Swings' Staying Power

My swing was my life saver!!!! My boys loved the swing! I put them in it from the start. It had settings so low that it would bairly move when they were really young to higher settings that would keep them moving when they got bigger. Sometimes both even slept in the swing when they had colds and laying flat wouldn't allow for good breathing! Both of my boys used the swing way past a year old. Maybe this is way they love to swing to this day! I highly recomend getting one!! You might have good luck finding a really great used one on Craigs list.

each baby is very different. I am the mother of 3 girls 19, 17 & 14 and a 4 month old son. My son likes the swing sometimes but 2 of my girls hated it with passion. I have the papsan type swing from fisher price that swing side to side or back and forth and a travel swing I'm borrowing from a friend that only swings front to back. I will be putting my swing on craigslist to sell if you're interested. Its nearly new and neutral colors. It was given to me by my sister in law who's daughter hated it, so it was never used. I'm sorry if this seems inappropriate but with the economy you never know who to ask. either way good luck and congratulations.

My son is 5 months old and he just recently started liking the swing more. When he was younger he was not to fond and I thought I had wasted my money. I just kept introducing it to him and now he likes it especially if he is sleepy.

J.,
I don't remember when my kids stopped using their swings, but I do know that they came out with the ones without the bar across the top after my kids were beyond that age. If you can get one of those, as I felt really bad when I would lift the baby out just slightly the wrong way and hit their head on the top control bar.
W. M.

Many sleepless nights were made a little more bareable by the swing...you could try a resale shop though or Craigslist and save a few bucks!

The swing was a must have for us since the day my son was born. But right around when he learned to roll over (maybe 4.5 months), he started wanting to be out more to the point that we've put it away now - he's 7 months now. But maybe it'll be different for your little girl.

I used the swing for my daughter much longer than I should have. She loved it! When she started taking apart the mobile above her is when I realized she was a bit too big to use it, probably around a year old.

What a fun age!! I had a swing for both of my kids and with my son I had to stop using it around 4 months old when he started grabbing the pole as he swung past. My daughter used it until around 6 months and she'd shift her weight and make it unsafe. There are swings that don't have the poles along the side; these may be different, but the traditional ones can't be used very long unfortunately.
If you have any kid's consignment shops near you they usually have them for a good price since you wouldn't be using it for too long.

definately get her a swing, she will love it! sounds like she should have had one months ago, you will be suprised at how much you will be able to get done! J.

If your set on getting a swing I had one for my son (who ended up not liking the swing) that folded up. I believe fisher price made it. My daughter liked it a little but remember not all babies like the swing and by 6 months most are too old for it. I recommend an exersaucer - you can't go wrong. Both my kids were in theirs by 3 months. It's much better than a swing since they can reach and play with the objects around them rather than just lay there. You'll get a lot more mileage from it. They are in them till they can walk for the most part. Just remember don't over do it or they will get sick or it then when you really need them to be in it they'll pitch a fit. Most of them collapse so you can tuck it away if need be.
Also you can get great used ones on Craig's list. I just sold mine on there. you can pick one up for about $35 or $75+ new at Babies R us.

My son loved his swing. I think he was in it until he was around a year old. I would have continued to use it even longer, but he started grabbing on to the front legs and stopping the swing. When he did it, he was very proud of himself and would laugh like crazy. Like others have said, definitely get a battery-operated swing--otherwise you will spend half your time cranking it back up. Also, I highly recommend getting two sets of rechargeable batteries for it--that way you will always have charged batteries. I don't think they last as long as regular batteries, but I know we would have spent a fortune buying batteries if we hadn't gone the rechargeable route.

I suppose the appeal of the swing depends on the child. My first one never really liked it at all. The second one did. Where are you located? I have one you can try if you live close enough. If you're looking to get a used swing it can be yours as well.

It's been a while but I think my kids were in it until about 6 months. I bought a very basic swing second hand for $15. It was totally worth it! I would avoid the fancy expensive swings with all the "extras" and check out local garage sales and kids consignment stores, and craigslist.

Hi J.,
My daughter liked her swing as she got close to your daughters age and we really used it to help her get to sleep when she was either teething or sick. Like you I resisted getting one due to space issues, but eventually broke down. During the day though she liked her excersauser and a jumper that you hook on to a doorway. She would jump like crazy and giggle. Unfortunately nothing keeps my kids focus for too long so even to this day at 2 1/2 she still bounces from one activity to the next. Another thought is to just put her in a baby sling or baby carrier if your back can handle it. Good luck

both my 4yr old and 2yr old loved the swing until they had surpassed the weight limit to be safe in it anymore. we got a really nice one with music and lights, it also could swing from side to side or front to back. the swing will save you if you're wore out a need a moment for yourself.

Hi J.,
I have 2 boys that both used the swing till they were too heavy. My kids loved it. If you are worried about space, buy a portable, so that you can fold it and put it away when it's not being used, and take it anywhere. I took my potable anytime I went to visit someone, or went out of town. Hope this helps.

SWINGS ARE THE BEST THING EVER!!!!!

Even if you only get two months out of it -- that's two blissful months of relief from constantly tending to a baby. The first moment of peace I ever got as a new mom was from a swing.

Go get one.

p.s. - Love your description of your little girl as "luminous."

p.p.s. - Get a swing from a second hand place, if you're worried about it being short-lived. In hindsight I would have bought most baby and toddler clothes and items and toys from second-hand stores, because they are used so briefly.

My son loved the swing, it was wonderful. But did he use it long enough to make it worth buying? Hm. Not for the price of a brand new one probably, but if you can find (or borrow) one, YES do so! Look on Craigs list and places like that. Consignment shops usually will have a selection of baby um appliances?LOL

An exersaucer is something the baby will use for longer than a swing so if you can only get one thing, that'd be what I recommend as they use it till they are walking.

Hi, I have an 8 month old and she still loves her swing. We try not to use it too much maybe once or twice a day for no more than 30 minutes or so at a time. By the looks of it, I think we will continue to use the swing until the weight limit is reached. Good luck.

You have to get the plus in one that keeps going and has a button with music and a mobile for baby to look at. I got it for my granddaughter and she loves it.

The swing was the only thing that gave us some time for ourselves. Our daughter used it until 9 months old. I would not think twice!

Good Morning J.. I have used a baby swing with all 5 of my children. In fact just last week we got one down that I purchased 5 grandchildren ago!!
Besure to not get one that winds!! just as the child sleeps you have to crank it up and it wakes the baby. I know that the automatic ones now can run up to an hour. I have had children nearly 14 months old still using it ( I have used the old seat to make a new one that is larger if I need to. Then we get out the wonderful "johnny jump up" that can get used inside or outside and the child has a ball--. We took our swing just about everywhere but thats because I was working at the school library for an older sibling. If you prop up the head the baby will sleep well in the swing. In fact for a baby, that has trouble sleeping often they will be happy to do it in the swing.
Good Luck, in the great adventure of parenthood.It is special and I have found far more rewarding than anything else I have done. Nana Glenda

My older son used his swing until he was too big to fit into it, and my younger son used his only until he was about 8 or 9 months. In any case, buy it used. Buy everything you can used, and just get rid of it when it's outgrown. There's absolutely no reason to buy any baby stuff new, because babyhood lasts such a short time, and so much is available.

My kids outgrew their swing long before they tired of it! You can probably find a good used one- the covers are washable.

get the swing!! lol. it will save your life on many occasions!!

My son liked his swing until he was 6 months old. The thing with some kids is they either like the vibrating chair or the swing. So I wouldn't spend much money. You can look on Craigslist for a cheap one and wash the cushion. Then when you're done with it, you can re-sell it on Craigslist. (just be careful when selling things on C-list.) If you have a friend w/a baby who has a swing, ask if you can try your baby in one first. I definitely recommend one of these: the vibrating chair or the swing. I personally like the vibrating chair better.