Are Baby Swings Safe? What Parents Should Know

Published in Today's Parent

You finally get a minute to yourself—maybe to tackle a few chores, maybe to sip a cup of coffee that’s been reheated three times, or maybe just to breathe. Then, like clockwork, the crying starts.

Most parents have been there. No matter what time of day it is, babies have a way of needing you the second your hands are full or your body finally relaxes. That’s where baby swings can really come in handy. When used the right way, they can be a lifesaver, offering a few precious hands-free minutes while gently soothing your little one.

Like any baby gear, swings come with some guidelines. The good news? With a few simple safety tips, you can use them with confidence and make the most of the support they offer during those nonstop days of early parenthood.

Why parents turn to baby swings

Dr. Harvey Karp is a pediatrician, child development specialist and author of ‘The Happiest Baby on the Block.’ According to Karp, rhythmic motion, like the gentle movement of a baby swing, gives infants a cozy, soothing reminder of their days in the womb. 

“Our little ones can get overwhelmed by the noisy, bright and busy world, or sometimes bored when there’s not enough to look at,” said Karp. “Both situations can make babies a bit cranky."

Swings with white noise or mobiles can engage baby’s senses during those tricky moments, and offer a moment of peace and quiet for overwhelmed parents.

Essential safety rules for using a baby swing

Fasten the five-point harness

Wendy Potter is chair of the Board of Directors at Baby’s Breath Canada, a foundation focused on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and providing support to families experiencing infant loss.

According to Potter, parents looking for a baby swing should find options with a secure and adjustable five-point harness. These safety belts feature shoulder straps, lower body straps and one strap between the legs—much like a car seat. When properly fastened, the harness can prevent baby from leaning forward as the swing moves.

A 2019 report by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) found that, between 2014 and 2016, portable baby swings were associated with 11 deaths in children under five years old. Most of the incident reports described babies, usually unrestrained, rolling from the swing into a face-down position.

Remove choking and suffocation hazards

Do a quick scan before placing your little one in an infant swing. Potential choking hazards like buttons, hair clips and coins should be out of baby’s reach. 

Less obvious hazards, like blankets and pillows, should also be avoided in an infant swing. This extra bedding can cover the baby’s mouth and nose, presenting a serious suffocation risk.

Pay attention to recalls and the manufacturer’s instructions

“An infant is dependent on the design of a product in order to maintain their position,” said Potter. "They do not have the muscle strength or control to maneuver around if they are compromised."

When using a baby swing, sling or bouncer, follow the advised weight and age limits.

Parents can also check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the Government of Canada website for information on current safety standards and recalls. If your child's swing is missing an important function or has a faulty design, it's best that you are quickly informed.

Check the swing’s base

Do not place infant swings on countertops, sofas, or changing tables. Instead, put them on the floor, away from hazardous objects and elevated areas—these devices are designed for use on stable, firm, and flat surfaces only. 

When buying a baby swing, look for devices with wide, non-slip feet. This important feature prevents the swing from shifting as the baby kicks or sways.

Understand proper support and positioning

Look for an infant swing with a reclined position and support for baby’s head and neck.

Even if the device has strong safety features, like this one, Potter recommends supervising your child while they are in the swing.

Can babies sleep in a swing?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep in cribs or bassinets with fitted sheets, not on a couch, bed, or baby swing. 

“Swings put babies in a semi-upright position that can cause their little heads to flop forward, which may block their airway,” said Karp. “This is especially risky for our tiniest babies—under four months—who haven’t yet mastered head control.”

This risk of obstructed breathing is called positional asphyxiation. Babies who spend a lot of time in their swing can also develop flat head syndrome — a misshapen spot on the side or back of their skull. Supervised tummy time is a great way to prevent this problem while improving baby's motor skills.

Alanna McGinn, a sleep consultant and founder of Good Night Sleep Site, says that infants can form a habit of falling asleep in a swing. When this happens, move your child to a safer sleep environment immediately.

Breaking the habit with alternative soothing techniques

“If your little one has gotten used to dozing off in a swing, don’t worry,” said Karp, who recommends using his five S method to help babies enjoy safer sleep spaces.

The five S technique involves swaddling, shushing, swinging, sucking, and holding the baby in a side or stomach position—comforting sensations that mimic the womb.

When your little one is resting with arms snug by their sides, add some rumbly white noise and offer them a pacifier. “This combo can work magic for soothing most swing-loving babies,” said Karp.

These white noise machines are a great place to start. Parents who don’t want their baby falling asleep in swings might also turn to the SNOO, a bassinet which uses white noise and gentle motion to calm babies while keeping them flat on their back.

“It delivers all that wonderful, womb-like rocking but safely, flat and all night long,” said Karp, who invented the high-tech smart sleeper. “This helps babies—and parents—transition away from the swing."

How to choose the best baby swing for your family

While looking for a new baby swing, remember to prioritize options with a sturdy base and a secure, easy-to-use harness.

If your family is frequently on the go, consider looking for portable and compact designs. For example, a battery-powered baby swing might be a good fit if you can’t always count on access to an outlet.

Another feature that parents will love, regardless of their lifestyle, is removable and machine-washable swing covers. Check reviews for advice on cleaning your baby swing, and look for mentions of motor noise.

This guide to buying an infant swing features options with mobiles, timers, toy bars and music.

Knowing when your baby has outgrown the swing

After buying a baby swing, save the instruction manual or jot down its maximum capacity. When baby reaches that age or weight limit, it’s time to donate or sell the swing — or keep it in storage for baby number two!

If your little one can climb out of their swing, or sit up without assistance, they are too old for the device.

A baby’s lack of interest in the swing might also signal that they are ready to move on. But if your infant swing is age-appropriate and safely designed, they will likely enjoy the soothing motion — just ensure that baby is awake, securely strapped in and supervised.