Last Updated on April 20, 2023
So, is swinging baby too fast harmful? When a new member comes to our little family, we are so overwhelmed and enthusiastic. We bring lots of baby stuff in our house just to make sure the little one is cozy and comfy.
At the same time, we want to ensure these things are safe and aren’t harmful to our newborns. As we all know that a baby swing is entirely safe if we use it as a soothing device, not the replacement of a crib.
But we need to know, is it harmful to swing a baby so quickly? The reason is the only task of a swing is to soothe our little one. When it is cradling, the baby gets calm and snug. So, does it mean if we swing the baby faster, he/she feels even better?
Well, the answer is very straightforward with a big “No.” If we swing the baby fast, they don’t feel better. In fact, it is very harmful to the little one. There are some guidelines for newborn swing safety; you can read this by following the link.
Anyways, I’ve described below why swinging a baby in arms too fast is harmful and what kinds of damage it can do to your baby if you do so. So, continue reading!
What Happens When Swinging Baby Too Fast?
As the newborns are so little, their brain and neck muscle is still developing. When you swing them so quickly, their brains and neck can’t handle it, and that results in damaging their brain cells and neckline. In medical science, it is known as Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) or Shaken Baby Impact Syndrome (SBIS).
SBIS is dangerous, and it may happen to an infant if the baby is thrown or shaken. So, you shouldn’t allow swinging the baby fast, throwing it in the air, or shaking roughly to prevent injuries.
Don’t forget at the beginning, the baby’s head is large enough, whereas the neck muscle is so weak. So, it is difficult for the puny neck to hold the head up. Due to this, a faster swinging may damage and create massive pain in the little one’s head.
However, letting the baby swing in regular motions for short periods under supervision is considered safe. There are some safety guidelines to keep baby safe when in swing. You should follow these tips to prevent injuries to your baby at the time of swinging.
What Is The Best Swing To Use?
Most top manufacturers like Graco, Fisher-Price, 4moms, and Ingenuity have made their products meet the necessary safety standards to keep SBIS away. But make sure when you buy a swing, it is JPMA certified. I like some swings that are the top-notch quality and provide extra safety to your little one.
1. Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing
Graco simple sway is one of the best baby swings to swing lovers for its features and value for money. The reason I like this Swing is that it comes with a multi-direction seat.
So, you have more options to soothe your baby. Even its front to back swinging will help cure baby colic.
Additionally, 6 adjustable swing speeds will help you find the right soothing pace according to your baby’s preference.
I appreciate its two-speed vibrations. It will make a gentle massage kind of feeling to your little one, making him so comfy.
It is a plug-in baby swing as well as battery operated. So, it saves you money on batteries.
Ten melodies and five nature sounds will keep the baby calm and relaxed.
Moms who have purchased this Swing are quite happy with the product. And you can surely have one for your baby too!
We also have a guide on baby swing for bigger babies and baby swing under $100. These swings are excellent for large babies and will not break the bank. You may get ideas by following the link.
Also read: Best Portable Baby Swing With Ac Adapter & Buyer Guide
2. Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams Cradle ‘n Swing
It is another top-quality baby swing that you can get for your little one without any hesitation. It also provides you with two ways to swing. Side to side cradling will make the little one comfy and cozy, whereas head to toe swinging will stop colic. You can get ideas about colic baby swing by following the link.
The thing I like about this Swing is its 2 reclined seat positions. It will let you put the baby flat (which is the perfect position for infants) to a more upright position.
Additionally, the six speeds swing motions will allow you to adjust the movement the little one prefers. So, you get multiple options to calm down your baby when crying.
Don’t forget the seat is machine washable, which is the most crucial feature of any baby item. When it gets dirty, you can clean it in no time.
Its 16 soothing songs and nature sounds will keep the baby relaxed when awake.
All in all, the body-insert and head support will provide extra safety and great comfort to your baby.
Parents who have invested in this product are super happy, and they recommend all moms to get one for their baby too!
Related: If you want to reveal some other excellent baby swings for colic, this guide might help you: Top 8 Best Baby Swing For Colic
Does The Baby’s Age Factor Into Swinging Time And Speed?
No matter what age the baby is, you have to put the baby in a swing not more than 30 minutes at a time. When the baby falls asleep, it is advised to move him in the crib or bed. It means you shouldn’t allow the little one to sleep in the swing.
The reason is baby lays in a swing more sit-up position, which is not recommended sleeping posture for the little one. It might make her difficult to breathe.
That is why you should move her to the crib or any sleeping-oriented flat surface when she falls asleep. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics↗, You should keep the baby under four months in a reclined position in the swing but not more than 30 minutes at a time.
And what about the swing speeds? When the little one is younger, you have to set the lowest speed. A four or five month’s old baby can’t handle the high amount of speeds of the swing. But as the baby grows, her brain and muscle get full-grown, she can get accustomed to quicker speeds.
You can increase the swing speed at a higher level each month. But don’t forget your observation is mandatory. You should use the swing in the daytime when the baby awakes. If she falls asleep while getting soothes, move her to the crib.
Final Verdict
So, I hope you have already figured out that swinging a baby too fast is not recommended. In fact, it may create massive damage to the newborn baby. But as she gets older with time, you can adjust the swing speed with the little one’s preference.
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Jenny Lord, MSN, RN is a certified nurse and mother of three children William (11), Phoebe (10) and Daniel (6). She has worked in the healthcare industry for over 9 years. She has done her undergraduate degree from Canterbury Christ Church University and worked as a Nurse at Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. Jenny is also a former Midwife, so she understands that experience can be very different in the hospital environment than what you may have heard or read about childbirth. Read more
Dr. Leah Alexander is a board-certified general pediatrician and has been practicing pediatrics at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000. Since 2005, she has been working as an independently contracted pediatrician with Medical Doctors Associates at Pediatricare Associates of New Jersey. She also enjoys cooking outside of the medical profession. Read more