A baby swing might be one of the most practical items for a new parent. It can allow you time to rest, do your chores, or even go to the bathroom. Not to mention that it can keep your baby occupied and entertained. But when do babies outgrow swings?
Generally speaking, the right age when you should stop putting your baby in a swing is from 9 to 12 months. Furthermore, a baby outgrows their swing when they’re about 24 to 30 lbs of weight.
However, you may want to note that this doesn’t go for all babies since it’s not a fixed rule. Some babies can outgrow swings sooner or later than other infants of the same age.
To make things easier, we’ve put together this guide so that you’ll understand when exactly when babies outgrow their swings.
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When Do Babies Outgrow Swings?
You should know that this usually differs from one baby to another. Plus, you’ll find all the important details by checking the instructions that come with the specific swing you’re using.
See, each swing comes with age and weight limits that you need to pay attention to in order to ensure your baby’s safety.
Now, let’s approach this topic more in-depth, shall we?
Baby Age Limit
Newborn babies are welcome to enjoy the coziness of a baby swing. However, the maximum age when they’ll still be allowed to use it is about 24 months.
Although we’ve already mentioned that a baby usually outgrows a swing at the age of 9-12 months, this could change depending on the type of swing.
For instance, some options are only prepared for babies of 0-6 months of age. Other swings have a maximum age limit of 9 months. Ultimately, some swings can keep up with your baby’s needs from birth until they’re 24 months old.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless. So, before you decide to ditch the swing, you may want to take a look at the age limit provided by the manufacturer first.
Baby Weight Limit
The baby’s age isn’t the only determiner of whether or not he should stop using his swing. Another important factor is his weight. This is because some babies might weigh a bit more or less than the average weight for their age.
To stay on the safe side, you may want to take your baby off the swing by the time he weighs 24 to 30 lbs. The reason behind this is that most swings on the market will safely embrace this weight.
Of course, all baby swing manufacturers state their products’ maximum weight capacity. You should check it out even before the age recommendation to ensure your baby’s safety.
Also, it’s important that your baby stop using the swing as soon as they reach the maximum weight limit. Even if he’s still comfortable enough in it, putting too much weight on a baby swing might cause it to break.
Of course, this is the last thing you want.
The Amount of Time That Your Baby Spends in It
Sometimes, it’s a better idea to get your baby out of his swing, and this doesn’t have anything to do with his age or weight.
If your baby can’t fall asleep or relax after spending about 30 to 45 minutes in it, then you should probably put him somewhere else. This is because swings can make babies dizzy or nauseated with their movements if they’re used for too long.
In addition to that, fully depending on a baby swing to put an infant to sleep can affect the bond between him and his parents. It’s essential that your baby gets a lot of skin-to-skin contact. It’ll make him feel secure and loved, which is every parent’s goal.
Your Baby’s Behavior and When They Outgrow Their Swings
Other than the factors that we’ve mentioned, your baby’s activity remains a crucial indicator of whether or not he should use his swing.
Some babies are calm by nature and they tend to fall asleep easily. If your baby is one of them, you’ll only have to wait until they get to the maximum weight limit to stop using a swing.
On the other hand, some babies are climbers. They can become restless at 9 months of age, and they’ll want to get out of their swing. In this case, it becomes pointless trying to keep them in place.
You can always try to put your active baby in a harness or a doorway jumper. However, if he still tries to climb out, he might get tangled up. Your safest option here is to let him roam the place and discover his surroundings.
Just make sure that the room is baby-friendly, then let him begin his journey on his hands and feet!
Why Should I Invest in a Baby Swing?
If you haven’t bought a baby swing yet, you might be missing out on a lot of advantages. We’d be delighted to point them out in this section.
Gives You Time to Get Things Done
Undoubtedly, this is the number 1 reason why parents go ahead and get a baby swing. In doing so, you’ll be sure that your baby remains safe and relaxed while you do your everyday tasks.
Whether you need time to work from home, do the laundry, or take a quick shower, you’ll get the chance to do that. Just make sure someone is always in the same room with your baby.
Keeps Your Baby Safe
You can’t just leave your baby in his crib, especially when he’s a few months old. You need to be able to keep an eye on him while you do other things.
A swing is a great portable option that you can carry to any room you’re in. Also, because it’s specifically designed for babies, it should hug his little shape and make him feel comfortable.
Entertains Your Little One
Baby swings are available with many features to keep your baby occupied. Most swings have toys hanging over your baby’s head to keep him busy. Other products have several rocking speeds to calm your baby down and put him to sleep.
Some babies need to be carried and rocked for hours before their eyes begin to close. For babies who cry nonstop, electric swings should be perfect. They come with different motions to match your baby’s preferences.
How to Keep My Baby Safe Inside His Swing?
Baby swings don’t usually cause any issues. However, there are a few safety tips that you may want to follow to ensure your baby’s well-being during his time on the swing.
Don’t Leave Your Baby Unattended
This tip goes without saying, especially if your baby begins to show his intentions to get out of his swing. If the parent isn’t around to monitor their child, the baby’s movements might cause the crib to fall to the side.
Always take the baby to the same room you’re staying in. This will ensure you can keep an eye on your child and make sure nothing strange happens. As tempting as it is to do something in a different room, don’t do it!
Put the Swing in a Safe, Open Area
You should make sure that your baby uses his swing in a flat, open space. Also, don’t place him near pets or other small kids.
As you probably know, young children and house pets might be curious. They could mess with the rocking program of an electric swing or bother your baby. It’s worth noting this applies to both baby swings and bouncers.
Keep the Toys Away
Most swings feature little toys or decorations to capture the baby’s attention. These objects are usually out of the baby’s reach. Yet, if your baby is older, he might still be able to catch one of these toys.
Always make sure that your baby doesn’t have any access to these items. They could cause injuries or choking, especially if they’re tiny.
Monitor the Swing Closely
Check the movement of the swing every now and then. If you notice any unusual behavior, stop using it to avoid injuries due to malfunctioning. If your swing does break, you can usually fix it by following our guide on how to fix baby swings.
Remember to use the safety harness provided with the swing to keep your baby as safe as possible.
Use Suitable Options
As we previously discussed, 30 minutes on the swing should be enough for your baby every day. This should keep him from feeling dizzy or uncomfortable.
Another great tip is to use slower speeds with young babies and faster speeds with older kids. This is because, as the baby grows, he might become easily bored. So, it’s always a good idea to take things up a notch.
Wrapping Up
A baby swing is one of the best inventions of modern times. It gives the parents enough room to go about their day, not to mention that it acts as a safe haven for the baby.
But when do babies outgrow swings?
After reading this article, you know that the answer to this question is a mixture of more than one factor. It’s all based on the baby’s age, weight, and behavior. It also depends on the type of swing – if it’s a swing hanging from a tree, your child will be able to use it for a long time.
The most important thing to remember is to never put your baby in a swing if he’s past the recommended age or weight. This is to ensure his safety and keep him comfortable, which is every parent’s dream.