Baby Swings
Kerri Stalton

When a baby decides to cry his eyes out and cling to you for dear life, there's not much a mother can do. Dinner will have to wait, just like everything else. Life comes to a grinding halt until your little one is ready to let you go. But, thankfully, this is not a regular thing with most healthy young babies. Mostly, the baby is happy to let go of its mother for short periods if his or her needs are taken care of. That is where baby swings come in handy.
Baby swings are designed for indoor use, and typically consist of a seat suspended by two arms attached to a frame. The frame has wide-standing and tubular metal legs, which prevent it from tipping over easily. Swings can be battery-operated or windups. The windup model provides 20-30 minutes of movement. Battery-operated models are driven by a motor, and emit a low swinging sound with each passing of the swing. Battery-operated swings are by far the most popular. This is because a battery-operated model usually has a sleek look, some attractive additional features, automatic speed controls and baby-sound activation. A front play tray is also available for placing toys. The downside is that you may find these models a little too noisy for your liking. The best thing to do is to try out the display models in the store. If possible, it is always advisable to 'test swing' your baby on a friend's swing. Very rarely, some babies do get agitated by the to and from motion of the swing.
Baby swings are lightweight and portable, so they can easily be moved from room to room. Some are more mobile than others. A standard size swing usually eats up a huge chunk of space and may not be easily accommodated in a house that has limited floor space.
Uses of baby swings:
When a baby needs to be soothed for whatever reason (it could be colic or a stuffed nose or a tummy ache), a baby swing can be a lifesaver. Some babies just don't sleep unless they are carried around. This can be an immense strain on parents. The regular rhythmic motion of the swing calms the baby and is very useful when your baby needs to be asleep in a semi-upright position. Many babies spend quite a bit of time snoozing comfortably in their swings. A swing can also keep an energetic baby occupied for a few minutes to an hour.
Necessary features:
A built in crotch post will ensure the safety of your baby by preventing him from sliding out of the swing. Most models also come with a safety belt.
Portable: A good swing must have a wide sturdy stance. You should be able to fold or dismantle it when it's time to put it in storage.
Upholstery: The seat cover should be plush and should be machine-washable. Multiple reclining positions are an attractive bonus as they allow you to adjust the posture of your baby. This may become especially important if your baby takes a nice nap while swinging, as many babies are prone to do.
Adjustable swinging speeds are an attractive feature. If the swinging is too fast, your baby may get frightened or upset.

Baby swings help keep your baby quiet and happy, while giving you a momentary release from the non-stop duties of being (super) mom or dad. Though your baby is the most vital part of your life, it is just as important for a parent to get some personal time for relaxation every day.