The average weight limit of the baby swing is normally 0-20 pounds. Therefore, they are designed for newborn baby use. Some of the baby swings are also used in hospitals for nursery.
If the swing speed and all the other factors are suitable, a baby swing can be a perfect machine to help soothe newborn babies when you are busy. But you need to make sure the baby is always under your attention during whole using time for safety.
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What Is the Best Newborn Baby Swing on Market
Best For Newborn – Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing — Rating: 5.0
Best with Mobile and Light – Fisher Price Papasan Cradle Swing — Rating: 4.8
Best Portable – Ingenuity Cozy Kingdom Portable Swing — Rating: 5.0
Best For Small Space – Graco LX Gliding Swing — Rating: 4.8
Can Newborns Go to Swings?
Swings can be used to calm newborns to sleep. However, there are guidelines that should be observed before taking your newborn to the swing. They include ensuring there is enough flow of air, the baby’s temperature is within the normal range when he or she is on the swing and making sure that the newborn is in a good reclined swing posture. Newborns should be put in an inclined swing position to avoid head leaning forward, which is likely to obstruct the airway.
When purchasing a swing, it is important that you consider the weight and age of your baby. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a newborn should not be put in a swing for more than thirty minutes a day. They also advise parents to limit usage to 0ne session each day.
Why Use a Baby Swing for Newborns?
Swings are the best tools for calming babies and giving the caregiver or parent peace and time to relax from holding the baby. They can be best used for those infants who find it difficult to sleep and for mothers who have to swing their babies to sleep, swings are the best option.
What Kinds of Baby Swings Are Perfect For Newborn Use?
A swing is able to calm your newborn. And as it lulls the baby gently to sleep, you can do other things. But just like any other piece of baby gear, your little one’s safety should be your top priority. Below are some kinds of baby swings.
Standard Swings
These types of baby swings have padded seats, which hang from the frames. Modern models have entertaining features such as lights, toys, and music.
Cradle Swings
As compared to the standard swings, cradle swings cost more. They offer side-to-side swinging motion, which some babies prefer over front-to-back rocking.
Travel Swings
One of the notable features of the travel swings is that they are compact. They also fold up easily. With the travel swing, you can keep your little one calm during the travels or vacations.
Other Additional Features
Sturdy
Choose a baby swing that is sturdy and well made. Carefully analyze how the swing is made to identify any loose hinges or sharp edges that may injure your baby.
Speed
A good swing should have more than one speed. While there are newborns who prefer rocking and rolling, others like slow and gentle swinging.
Weight
The weight limits or requirements determine the kind of baby you need to purchase. Choose one that meets your baby’s requirements.
Motor
A quiet motor in the baby swing ensures that you and your newborn get the much-needed rest.
Top 4 Best Baby Swings for Newborn Baby Reviews
1. Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing-Abbington
This baby swing has removable head support, and its deep seat protects newborn babies effectively. 5 point harness keeps the baby away from danger both on the upper part and lower part of the baby body. The sturdy structure makes it safe during the whole using process.
Other features:
- 6 adjustable swing speeds
- 15 songs and natural sounds inserted
- Small but sturdy frame
- The seat pad is machine washable
- Plug in and battery operation both
- Gentle vibration
2. Fisher Price Papasan Cradle Swing-Starlight
This baby swing has head and body inserted, and they are removable. The seat pad is soft and machine washable. Net around gives a baby a sense of security and protects the baby from getting burnt by sunshine. Wide-open legs ensure its sturdy and 5 points harness protects the baby all the time.
Other features
- Overhead starlight show and soft hanging toys
- 2 swing motions
- 6 swing speeds
- 16 songs and natural sounds
- Plug in and battery operation
- Foldable leg for storage
3. Ingenuity Cozy Kingdom Portable Swing
This compact and portable baby swing is also suitable for newborn use. There is head support inserted. 5 point harness keeps baby safe, the soft fabric covered on the seat belt makes the baby comfortable in using.
Other features:
- Folded up, easy to carry and for outdoor travel use
- 6 songs and natural sounds inserted
- The seat pad is removable and machine washable
- No working noise
- 5 point harness
- Gentle swing
4. Graco LX Gliding Swing-Affinia
This Graco baby swing is like a small cradle, the soft and cozy fabric set around the infant, making it feel relaxed and comfortable. Head support and body support inserted. The open design makes it easy to put the baby in and out.
Other features:
- Easy to move around
- Compact design, saving 40% space than other types
- Plug in and battery operated
- 6 swing speeds and 2 vibration modes
- 3 incline positions
- Strong vibration and swing power
- 3 timer inserted
Best Baby Swing for Reflux Or Colic
For most newborn babies, they easily get reflux or colic, so they get grumpy and cry often. When you put them in somewhere flat, it will worsen the condition and baby will feel so sick.
Therefore, for the baby with reflux or colic, the swing machine should be set vertical and soft enough. Most of the baby swings have multiple seat positions, and you can adjust the seat to a relatively flat position.
According to mom’s feedback, the baby swing with a suitable seat position can really help lessen the suffers, and the baby is easily cured of them.
Slim Spaces Compact Baby Swing-Linus/Etcher
This baby swing is a perfect one for baby with colic or reflux, the seat position is quite vertical and makes a baby with reflux feel comfortable. But for lacking head support and body support, parents need to put extra ones when used for newborn babies.
Other features:
- The height of swing can be adjusted through the leg
- Compact and small size, making it a perfect space saver
- Easy to fold up for storage and outdoor use
- Battery operation
- Adjustable swing speed
Apart from this, there are still many other best baby swings for reflux that you can choose, and we have made a detailed review for you if you have an interest.
How to Choose Best Newborn Baby Swing?
1. Swing speed
The swing speed of the newborn baby swing must be gentle and smooth. Baby’s brain is in fast development in the first few months after born, too hard shaking will do harm to their brains. Adjustable baby swing speeds can be a good choice, you can choose the most suitable one according to its swing frequency and baby’s preference.
2. Seat pad
The seat pad must be cozy and breathable. For newborn babies, it has no ability to control its own neck and head, therefore, a baby swing with neck support and body support inserted is extremely important. Even when there are infant inserts, you can still put an extra thick one if you think it too thin. The machine-washable seat pad can really save a lot of time and energy for you.
3. Swing angle
Make sure the swing angle is safe and suitable, not large or too small. A large swing angle will easily get machine turned over and the baby is also freaked out by it. A small swing angle makes no effects on the soothing baby.
4. Stability
The swing machine must be stable and sturdy enough, uneasy to turn over. And if it is foldable, make sure it will not unintentionally fold in the using process. The metal material of the support leg is much stronger and more reliable than the plastic one.
5. Safety
The baby swing should be equipped with 3 points or 5 points harness, 5 point harness is better for it protects baby both from the upper part and lower part. The seat belt should be closely connected with the machine. And the length of the seat belt should be adjusted suitably.
How To Use Newborn Baby Swing Safely?
1. Never leave the baby alone in the swing.
Infants have no ability to protect themselves in danger. Though protected by seat belt of swing machine, there are still many potential dangers in daily life, so parents should always keep an eye on baby when using baby swing and react to dangerous situations fast and rapidly.
2. Clean the seat pad frequently
When seat pad is used for a long time, it can grow bacteria, the poor resistance of infants are easily get them sick. Therefore, the seat pad must be cleaned each day no matter it is dirty or not. Putting the clean pad under sunshine is also a good way to protect infants from getting sick.
3.Organic materials
The plastic baby swing is not so sturdy and does harm to an infant’s health when the baby touches them frequently. Especially for newborn babies, they would like to put everything into the mouth, and an organic baby swing is a good one for them to experience the world.
4.Tie the seat belt all the time
Seat belt is an excellent protection to newborn babies, and there are normally 3 points and 5 points harness. You should always remember to tie the seat belt, but do not make it too tight or too loose. It is better if there are protection fabric on the seat belt, so the baby will not feel uncomfortable for long time use.
Does Newborn Baby Swing Need Newborn Insert?
A newborn swing can be used with or without an insert. However, it is necessary to get one for your newborn’s swing as it provides extra padding, support and protects the newborn’s head, neck, and back. It also helps the baby to fit securely in the swing. Additionally, inserts offer comfort and soothing feeling for the baby in the swing.
Swing inserts for newborns are known to soothe the baby to sleep faster allowing the mother to rest or perform other duties. The inserts are made with a soft fabric that offers warmth to your infant and you don’t have to worry about your baby catching a cold.
It is advisable to use the newborn insert strictly in the first 28 days of life after which you can transition them to stop using it. The transition process should be gradual to allow the baby to adapt.
What Additional Items Do Newborns Need when Using Baby Swing?
Adding more items to the baby swing makes it more fun for the baby. You can add things like toys, which will help engage the baby’s mind. A seat belt, to help in the baby’s safety. Power source since some swings use batteries while others need to be plugged into an electrical power source. You can also add an insert to the newborn swing to help in back and neck support.
What Position Should Newborn Use?
A supine position is the best position for a newborn. However, while in the swing, one can place their baby in a semi-inclined position and ensure that the head is not covered so that there is a good flow of air. When placed in this position, there are reduced chances of the baby choking or even vomiting when in the swing. Parents should avoid allowing their newborns to lie on their front and sideways.
Can Newborn Babies Use Fast Speeds on Baby Swing?
It is not advisable to use fast speeds while using baby swings. The acceleration process is enough to cause brain damage because the brain is floating for newborn babies therefore, acceleration causes the brain to heat the scull and when speed is decreased, the brain moves forward. The repeated fast movements can also cause damage to the newborn’s neurons.
Why Do Newborns Need Head Support?
It is paramount to support the newborn’s head all the time as their muscles are always not well developed. If a baby’s head is not well supported, there is a risk of the baby developing Shaken baby syndrome. The syndrome results from vigorous movements of the baby hence trauma to the head. Newborn’s head can easily flop forward or backward if not well supported. Continued flopping of the head can result in overextension of the neck muscles and twisting of the muscles.
How Should Newborns Use Baby Swing Safely?
Inappropriate use of swings can cause injuries. A swing for newborns should be well-positioned since most swings are adjusted to 30 or 45 degrees, which is not okay for newborns since it can cause flopping of the head forward and obstructing the airway. Swings for newborns should be set in a horizontal position so that the baby lies flat.
Parents should also ensure that the swings they put their newborn babies on are the most appropriate for their weight. Newborns on the swigs should also be actively supervised to protect them from injuries.
Summary
| #1. Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing |
| #2. Fisher Price Papasan Cradle Swing |
| #3. Ingenuity Cozy Kingdom Portable Swing |
| #4. Graco LX Gliding Swing |
Check out more information and price on Amazon if you have an interest in such an item.