Swing or bouncer?

Happy2BPregnant · January 2013

I have left the swing and/or bouncer off my registry and now I'm having second thoughts. STMs did you feel like these items were a must? Did you prefer one or the other? How long can the baby use the swing or bouncer? We live in the city and don't have a ton of storage so any feedback would be great.

elizhope · January 2013

I like both. They serve different purposes. The bouncer was a good "chair" for baby. Ours had some lights and toys that hung overhead for them to mess with. So it was helpful when I was cooking dinner, taking a shower, etc...

The swing was awesome for calming them when they cried, getting them to sleep sometimes. But if I had to choose only one, I would pick the swing.I could live without a bouncer

They really only use them for about 5-6 months. Once they start sitting up on their own and such, its not safe to keep them in them

ninambutler · January 2013

I'm not a STM but I am a nanny and I would say at least one would be very helpful. They help baby sleep and its something to stick baby in while you're cooking, cleaning, showering, etc. I would look at some secondhand shops if the price is a concern. I got a bouncer for 7 and a swing for 20! If storage is the issue, the bouncer is very small and they make mini swings that take up very little floor space and can even fold up to go in the closet when not in use. I actually saw one seat that was a swing and bouncer combo and was very compact. I would look into that!

Abeja1226 · January 2013

Omg my vibrating bouncer saved my life. It was the only thing besides me holding my daughter that soothed her. I actually learned how to sleep while hanging one foot off the bed maintaining a slight bounce to the bouncy while my daughter slept there. This went on for months. She never loved the swing, the bouncy is nice because it's convenient to sit them in if u need to be doing something or what not. To me it was a lifesaver.

jmayamama · January 2013

Theyre good for different things. The bouncer was great to use while I was taking a shower or cooking...swing was good to keep him happy while we ate dinner or if he needed to be lulled to sleep (our swing could lay flat).

ETA: we had a small swing that folded flat, as space was a concern for us, too!

nyki06 · January 2013

I was glad I had both. Neither were purchased off of my registry so I was bought them both used, which worked great.

DanandVan · January 2013

3rd-time-mama here, and I think I would choose a bouncer, although in all honesty a lot will depend on your baby's disposition. We had a swing and bouncer for both our babies. Baby #1 HATED the swing from day 1, so it never really got used until baby #2 came along. She liked it, but it was never something we really depended on. Was the swing totally necessary for us? Nope. I prob wouldn't even have a swing this time around except my sister is giving me hers.

A bouncer on the other hand is a great place to plop baby while you are showering, washing dishes, making dinner, etc. Its easy to transport from room to room. I think our kids used the bouncer till about 6-7 months when we transitioned them into an exersaucer during those times we needed to have our hands free.

HML5382 · January 2013

I had both and liked each for different reasons, but if I had to pick one it would be the bouncer. I definitely used it more since it was so portable. I brought it in the kitchen for cooking, bathroom for showers, over to my friends and families houses... The swing was nice but not nearly as versatile and cost a whole lot more.

watermellens · January 2013

we had both and used them both often. We had a bouncer at my MIL's and mothers house too so we didn't have to travel with one and we had somewhere for LO to sit if we were eating.

DS took great naps in his crib until about 4-5 months (not every nap, but sometimes once a day).

If I HAD to choose one, I'd pick a swing. If you're worried about space, you can get a smaller travel one.

Angela814 · January 2013

Loved loved loved the swing for both girls. With DD1, it was the only way I got 5 minutes to actually eat a meal. DD2 was less fussy, but she loved the swing also. The bouncer was kind of take it or leave it. It was just somewhere convenient to set baby if I had to go to the bathroom, load the dishwasher, etc.

ann_jeremiah · January 2013

We have both from DS1. He hated the vibration on the bouncer. I would put him in it in the bathroom when I Would shower when I was home alone. The swing didn't get a ton of use...

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