I have a wierd guilt thing over baby swings....Dh loves to put Kiko in the swing and he will sleep for quite a while as long as you keep rewinding it.

I just hate to use it because I feel like he's being drugged(LOL)...his eyes get all glassy and he stares at me and then nods off to sleep..

Can the swing make a baby sleep even if he is not tired? It almost seems hypnotic....

It looks so uncomfortable. Why don't they make it so it inclines a bit so they can sleep more comfortably....more like a car seat.

Me and Eliah made cookies this morning....I put Kiko in the swing and have been rewinding it as it slows down. He had been sleeping for over 2 hours(he never sleeps that long anywhere else). I keep checking to make sure he is breathing(LOL)....

I have gotten so much housework done in this time!!

But I feel a bit guilty...

fiona

By Jelygu on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 05:27 pm:

I used a baby swing too! Don't feel guilty, sometimes you just do whatever works. Just as long as he doesn't spend too much time there I don't see the problem in letting him nap for awhile so you can get things done or nap!

By Kaye on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 05:34 pm:

Of my three kids 1 used it alot, 1 didn't use it at all and 1 used it on occasion. I promise she will let you know when it is NOT okay. Also as long as your child isn't in it for huge amounts of time, a good 2-3 hour nap is fine, but 6 hours in the swing can't be a good thing It shouldn't replace you, but it should be a helpful addition to your life.

By Happynerdmom on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 05:53 pm:

My dd loved the swing, and it was a lifesaver at times! I agree that it can be used too much, but a few hours at a time is a good thing!

By Emily7 on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 07:18 pm:

I don't see a problem with using a swing every now & then. As long as he gets time doing other things. I don't think anything can make a baby sleep if they don't want to!

By Dawnk777 on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 09:44 pm:

My first daughter loved the swing and when we were getting ready to go away for the weekend, it was nice to put her in the swing, and not have to worry about her being underfoot!

My second daughter never liked the swing. Go figure! So one kid used it and one kid didn't!

If it allows you time with your other son or for you to get something done, I say go for it!

By Coopaveryben on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 10:20 pm:

My kids loved the swing, but like you I felt like my DH used it a bit too much....it made them sleep when they didn't need it. My middle has always been small, he used the swing until he was about 18 months old, he would get upset and ask to go in it.

I don't think there is anything wrong with it, they are entertained and happy and it allows you a little freedom to do the things you need to get done.

By Andi on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 11:28 pm:

Uhhhhh, where do you think DD is right now???? Her swing! She loves it and takes her nap in it every day. It's one of the only things that will calm her down and put her to sleep when she is really tired.

I would die without our Aquarium swing or the vibrating bouncey. I don't know how our parents did it without all these wonderful inventions . Oh ya, my #1 favorite item...my Baby Bijorn carrier!

By Fionadeassis on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - 12:28 am:

Yup-when Kiko is really overtired or fussy I will put him in the swing.....o.k.....I feel less guilty now...

By the way Andi-how is the thrush? Ours is still here, but way less. I am starting to not be so vigilant because I am getting tired of the whole thing. Hopefully it will not come back in full force....

fiona

By Jackie on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - 10:09 am:

Oh I wish my baby liked the swing...She is 5 1/2 weeks old, and doesnt like the swing, bouncey seat(vibrator on or off, hates them both)or the car seat if she is awake. I guess we have spoiled her LOL ..She will stand it maybe 30 seconds and she is crying.. We just brought down the swing a couple of days ago. My first child loved the swing, he could take naps in it too. My 2nd child did not like it, and this one is following the same pattern. Even with the the older kids on the floor in front of her talking and singing to her, she still cries..
And she is only starting to tolerate the stroller being awake.

By My2girlygirls on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - 10:16 am:

Don't feel bad ladies, my neice had colic so bad and the swing was the ONLY place she would sleep. The Dr. told my sister-in-law that it was fine as long as she was getting held and cuddled also. She slept in the swing every night for the first 7 months of her life. They went through batteries like crazy. They felt guilty but she just would not sleep anywhere else. They tried everything and stumbled on the swing one day when she wouldn't stop crying. My SIL put her in it so she could "Walk away" because she was so frustrated and my neice immediately fell asleep and slept for 3 hours for the first time EVER. So, don't feel bad. My neice is now 12 and a perfectly normal kid (as normal as a 12 year old girl can be) :-) :-)

By Rayanne on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - 10:25 am:

Rylee used her swing all the time. We don't use it anymore, but it was my lifesaver. I got so much done when she was in it. Don't feel guilty.

By Palmbchprincess on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - 12:17 pm:

We used the swing for Maddie, and Shane preferred his bouncy chair. I have many a picture of my DD sleeping in her swing. I don't think it's harmful unless it's a constant thing. You're doing fine Fiona!! Guilt is the curse of motherhood, IMO... we all suffer from it!!! I'm not a big Dr. Phil fan, but he recently had an article about bing a guilt-free mother in O magazine. It was pretty interesting, you may want to check it out.

By Audreyj on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - 12:55 pm:

We used a swing and I volunteer at the church nursery and they use swings as well.

My daughter spent (almost) her entire second year in an "Exersaucer" a big plastic circle with toys built into it and a seat in the middle. I felt kind of guilty about it (like keeping her in a cage!) so I understand. But she cried every time we took her out of it. It was her favorite thing to play with, so, I let her play.

By Cakekisses324 on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 11:27 pm:

My baby boy (7mo) loved his swing. I hate that he has grown out of it. He loved it. I agree, as long as its not being overused, its a lifesaver!