simply to take care of the house is not easy.
Babies require constant attention, so getting help like this can be a real relief and game-changer!
The movement of the swings calms infants and little babies and relaxes them. If, as in my case, you are struggling with annoying colic, making them calm down becomes an epic undertaking genuinely. In such cases, the swing will really seem like an extra hand and makes the situation easier to manage for both children and parents.
With that being said, there are several characteristics to consider when choosing the baby swing for a happy experience:
One aspect that could make a difference for me is the presence or absence of the reclining backrest. it is essential to ensure that when your baby spends some time swinging, he is comfortable and safe.
Remember, if your kid falls asleep, you must not leave him sleeping in the swing, and you should move him to his sleeping mat or crib.
Types
There are different kinds of baby swings, from those that are simple and bare to those that are very advanced and well-mad. To make the right choice, however, knowing the different types and characteristics is necessary.
Manual Type:
Baby swings with natural swings require the parent to give the initial push, then let the swing do it all by itself.
It doesn’t swing automatically, as this type of swing doesn’t connect to the electricity. It is basic yet functional in calming babies down.
Swings With Support:
These are by far the ones with the most minimalist design; they only have a seat anchored to a base that ensures that the oscillation is gradual.
These models usually come without electricity or any other features. Maybe a bar to hang some toys to entertain the kid.
The Aerial Swings:
These models are baby swings with a taller structure and support harnesses with movements similar to a pendulum.
The best part about these swings is that they are not low to the floor. They are higher and more comfortable for the parents to put the kid in and out and play with him.
This style is available in both options, manual and electricity powered.
The Automatic Swings:
These are my favorite and the most modern! they have different speeds to choose from, and, in some cases, they are equipped with a sensor that reactivates the rocking/swing motion when the baby moves, or vice versa, stops the movement when he falls asleep.
I prefer this type of swing; it is very comfortable for the kid and me and efficiently helps calm babies down.
Safety:
If used correctly, the swings are very safe, equipped with special anchors and safety straps, ensuring the child is comfortable and in total safety.
A very important aspect, however, is to follow the weight limit indicated by the manufacturer to avoid dangerous problems.
Baby’s Age:
With the special reducers, most swings can be used immediately. However, the age at which it is best to stop using them varies depending on the model.
It must also be said that some children got tired of being on the swing long before reaching the maximum weight allowed.
In fact, babies need to move around and explore the house. Once they begin to crawl, the swing only impedes their desire to see the world and look around.
The Materials
When it comes to materials, the baby swing needs specific characteristics. First of all, it must be built with absolutely resistant materials destined to last over time. Secondly, it must be light enough to make it comfortable and easy to transport from one room to another.
The seat’s material can also be crucial. The canvas is very important from several points of view: a washable and resistant material will allow you to clean and wash the seat as many times as necessary, guaranteeing hygiene and cleanliness for your child all the time.
Breathability is of vital importance as well. The little one will spend a lot of time on the swing, and the risk that this will cause him to sweat is high. A sweaty and hot child will experience the swing in a wrong and harmful way.
In addition, the strength of the seat must be maximum, and the seat must be resistant and safe to guarantee a long life and maximum safety for your child.
Variety of Games
Finally, the variety and type of games present will measure the quality of the baby swing. The best games are interactive and stimulating for your kid, easily accessible, and specially designed to make them attractive and ensure they don’t get bored quickly.
One of the most popular and fun accessory elements are the light games! Little kids are very attracted to colored lights, allowing them to have fun and enjoy the swing always.
Another option is to give your kid a small toy to play with while enjoying the light, calming swings!
Related: Best Toys For Babies 0-12 Months Old
The Design: Foldable or fixed?
Both designs have their pros and cons.
The folding baby swing can be stored and moved easily. The risk, however, is that it is made with less resistant and more wear-resistant materials.
On the other hand, the fixed model usually supports a greater weight, but it will take up a big space when not in use and cannot be folded.
Both solutions are, however, very valid according to your needs.
Conclusion
Baby swings are designed to make life easier for parents and to entertain babies in the right way. These swings must not only be beautiful to look at but must, above all, be functional.
Allowing yourself moments of distraction helps prevent you from experiencing motherhood as a nightmare, crushed by responsibilities and anxieties.
All this, however, without forgetting that direct contact between mother and child is a fundamental thing for both the mother and the child, who benefits from it and comfort that no support can ever match!
