Baby Swing Usage

I only put my baby in the swing when it's her nap time. It's one of the few places where she is willing to nap. Once she wakes up, we put her in other activity areas. If you're asking about age, I would say for as long as the child likes it and as long as the swing could safely support his/her weight and height.

As long as he or she wants. Whatever makes the baby happy.

My daughter hated her swing and preferred to be held by someone. If your child seems disoriented by the swinging -- for instance, if the child's eyes don't track regularly during or shortly after swingtime -- don't use the swing.

I know a lot of parents rely on the swing to give them a little span of peace, but in our case, it really was not the best solution. I am one of seemingly few parents who says "No swing" but ;) I'll say it here, just in case you need permission to stop using one.

Otherwise, from my experience, I would recommend no more than 10-15 minutes, for a 2 or 3 month old. Swings are sometimes more stimulating than restful for some infants, and these children can be just as happy, stimulated, or rested in a crib or playpen or on a blanket on the floor.

Best of luck!

I'd say no more than an hour awake at a time. Napping, whenever they wake up. Babies love to be held, escpecially at 2/3 months, so hold your baby until you need a break. Don't forget tummy time.

I really don't know the answer to this but our baby once slept for over 8 hours in the swing. We were having a rough time as she just had some shots. Her dad used to let her take a naps in the swing. She is now a healthy 20 month old.

Sometimes you have to keep them in it just to get by.

Good luck.

P.

The baby is allowed to be in the swing until 6 months of age, or when the baby can sit up unassisted, then it becomes dangerous. As far as length of time, I would say enough time to clean up the house, or make dinner, etc.... It is best I believe for the child to be on the floor for tummy time,etc.... for developmental reasons. Good luck!

D.,

It depends on the baby. Some babies love the swing and are happy for hours, some just a few minutes. I would let your baby decide(within reason). My son loved to sleep in his swing, so he would sometimes be there for about an hour or so. But if they are awake and alert, probably no more that 30 min. Thats just me though---

M.

As long as your happy wants to be there! Just Kidding! :o) You are so smart to ask these experienced mothers that question.....

Those swings are wonderful aren't they? With my first child, I used the attitude "if he's happy don't move him". My baby developed security needs because of that. Like simple one's like your swing for instance. He always wanted to be there to be happy.

With my second son, I had like 4 other safe areas to put him. I simply rotated him all the time, so nothing was the same for more than 1 hr-ish. It's amazing how time flies when your infant is happy and not fussy!

Anyway, congratualtions to your new addition :o) Enjoy!

~N. :o)

If your gut feeling says it's too long, your baby needs to be in a different position, then probably you're right. But if you and baby have no problem, no problem!

Just be sure they get to be actually held by you at times (like at feeding) and they get tummy time to develop & exercise their muscles and so on. But yes, sitting in the swing is easiest for them and you - baby gets a comfy place to sleep and/or watch you. (Mine would NEVER sleep on his back so initially the baby seat was where he got his best sleep until I got brave enough to let him sleep on his tummy around this age)

The baby swing is a great way for them to sit up and look around so I would say 6-8 months. When they start sitting up themselves then maybe it will lose it's fun. I have a 3 month old who loves to swing.

L.

If your baby is happy in the swing, then as long as he or she wants!

Hi D., I assume you mean length of time and not age (as some people here have interpreted it). Once our daughter was about 3 months we had her always out of her swing when she was awake and we played with her on a mat so she could stretch, etc. As soon as it was sleep time we had her back in the swing (she wouldn't sleep ANYWHERE else during the day). So basically she was in it sometimes up to 2 hours at a time. As long as the baby has time out to stretch and play elsewhere while awake it's not an issue (according to most experts!).

I think it is all personal choice. I have a 6 month old who up until last week took all of her naps in her swing & she slept in the cosleeper for the full night. From the 3rd week of her life if we put her down in her swing she would either fall asleep or stay asleep longer than anywhere else during the day. When she was a newborn we would even put her in it sometimes in the middle of the night when she wouldn't stay asleep & we both needed to get our own rest.
I believe most swings say up to 25 or 35 pounds so check your manual or the brand's web site for that kind of an answer but as far as opinion-wise I think it is all about what works for the baby & you.
I just transitioned her out of the swing last week into her co-sleeper for naps. It took 2 days of crying @ both naps (when she usually hadn't) & by the 3rd day she had adjusted. Than 4 days later I started her in the crib for naps & there was no adjustment. She still isn't sleeping as long now that she is in a bed compared to the swing but I am hoping that that will adjust & that once she is in her crib full time not just for naps that she will sleep longer periods... If I were to do it again I would do the same especially knowing now that I have less time to myself during her naps due to her sleep periods being less. I am glad I was able to have 2 & 3 hours at a time up until last week because the swing kept her asleep. It worked for her rest & for my sanity as a stay @ home Mom. Enjoy your newborn as the days seem to slip by so quickly. :)