Baby swings often become essential for many families as they are great for freeing up the hands on a busy day and can help keep your child entertained. It also provides a change of pace for your little one as the motion of the swing will often soothe your baby to sleep. However, misusing a baby swing can be hazardous. Though your baby may look relaxed sleeping in the baby swing, letting them stay asleep in this position has been regarded as risky by experts.
Why Is A Baby Swing Unsafe for Sleeping?
Parents should know that any time their babies are placed to sleep somewhere that is not flat, firm surface their babies are at risk. Infants should always sleep on a flat surface and on their backs rather than on their stomachs or sides. This is to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The experts state that babies are put in harm's way any time they are placed in a rocker, a baby swing, or a baby carrier to sleep during the first year of their lives. This is applied for both naps and nighttime sleep. Plus, falling asleep in an upright position can cause your baby's head to slouch forward, which may be a hindrance to their breathing and is considered a risk of suffocation.
Should your baby fall asleep in any of those mentioned, you should move them to sleep on their back on a firm surface as soon as possible. Waking your baby may seem disheartening, but keeping your sleeping baby in a swing is dangerous.
Safest Ways to Use Baby Swings
Here are some safety tips for making baby swings a safe place for your little one.
- Do not allow your baby to sleep in the baby swing — if they fall asleep, transfer them quickly to sleep on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface
- If your child is below four months, have them sit in the most reclined position on the swing — this minimizes the risk of them slumping forward and potentially suffocating.
- Ensure the baby swing can't tip over and fold up easily.
- Always check to ensure all straps and harnesses are correctly positioned and in use. Baby swings that can recline greater than 50° should have shoulder straps to keep your child in place. All belts should be fastened every time the swing is in use.
- Do not use baby toy mobiles that can easily be pulled off.
- Check the baby swing's weight limit — don't use the baby swing if your baby's weight is over the limit.
- Make sure the baby swing is steady — it should not be placed on uneven surfaces or top of other furniture.
