The olden days when we used to play in the park till way after dark, street lights shining the way for us to get home, those were good times. The park equipment wasn’t like it is now, all padded and rubber flooring, no we had rough and tough materials. Metal bars welded together and grass patches with minimal grass and maximum stones and sand.
The swings were my favorite which is why this topic is so appealing to me, not because I’m putting my child into park swings before they can walk, but that sensation of your tummy doing flops against gravity was brilliant. I’m sure this is why babies are always laughing and smiling when put in a swing chair.
That feeling where you are tingling inside from the pull, and the anticipation that is going to happen again anytime soon. Exhilarating. For a trip down memory lane click here https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/379428337327317689/?lp=true and be taken back to those carefree days with the wind whipping your knotty hair around and you loved it.
What is a baby swing?
Similar to that of an adult swing a baby version has a sturdy frame where the chair is attached, except having a nicely padded seat or pad to lie on, the back and forth motion is the same. This simulating the movement to when the baby was in the womb and rocking in all directions as the mother walked, jumped or ran around.
With newer models, the direction can be alternated to keep baby stimulated or entertained going from the standard front to back and adding in side to side jiggling. Add to this soothing music and cute toys hanging in your face it almost makes you want to invest in one for ourselves, I’d love to be rocked to sleep with dream music playing in the background.
Swing vs Bouncer vs Rocker?
As discussed the swing is essentially a suspended chair that moves on its own when pressing the ‘on’ switch, where the rocker chair differs is that the chair or seated part is connected to bow-shaped legs that are curved and rock over the floor. You simulate the movement by tapping the edge to get it going and it slowly winds itself down till you tap it again.
These are great if you are on the move as they are less bulky and fold up in some models to quite a compact size, easy to pop into the trunk as you need. Simply open it next to the table at lunch and a slight nudge is all it takes to keep baby content as you sip on wine and crackers.
Lastly, is the bouncer. The simplest piece of equipment out of the three, as it serves mainly for newborns up to 9months and who can’t yet sit unaided. Once they have filled out a bit and start to kick their arms and legs around, they soon realize a quick kick and the chair is bouncing up and down. Babies begin to realize the effects of a cause.
But if you are at the beginning stages of collecting all the pieces required by babies, and trust me they accumulate quickly, have a look at the Top 5 Reviewer’s best baby swings for a head start into all things baby filling your house.
How to choose a baby swinger?
Depending on the dynamics of your lifestyle will determine the model or style of swinger which will suit you best, opting for one with all the trimmings will naturally be a bit pricier but take into account it will also be bulkier. If it’s just for the house then this option is great for parents who are busy but want to keep the baby entertained for a bit.
If it’s something you’re needing to have on the go with you, look for a foldable easily assembled version. And a big thing would be to look for a plug-in option if this is available as most use batteries, however, you end up going through a stack before you know it and end up having to do shops runs just to keep baby content.
One factor to consider and to look for when out shopping for a swing is its level to the ground. You want something low and sturdy so that if the baby was to lean over to one side to look at something, he won’t topple over.
There are added features and extras such as display mobiles and stimulant trays, be sure that these clip off so you can take baby easily in and out as well as clip it off when baby is asleep. This quick video gives a simple yet effective explanation of the ins and outs of what to look for, and help guide you in the right direction to make the best choice.
4 Advantages of using a baby swing.
- New to the world. When a baby is born everything is new and somewhat scary, being in a moving chair can create a soothing rhythm that baby recognizes from the womb and help settle them into the world in the first few weeks.
- Naps. This can be a lifesaver for parents who are trying to get baby down for an hour or so to be able to give a quick hoover around the house, it’s been known for babies to fall asleep reasonably quickly once placed in the swing.
- Awake. As great as it is to help baby sleep, it can also be used as a safekeeping for baby to sit by you while you cook or fold laundry. Toys trays can keep them occupied and you have your hands free to carry on with household things.
- Portable. Moving baby with you around the house or in a restaurant or visiting friends, they are constantly stimulated and learning from new environments. Simple portable versions are great for this reason.
No matter the model or style you choose for your baby, seeing a little smile makes everything worthwhile. And if this by using a fun baby swing, all the better.