How to Buy a Baby Swing

While some baby gear may be unnecessary for your baby, some of it can be absolutely life-changing. For many new parents, a baby swing is a definite must. Use it to soothe a colicky or fussy baby and to make nap times a little easier. Not all swings are created equal, and parents need to research the options and test out a potential swing before making a purchase.

Instructions

    • 1

      Read product reviews online and on sites like the Consumer Product Safety Commission to learn about the different brands of baby swings. Create a list of swings you would like to learn more about based on those that have gotten good reviews and ratings.

    • 2

      Test each swing you are interested in to see if it is sturdy and balanced. Put your hands in the seat and push down to see if the seat moves. Place a purse or other object in the seat and start the swing to make sure that it stays balanced.

    • 3

      Look for a swing that has a seat that reclines or adjusts. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies age 4 months and younger who sit in an upright position are at risk of slumping and suffocation. You should only use the swing's most reclined position for young babies.

    • 4

      Choose a swing that has adjustable straps. Adjustable straps are essential to keep your baby from falling out of the swing even as he grows and becomes more mobile.

    • 5

      Inspect the mobile. Any items that are hanging over your baby should be easily removable or your baby could become tangled in -- or injured by -- the mobile.

    • 6

      Choose a swing that has a removable seat cover. Babies are well-known for spit up, vomit and diaper blowouts, and a removable seat cover can be removed and machine-washed rather than washed by hand.

    • 7

      Evaluate the additional features. Some swings have multiple speed settings, play music or a rotating mobile. Choose a swing that has the features you want that still fits in your budget.

    • 8

      Check the weight limit. Newborns will be able to fit in any baby swing. However, if you want the swing to be useful for as long as possible, choose a swing with a higher weight limit.

    • 9

      Identify recalled models. Once you have narrowed down your list of choices, research models for recent recalls. If you are purchasing your swing in the store, you won't be able to buy a recalled swing. However, if you are purchasing a swing on the secondary market, there is a chance that the model you are looking at has been recalled for safety concerns.

    • 10

      Check the warranty. Many things can go wrong with a swing: the power source could die, the music box could break or the seat could become loose. If you have a warranty, you'll be able to get your money back or get a replacement swing.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Give a Son a Zerbert or Raspberry
      When a parent spends significant blocks of time playing with his or her child, the bond between them increases, the child can better handle daily stress and the little one learns that he is important to his mom or dad. You dont need to plan an elabor
    • How Can My Baby Become a Model?
      Babies are by nature adorable and more often than not, parents will receive compliments from friends, family and even strangers that reinforce the notion of how cute and charming their child is. After repeatedly hearing such glowingly positive feedba
    • How to Dress Your Baby Like a Hipster
      Though your baby is probably not too concerned with indie rock music, independent thinking or protesting mainstream culture, dressing him like a little hipster can be amusing for Halloween or a quick trip to the coffee shop. Neighborhoods outside of