Baby swing

Sascha3 · December 2011

I'm thinking of not getting one. The pediatrician of my girlfriend who had twins told her not to get one because the babies get used to needing motion to fall asleep and they need to learn to sleep on their own.

In all the times we have stayed at their house, or they have stayed at ours, she just puts them to bed when they get fussy and they lay there and go to sleep on their own. I have never heard them cry themselves to sleep, they just know and understand bedtime. So I am wondering if there is some truth to this?

Anyone else choose not to get a swing or use one with their other babies?

FarmvilleLover · December 2011

I've heard of that before, but it wasn't enough to sway me not to get a swing lol! I am a total band wagoner though.

AfterAll · December 2011

We had one for DS1 and are using the same one for this kiddo. I think as with anything there needs to be moderation. I didn't put him in it all the time to sleep or nap, sometimes he was in there, sometimes the bouncy, sometimes the crib, sometimes laying on us... he never had any problem sleeping without motion.

megaloo27 · December 2011

I think it is important to establish good bedtime routine, and put them in their beds to sleep. With that being said, I have a swing and intend to use it. Once they get a little older they enjoy being in the swing awake and hanging out. It can be a great help when you need to keep them entertained so you can get stuff done.

besu-chan · December 2011

I think the idea is to make sure you put them to bed drowsy but not asleep (aka don't let them fall asleep in the swing) but I don't see why you couldn't still get a lot of use out of one. We ended up receiving two swings (hand-me-downs) so we even have one for each baby, but I am definitely planning to try not to let them fall asleep in them. A lot of babies just like the rocking motion, but I've also heard that some hate swings, so one thing you could do if you're hesitant is to see if you can borrow one or use one when you are over at a friend's house after LO gets here and see if they like it or not before you invest in one.

MissusW · December 2011

I think it really depends on your baby. We were very specific about the swing we wanted and he only likes it when it's not on. *shrugs* I was able to put him in there last night without him screaming but he would never make me happy and go to sleep in it Wink

SweetHurricane · December 2011

(I'm lurking here from January 2011 because I love seeing your cute babies and birth announcements)

I think it really just depends on the baby. We let DD nap in her swing until around 6 months. Night time sleep was always in the crib though. From 3 weeks old and on, we just laid her swaddled in her crib and she'd go to sleep. I know we got really lucky with that, but I think it proves that she did not rely on the swing motion for sleep.

Tracilaroo · December 2011

You can always use the swing not for sleeping but for activity or entertainment. I think a lot of fussy babies find the motion soothing and if it stops the crying and makes them happy then I'm all for a swing. It's also a good option for somewhere to stick the baby while you do other stuff (clean, cook, etc). You can always use a bouncer for this but the swings usually have music and mobiles that can be entertaining. You don't have to turn the swinging motion on.

crystalw13 · December 2011

I have a friend whose baby would not sleep without the swing. SHe had to pack this ENORMOUS swing in her car if she had anyone babysit him. I laughed so hard when I first saw her packing this huge thing around. Having said that, I have one that was given to me. I won't use it as my first line of defense, but I'm willing to use it if I am desperate.

SoonToBeMsP · December 2011

We aren't getting one. (Well, that might be a lie. We found a Mamaroo for $30, so I guess that is kind of a swing. But we're not getting a "normal" swing. )

Not 100% for that reason (space is a bigger issue), but I have heard that. But like you, I've seen kids who do use a swing go to bed with no issue. I've seen the opposite though.

nothingbuthappy · December 2011

It all depends on the baby! I'd get one to have on hand just in case - believe me, times grow DESPERATE!!! My daughter would only fall asleep in the swing or my arms from 2wk - 3mo. At that age though, they're going to be held or rocked or swung to fall asleep anyhow. I've never seen a 1 mo old be put down wide awake and just go to bed. The swing (imo) isn't for the long haul, it's for those early days...without it I never would have been able to take a shower!

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