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Do Swings Make Babies Dizzy

Do Swings Make Babies Dizzy? (And Why It’s Important!)

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Baby swings can be helpful if you’re a busy parent who can’t hold and cradle your baby all day long. They can also be helpful if you have other children. It’s nice to be able to put your baby peacefully in his or her swing while you tend to your older kids. This baby equipment can lull your baby to sleep or calm them from crying since the gentle rocking reminds them of their warm, safe space in their mother’s womb. However, parents must be aware of certain safety precautions when using baby swings.

Do baby swings make infants dizzy? Your baby swing can make your child dizzy, even during normal use. With improper or prolonged use, however, there is a risk for dangerous conditions like brain hemorrhage or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Continue reading to learn what makes baby swings potentially dangerous, as well as some steps to avoid an accident in your home.

Swings Can Make Some Babies Dizzy During Use

It is crucial for parents to learn the proper setup and use of baby swings. When you’re unaware of the precautions you need to be taking, you could risk an accident happening with your infant. In 2005, 1,800 children under the age of five were injured by these swings. Also, studies report that one baby on average dies from swing use each year.

Your baby could start to feel dizzy if he or she is left in the swing for too long. Keep careful watch over your child and check to make sure they are not getting dizzy from the baby swing. To check, take a look at their eye movement. Some dizzy infants will have circular eye movements or their eyes will move back and forward. They might also cry due to discomfort or even vomit if they get too nauseous. If you notice these symptoms, contact your child’s doctor.

If your child is exposed to too much dizziness and imbalance from a swing, they could experience issues with brain damage or brain hemorrhage.

Rough or Prolonged Swinging Could Be Risky

Do not leave your baby in their swing for too long to avoid issues with prolonged swinging.

30-minute intervals is an ideal time limit.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that you do not let your baby sleep in the swing. Sleeping for too long in the swing can actually pose a threat to your baby’s breathing. In their swing, they are in a position that could make it harder for them to get sufficient oxygen to their lungs and risk suffocation or SIDS.

Staying in a baby swing for too long can also make your child dependent on the rocking motion when trying to fall asleep. You want your baby to be able to soothe him or herself to sleep with or without the rocking motions.

Last, spending too much time on the swing can impact your baby’s connection with their parents. It’s way more beneficial for an infant to be comforted by mom and dad than an inanimate swing.

Make sure to use the swing as the manufacturer intended. Read the owner’s manual to take note of the manufacturer’s restrictions on the age and weight of your baby. Also, be careful to put together the baby swing correctly, following the provided instructions step by step.

What Age Can You Use a Baby Swing?

Infants can start safely using a baby swing as early as a newborn. As long as you have securely strapped your newborn baby into the harness, your child should be fine to use a swing. Just remember to start with the lowest speed first.

Your baby’s weight will determine which kind of swing you should get and how long you should use it. Most baby swings can efficiently hold babies up to 28 pounds.

When you are trying to decide when you should stop using the baby swing, it will depend on the type of swing you have and your baby. Some models are more durable and built to support heavier infants and toddlers.

However, to prevent your child from climbing out of the swing and potentially hurting themselves, you should stop using the baby swing when your infant can roll over on their own and push up to a hands and knees position. Being mobile in this manner means that your baby could be capable of flipping over in their swing, knocking it over, or even falling out of the seat.

How Long Can a Baby Use a Swing?

The best recommendation is to allow your baby to swing for 30 minutes at a time to reduce your risk for SIDS. This allows your baby enough time to be comforted and soothed, while still remaining protected against staying in the swinging chair for too long.

Resist the urge to keep your sleeping baby in the swing. You will not disturb them. Limiting their sleep time in the swing will protect your baby’s health in the long run.

After 30 minutes, gently move your sleeping baby to a safe, flat surface to finish their nap. Some baby swings will even come with a timer setting, which is useful to many parents. You can utilize this timer to make sure your baby does not swing for too long.

Recently, I also looked at whether or not baby swings expire if you want to check out that article!

Can You Swing a Baby Too Much?

Avoid letting your baby swing too much. Try out 30-minute swinging intervals with probably no more than two sessions per day. You don’t want to keep baby in the swing too much of the time because young infants can benefit much more from interaction with loved ones and moving freely during tummy time.

When you keep your baby strapped in a seat, they will definitely be safe. However, this prolonged seating will restrict their movements and make for an immobile baby. Your baby needs to be able to practice holding their head up independently and starting to make crawling movements.

Can a baby swing too rough for my baby?

It depends on the type of baby swing you have. Some models will only rock in simple back and forth directions. Others, however, are more sporadic.

For a younger, smaller baby, it is best to purchase a gentle rocker to soothe them. Some movements may be too rough and drastic for a new baby. These quick, harsh movements can put your baby at risk for Shaken-Baby Impact Syndrome, which can damage your baby’s brain cells and keep them from developing properly.

To remain safe, try to find a swing with multiple speed options. For your newborn, start on the lowest setting. The high settings may be too rough and harsh on your baby. But, once your baby gets older, he or she may prefer a higher speed. Adjust the settings for your individual baby’s age, weight, and temperament.

Is It Okay to Swing Your Baby in Your Arms?

It is always ideal to soothe your baby in your own arms. Sometimes, that’s the safest place for your baby to be. However, you must be mindful that your motions are not too much for your infant.

Remember to hold and handle your baby with gentle care. Avoid vigorously bouncing and swinging your small infant who is not yet able to hold up their head. These movements, while they may seem like fun bonding, can pose a threat for Shaken-Baby Syndrome if you aren’t careful.

Here are some more important tips to keep in mind while using a baby swing in your home:

  • Securely connect the safety harness across your baby’s chest before turning the swing on.
  • Do not leave your baby in the swing unattended.
  • Keep your older children from pushing the baby in the swing.
  • Do not place your baby’s swing on a tall surface, like a kitchen counter, dining room table, or bed.
  • Avoid putting your baby in the swing right after feeding. This rocking motion could upset the baby’s stomach and cause spitting up.
Joshua Bartlett
Joshua Bartlett

My name is Joshua Bartlett I run this blog with my wife Jarah. We have more than 11 years of parenting experience including three girls and one boy. I started this blog in late 2018 when I realized that I was dealing with baby-related issues on a constant basis…please read more about me here!

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