When to Stop Using an Infant Swing

When it comes to soothing a cranky baby, an infant swing can make all the difference in a parent's day. Though these gadgets can provide soothing back-and-forth motions, they can also present a hazard to your little one if used improperly. There are several considerations that come into play when parents are deciding whether it is time to stop using their infant swing.

  1. Growth Limits

    • Swings are designed to lull your little one to sleep, and you may be eager to continue using yours for as long as possible. Most indoor infant swings can support children up to 25 or 30 pounds, though the weight limits vary by the swing's manufacturer, according to ConsumerReports.org. Check your swing's instruction manual or contact the manufacturer for information on weight limits. If your child exceeds the weight limit, stop using the swing immediately. It can also be dangerous for little ones to use swings if they have the ability to climb out, according to Kathleen Alfano, director of child research at Fisher-Price.

    Swing Integrity

    • Buying a used infant swing may save you money, but it can also pose a safety risk to your little one, according to ConsumerReports.org. Used swings may include broken parts or they may not meet current safety regulations. If you are not sure about a swing's integrity and whether it is safe for use, stop using the swing immediately. If a swing easily tips, folds up or the cradle surface moves during use, stop using the swing right away, according to "AAP News," the official magazine of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

    Recalls

    • The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission website regularly posts recalls from a variety of infant product manufacturers. Even if you own a swing and it appears functional, stop using it immediately if you learn it has been recalled. You are likely to receive a refund or a replacement for a recalled swing.

    Additional Information

    • Following all of the guidelines listed in your swing's instruction manual can help keep your little one safe. If her swing does not have a harness, or the harness breaks, stop using the swing immediately, suggests ConsumerReports.org. If your little one has outgrown her swing, there are still plenty of gadgets -- like infant gyms -- to keep her engaged and occupied.

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