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How Long Do Baby Swings Last? How to Extend the Lifetime of Your Baby Swing
If you bought plenty of fancy stuff for your first baby, then you’d want to know if it can still be used for your second or third children. Baby swings are among the big-ticket objects that you’d want to keep in the family for a while.
These items are also passed around between friends. Sometimes, they’re resold, or donated, as used items for other families to enjoy.
In all these cases, there’s an important question to ask: how long do baby swings last?
Well, it depends on two main factors; the materials that the swing is made from, and whether or not it contains electronic components. The usage and storage of the swing matter too of course. And they can either shave-off or add years to the expected expiration date of the swing.
On average, swings last from 3-7 years. This depends on the usage, storage, and of course, on the type of swing. The heavier duty swings that cost more tend to last 5 to 7 years, while the more economical swings last 3 to 5 years.
In the following sections, we’ll cover everything you need to know about baby swings’ longevity. This article will help you make sure your baby swing won’t break down and keep it in tip-top condition.
How Do Swings Expire?
Any object you use ages and eventually loses its functionality. Some of these objects live longer than others, and we call that resilience or durability. It’s worth noting that there’s a category that gains value as time passes by. Like diamonds for example and antiques.
Then again, some stuff just becomes outdated quickly, and newer models take its place. Mobile phones are like that, and these devices expire even before they lose their functionality.
Some people argue that swings do not have the same stringent safety issues that a car seat has. And to them, the question of how long baby swings last doesn’t require an exact answer. However, there are clear risks to using a swing that’s not 100% intact.
Infants should only use furniture and devices that are completely safe and clean. A faulty swing could come unhinged and the baby would fall off. That’s unacceptable and totally avoidable. Observing some signs on the swing is more important than only reading an expiry date.
Swings expire when:
- The stand or support is unstable
- Parts of them start cracking.
- The plastic breaks into slivers.
- The supporting rope shows wear and tear.
- Rust appears on metal pieces.
- The paint peels off.
- There’s molding on the padding.
- The fabric has soiled parts.
- The padding is torn.
- If the motor is inconsistent.
- A battery leaks inside the base of the swing.
- When electronic components stop working.
Swings would also be considered off-duty if they’d been left out in the backyard under the elements for the whole season, or if they weren’t well-stored.
Chances are they’d get unwanted germs and become unhygienic. So even if they appear to be functional, they should still be discarded. Infants are much too fragile to be around such contaminated things.
You can check all these points before buying a used swing. Or prior to deciding that the swing that’s been in the family for a decade can serve one more year.
On average, swings last from 3-7 years. This depends on the usage, storage, and of course, on the type of swing.
How Many Types of Swings Are There?
The varieties of baby swings can be overwhelming. Each manufacturer sells around twenty different models. They come with different designs, options, and finishes. Here are the basic types.
Hanging swings
This is the simplest type. Hanging swings consist of side supports, a top bar, and a tiny little chair hanging by ropes. The rope part could be interchanged with a chain or a metal tube in some swings.
The tiny chairs are often secured by safety belts. And their backs and sides are raised to support and protect babies.
Most of these classical swings have seats made from canvas. Like the Hibinate Swings. They usually have padding and cushions for protecting the baby. While some come with rubber or hard plastic seats, to facilitate cleaning and maintaining the swing. The Squirrel Products swings are a good example.
These types are more often used in public places, but some families prefer them. Especially, if they’ll be placed in the backyard or porch.
Most of the aging signs are seen in the rope. It would probably look frail after a couple of years. The supports and seats often take longer to show their wrinkles. If you could replace the rope, then you’ll salvage the swing, and give it a facelift for two more years.
Beyond that, the rubber or canvas of the seat would be damaged, and the supports might very well become wobbly. And speaking of canvas; if it’s heavily soiled or moldy, even early on, then it needs to be changed completely. Washing wouldn’t be sufficient.
Electric Swings
Most infant and little baby swings come with a motorized base. They have varying degrees of complexity, from playing a melody to detecting the baby’s mood and adjusting the swing accordingly.
The high-end swings are AI-controlled and literally soothe the baby as she starts to cry! The Graco Sense2Soothe Baby Swing has that mechanism. Usually, the software and electronics that run these functions become unreliable after 3-5 years. It might not be a good idea to test its limits too much beyond that.
Simpler swings like Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams Cradle ‘n Swing or the WANGTAO Baby bassinet Swing might last a bit longer. They have simpler motors, and their coverings are washable. The metal supporting frame will start aging long after the motor does, so 5-8 years could be a good estimate for these types.
Hybrid Swings
There’s a subtype of electric swings which is pretty much a hybrid. These are swings with a motorized base and a detachable crib/chair that could be used as a rocker. The Graco EveryWay Soother Baby Swing and the Fisher-Price Deluxe Take-Along Swing & Seat are like that.
Here, their lifespan as swings might come to an end. But, they could resume their functionality for a few more years as seats or rockers. Motors usually expire long before frames or covering materials.
Would Different Materials Expire at the Same Time?
That’s a rhetoric question of course!
Swings are often made from a metal frame, supporting ropes, plastic parts, mechanical parts, and covering materials. In the case of electrical swings, there would also be a motor, electrical components, and the software to run and control the unit.
Clearly, they’ll start showing wear and tear at different rates. The swing is as sturdy as its weakest part. That’s a good rule of thumb.
So when the electronics or motor stop responding, then the swing should be off duty. This is often the cue, as the other components are sturdier than that. Most swings come with washable coverings, and it’s rare that the fabric would be torn or worn out in less than 5 years.
Plastics, PVC, and rubber start stiffening and cracking after about 7 years. As for metals, they start to rust, buckle, or bend after about 5 years. Premium quality materials would last longer, and the opposite is also true.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Swing?
Is it possible to make your swing last longer? Yes, it is. Like any appliance or device, swings should be well-maintained and treated with care. This automatically adds 30% to the lifespan of any device.
Here are a few more tips to keep your swing with you for the longest time:
- Match the baby’s weight to the swing’s weight capacity.
- Clean up any food spills or diaper leakages immediately.
- Charge the battery when it reaches 50%, don’t deplete it.
- Don’t leave the charger connected to the battery after it reaches 100%.
- The swing is not a substitute for a parent’s embrace, use it occasionally.
- Store the swing in a wide space, wrap it in plastic film, and don’t put heavy stuff on it.
- Store the swing in an upright position.
- Take the battery out before storing the swing.
- The storage room/cabinet shouldn’t be humid or moldy
- Don’t leave the outdoor swing outdoors during bad weather.
- Don’t place the swing beside a window, heater, or A/C.
- Wash the covering material routinely as recommended by the manufacturer.
The Bottom Line on How Long Baby Swings Last
Having a baby swing around the house is certainly a nice addition, and it adds so much cheer to the family. When your baby is giggly and enjoying the swing, your heart will smile for the whole day.
Swings will also take the burden of soothing your baby by carrying and rocking her. Parents who need to do this several times a day know how exhausting it can be. Furthermore, when your baby gets used to her swing, she’d spend more time over there, and leave you with extra time on your hands.
This of course sounds like bliss. But remember also that your kids develop through movement and exploration. So vary their ways of entertainment and engagement. Playing on the rug is quite often as fun as sitting inside the swing, so don’t let them miss out on that.
The bottom line is that swings can stay in good shape for years. The usual is 3-5 years, but they could last for up to 8 years with proper usage. So when your baby outgrows it, the swing will still be functional for your next babies.