Beyond back and forth
Explore the latest baby swing models, designed to do more than just move back and forth. Many modern infant swings have multiple settings so parents can choose both the speed and the type of motion. They may swing to and fro, rock side to side like a cradle, bounce lightly up and down, or glide forward and back (mimicking the motion of a traditional nursery glider chair) or side to side – mimicking the patented swaying motion new parents know so well. Check out a 2-in-1 swing that operates with baby sitting up to play or reclined to sleep. Or in some cases, “2-in-1 swing” means the infant seat can be set to either move or be stationary. Some models are described as a “3-in-1 swing” which often means that it’s a multifunction unit that can swing, glide, or be stationary. Many new baby swing types are fully programmable so parents can create a custom swing session, complete with automatic music and vibration. Once you have your infant swing set to help baby wind down for a nap, you can take a much-needed, hands-free moment for yourself.
More than just motion
Among the best baby swing perks: a variety of sensory features, including calming vibrations of varying intensity, which can help calm infants and help send them off to sleep. Some swing and rocker models include motorized baby mobiles with moving toys that captivate babies’ attention – their smooth motion helps create that desired sleepy state. Especially popular and important are the wide variety of soothing sounds: from soft lullabies and classic tunes to happy melodies for wakeful moments to serene nature sounds and white noise. These programmable features allow parents to create the serene setting that’s perfect for their baby’s sleep schedule by choosing the duration, volume, and type of sound. Some high-tech models even feature Bluetooth capability so parents can stream baby’s favourite songs as they swing or sway. If you choose a higher-tech infant swing or electric bouncer, you’ll have the option to plug in the unit for operation, or to use battery power.
Swinging for soothing or for sleeping
Newborns and young infants love being in motion, but that can be hard on parents! A baby swing can provide that soothing, calming sensory input while giving parents some much-needed hands-free time. Today’s infant swings are designed to be not only stylish to blend in with indoor decor, but also lightweight and portable, so babies can enjoy a nursery swing, a living room swing – even an outdoor swing. With proper supervision, a baby swing can add a lot of joy to your growing family’s down-time together, allowing parents to give older kids, partners, and pets lots of one-on-one attention, too.