Newborn Safe Sleep in Swing

Babies love spending time on swings! It’s a great way to keep them entertained and happy. But how long can they stay in the swing before it becomes unsafe? In this blog post, we will explore that question and give you some tips on how to keep your baby safe while they’re enjoying a good swing session!

How long can a baby be in the swing?

Most babies enjoy spending time in a swing, but it is important to make sure that they are not in the swing for too long. It is recommended that babies spend no more than 30 minutes at a time in a swing.

This is to prevent them from getting too tired or overstimulated. If your baby seems to be enjoying their time in the swing, you can always give them a break in between sessions.

“Babies under 4 months old should not be in a swing for more than 20 minutes at a time. Older babies can play in swings for longer periods of time, but it’s still important to watch for signs of fatigue.”, says Dr Leah Alexander, a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey.

However, you should never allow your baby to sleep in the swing. If the baby falls asleep, you should transfer him/her to a crib or bassinet as soon as possible. It’s because swings are not designed for babies to sleep in and can be very dangerous.

“Sleeping in swings is not recommended because they are designed in a semi-upright position. Newborn’s neck muscles aren’t fully developed yet, so if they sleep at a semi-upright angle, the weight of their head can put pressure on their necks and cause them to slump over. If this slumping happens frequently, it could lead to suffocation or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), added Dr. Leah.

That’s why, it is very important to transfer your baby to the crib as soon as he/she falls asleep in the swing. The crib is the safest place for your baby to sleep. However, you should not use any pillow or blanket in the crib to avoid the risk of suffocation.

The crib sheet should also be tight-fitting to avoid entrapment and suffocation. Dr Leah says, “Make sure the crib sheet is tight-fitting and can’t be easily pulled up or off. If you can fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib sheet, it’s too loose and needs to be tightened.”

Baby swing safety

When using a baby swing, it is important to follow some basic safety guidelines:
– Always use the swing on a level surface.
– Make sure that the swing is not near any stairs or other dangers.
– Do not leave your baby unattended in the swing.
– Check the swing regularly to make sure that all the parts are in good condition and that there are no sharp edges.
– Never put anything in the swing with your baby, such as toys or blankets. These can cause the baby to suffocate or choke.

What are the benefits of using a baby swing?
Baby swings are a great way to soothe and entertain your little one. They can help your baby to relax and fall asleep, as well as provide them with some gentle movement and stimulation.

Swings can also be a lifesaver for parents! They give you a much-needed break while still allowing you to keep an eye on your baby.

“As a working mom, I don’t know what I would have done without our swing. It was a lifesaver for getting things done around the house and for giving me a few minutes of peace!”, says Amy A. Vincent, the author of Amy Baby Review.

When should baby stop using a swing?
Most babies can safely use a swing until they are about 6 months old. After that, they may be able to sit up on their own and may not need the support of the swing anymore.

If your baby seems to be outgrowing their swing, it is always best to consult with your pediatrician before making any changes. They will be able to give you expert advice on when and how to transition your baby out of the swing.

“I consulted with my pediatrician when my son was about 6 months old and she said it was time to stop using the swing. She suggested transitioning him to a floor activity center, which worked out great!”, Amy added.

Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading! We hope you found this article helpful. Baby swings can be a great way to soothe and entertain your little one, but it is important to use them safely. Always consult with your pediatrician before using a swing and be sure to follow all safety guidelines.

Do you have any tips or advice on using baby swings? Share them with us in the comments below!

Image by mdjaff on Freepik