Baby Swing Safety
Using the proper baby swing is as important to your baby’s safety as using the proper car seat. When taking your child to the playground or pushing him or her on the swing in your yard, take the time to understand the respective safety rules for your infant or toddler so you can minimize the risk of accident or injury. This starts with choosing the right swing for your baby depending on his or her age.
Choosing the right swing for your baby
Infant swings should feature a back high enough to support the infant’s head. Look for an adjustable model suited for children ages six months to three years so you can use it longer. When the child is younger, use the swing in the reclined position to support the neck and keep the baby from falling forward in the swing. The swing should also feature a three-point harness that fastens over the shoulders and around the waist to secure the baby in his or her seat. No matter what, you should not put a baby younger than six months in a baby swing since the child’s neck muscles are unable to support the movement.
Toddler swings should have a harness or a bar that slides up and down and locks into place to secure the child in the seat. Some toddler swings feature a tray for snacks or a toy as well. As mentioned earlier, you can usually find a combination swing that reclines for babies and sits upright position for toddlers.
Bucket-style baby swings are not safe for children who cannot support their own heads. These swings come in two styles made of molded copolymer. The half-bucket style supports the back and wraps around the sides with a covered chain crossing the lap and latching at one side. The full bucket style wraps all the way around with leg openings built in to the bucket seat.
For older toddlers, there are novelty baby swings shaped like airplanes or dogs. These molded plastic swings are sturdy, but most feature lower sides or a simple waist strap instead of a harness so make sure your baby is old enough to use it.
Taking the right safety precautions
Safety doesn’t stop with the swing itself. Once you have chosen the right swing, and securely fastened your baby into the seat, be sure you are pushing the swing safely. Stay close at all times. It only takes a second for a baby to slip in a baby swing and you need to be close enough to catch the baby if something happens. Also, don’t push too hard. Swinging at this age should be a gentle rocking motion, not fast or jerky. Finally, before you begin pushing a baby swing, make sure the area is clear. You don’t want a collision between the swing and a child on the ground who isn’t paying attention – an accident like this could injure both children.
Be alert for your baby’s signals while swinging – if he or she doesn’t seem to enjoy the motion, wait a few weeks, and try again.
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