It's baby time and you're getting ready to buy a new swing, bouncer or rocker for your baby.
You may be wondering what the difference is between all of these products? What should you look for in a product? How much do they cost?
This article will cover those questions and more as we take an in-depth look at baby swings, bouncers, and rockers!
What is the difference between a swing, bouncer, and rocker?
☝ Swings are one of the most popular baby products because they can help soothe your baby to sleep. ☝ Baby rockers or bouncers provide a place for you to set your baby down that is more hands-free than an infant swing, but not as stationary as a bassinet.
What features should I look for when choosing one of these products?
Look at each unit and decide what type of motion/sound appeals most to you or that seems like it would be helpful calming down your baby. Some swings offer multiple settings so you can pick and choose what will work best with your baby in particular. If you're looking at an infant rocker, try it out in person if possible before the purchase. You might find some models are much harder to recline than others
Which one should I buy for my baby?
If you're looking for a product that will give you the most versatility, we recommend an infant swing . They can calm down fussy babies and provide entertainment as your baby gets older. ⭐ For convenience or travel purposes , consider buying a compact bouncer . Some even come with their own carrying case!
How can I keep my baby entertained?
Swings: Many swings come with toys attached and/or an adjustable seat that allows you to place more hanging toys closer or further away from your baby . Some swings even have MPC players built in! ⭐Rockers:⭐Check for models that allow you to move the toy bar higher, lower, farther out of reach (depending on how old your child is) as they grow so it will always be interesting to them. Also, look for ones where there are different speeds available. This way you won't run out of entertainment options anytime soon!
Why do some babies prefer swings over other items to calm them down?
Swings can soothe babies through a lot of different emotions. From side to side, straight back and forth, or even front to back. The motion itself is important but swings also use sound (music/white noise) to help calm your baby down too. ☝ Some models allow you to turn on multiple features like the seat that rotates around for naps while others play music all day long!
What about safety?
It's always very important when purchasing anything new for your baby (or children in general!) that it has been tested and deemed safe by an independent testing lab such as UL or JPMA.
You should look for these signs before buying any product:
Make sure there are no small parts materials used are non-toxic if you're concerned about the product having paint or finishes that could chip off, look for a model with high consumer ratings and ask your family/friends if they have tried out any other models you're considering.
How do you know if your child has outgrown their previous item?
Swings: This can be tricky because baby's growth spurts happen so quickly and many swings have a maximum weight limit that you want to stay below. ⭐Rockers: The age recommendations for these products will give you an idea of how long your child may use it before outgrowing the unit. Some units even come with removable seat padding so you can adjust the seat as your baby grows!
What should be done with an old swing, bouncer or rocker once your child has outgrown it?
Swings: If your baby is still using the swing past their first birthday, you may want to consider buying a new one that will grow with them longer. Some models even come in convertible seats so they can be used as an infant rocker or bouncer once outgrown ⭐Rockers/Bouncers:⭐ Just like swings, if your child is older than age one but hasn't stopped using it yet, look ahead and see how much he'll weigh at his next growth spurt. When this happens, these products often become more of a stationary seat rather than something for entertainment purposes. After all that hard work raising those legs while kicking around though, some parents choose to keep their old ones as backup!
What about side effects?
As with any product, there are always potential side effects that could be cause for concern.
Swings:
Some models can get very loud or squeaky when in use which may bother babies who like quiet environments. Another issue is the space it takes up (especially if you're using one on a daily basis) and how many cords/electrical outlets it requires to fully function. This becomes more of an inconvenience once your child starts moving around! Read reviews carefully before making this purchase because some parents also complain about their baby's head falling forward while swinging - something definitely worth noting!
Rockers/Bouncers:
These items come with much less risk but remember, these products are typically stationary so they don't offer much space for babies to explore. Make sure your baby is safe in the seat before leaving them unattended!
Swings/Rockers/Bouncers:
One major concern that parents have with all of these products is how hot they can get after prolonged use. Some seats even come with removable covers so you may want to check if this model has one since it's not always included!
