What to Know Before Buying a Baby Swing

It may feel like buying a baby swing is almost as complicated as buying a new car. There are so many specs and features to compare, different colors, shapes, and sizes, and—of course—safety measures to keep in mind.

Many parents think about buying a baby swing to allow them to get a break from endless rocking, shushing, and lullaby-singing. If that sounds like you, there's no need to stress over all of the choices of baby swings before you.

We're here to help. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about buying infant swings so you can make a confident choice about whether it's right for you and your family.

Should You Buy a Baby Swing?

First things first—do you really need a swing for your baby? No! It’s a totally optional addition to your baby registry.

But need and want are two different things, and many parents find that their swing turns into an invaluable tool for surviving the first few months of their child’s life. 

Newborns aren’t huge fans of being put down, especially in environments that don’t closely mimic the feeling of being snugly held against a heartbeat or rocked back and forth in the arms of a parent. While a swing doesn't come close to substituting for the real thing, it can keep some babies happy enough to free up your hands for a bit. 

Baby Swing Safety

A swing can be a perfectly safe way to entertain and distract your baby during the day when you need a break. Before you buy a swing, though, it’s important to know its intended purpose. 

“[A swing can be] instrumental for occupying a child during daytime, maybe when you’re in the vicinity and want to give them a place to rest and hang out a little bit,” says Gary Kramer, MD, a private practice pediatrician in Miami, FL.

While many parents rely on the infant swing to get through the day, you shouldn’t use it to get through the night or for sleep. Keep these dos and don’ts for baby swings in mind. 

What to Look for in a Baby Swing

You have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a baby swing, but it’s hard to know what you’ll need until you get to know your baby a bit better. 

“There are many different swings [but] overall, what one child may like, another may hate,” says pediatric hospitalist Charnetta Colton-Poole, MD, FAAPS. 

Swing features vary pretty widely by brand and model, but some of the most common features include: 

• Multiple speed settings for gentle soothing or more vigorous rocking
• More than one type of movement, i.e. side-to-side, back-to-front, bouncing, and vibrating
• Quick folding for portability 
• Removable covers for easy washing
• 5-point harness safety straps
• Long-lasting battery power or A/C adapter
• Multiple song options and/or nature or heartbeat sounds
• Adjustable seat for age-appropriate inclines

Best Ages for a Baby Swing

Instead of age, think weight. Newborns can weigh as little as five pounds or as much as 10 to 11 pounds, so there’s too much variability for swing manufacturers to make recommendations based on age.

Most swings set a minimum weight at five pounds (so you may not be able to use your swing right away if you have a premature or low birth weight baby). As far as a maximum weight, you’ll need to check the guidelines for your specific model. Dr. Kramer says most cap out at about 20 to 30 pounds, though it’s unlikely you’ll be able to use your swing that long. Once your baby hits some mobility milestones, it may not be safe anymore. 

“A larger child is going to be more mobile—rolling, twisting, and turning—and you don’t want them falling out of the swing,” he explains.

Exactly when your child will become this mobile depends on a lot of different things and can range from four months to eight months. Make sure you know what your baby is capable of, and keep an eye on what they’re doing when they’re in the swing. 

Tips for Using a Baby Swing

Keep these tips in mind to get the most use out of a baby swing, and keep your baby safe.

Choose a Flat Spot on the Floor

Swings should never be placed on furniture or on bumpy, uneven surfaces. It’s fine to bring your baby swing outside on a nice day, but make sure the ground is flat and stable.

You should also pick a spot out of the way of foot traffic, so nobody accidentally crashes into it or trips over it.

Adjust the Incline as Needed

Most swings can recline forward or backward, and the angle you choose depends on how old your baby is and their latest developments. 

With an infant who cannot sit upright unsupported, keep it in the most reclined position, says Dr. Kramer, who adds that very young babies don’t have strong enough head and neck muscles yet to accommodate a more upright seat. If it’s too upright, the chin can fall down to the chest and the child can asphyxiate.

After baby can sit upright unsupported, you can start to adjust the swing more upright—but Dr. Kramer says, at this point, it’s especially important to correctly use the swing’s shoulder straps to keep your baby in the seat. 

Don’t Let Your Baby Sleep in the Swing

Parents are more likely to let their guard down—and stop supervising their baby—when they’re asleep in the swing.

“Once the baby is asleep,” says Dr. Colton, “move them to a flat surface like the crib or bassinet.”

Always Be Within Eyesight of Your Baby

It’s tempting, we know, to lie down for a quick snooze, hop in the shower, or run next door to chat with a neighbor while your baby is cozily confined to the swing. But the reality is that tragedies can happen in a short amount of time with young children; your baby should never be left unattended in the swing.

Follow the Specific Directions on Your Swing

The easiest way to keep your baby safe in the swing you purchased is to follow your swing’s directions and guidelines.

Use any accessories—like mobiles or canopies—as instructed, buckle your baby in the seat with the original straps, and always stick to the swing’s weight guidelines for use, including when to start using the swing, when to stop, and how to position it based on their size. 

A Word From Verywell

As you can see, baby swings can be an invaluable help for parents in the first few months of their child's life. They allow you to be hands-free and take a rest from holding your little one.

If your baby ends up loving their swing, that's great! Just don't be tempted to let them sleep in the swing, no matter how cozy they look.