BOUNCER VS. SWING: DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE

Do I need a bouncer and a swing? Every new parent asks this question! The quick answer from experienced moms and dads is – yes, you do need!

Undoubtedly, kids bring much joy and happiness to parents’ lives. It’s a true miracle to watch them grow, spend time with them, teach them new things. But, let’s be honest, parentship is not always merrymaking! All of us have tough moments – baby desires to be on your arms all the time (and it’s normal), you feel exhausted, have numerous house chores, you don’t have time for yourself, and other family members require your attention. How to cope with all that stuff? First, get your partner or somebody close to help you. But not only that! You need modern tools which will entertain or soothe your little one while you are busy. Lots of parents like swings or bouncers. They are both excellent pieces of baby equipment, which can help you to free your hands while keeping your little sweetie captivated. We understand you are not made of money and can’t buy both these devices. But you don’t really need to! In this post, we are talking about swing vs. bouncer for babies so that you realize the difference between them and can choose which one is better for you and your little wee. Keep reading!

The best baby bouncers are versatile devices that provide a safe and comfortable environment for a child. They stand on a small base and have several reclining positions so that a baby could have a nap or play there. These padded seats can be bounced with your hand, feet or a baby, while kicking, bounce the chair himself/herself. Basic models are lightweight and compact, so you can carry your item around the house.

There are lots of advanced models on the market; they can vibrate, swing or rock. Also, they boast great features like toys, music, sounds, etc.

Generally, baby bouncer entertains and/or relaxes an infant. However, you’ll find different types of bouncers available on the market, which perform a bit different functions. Let’s distinguish them.

• Basic type – an infant chair that bounces by baby’s kicking or parents move it by hand or foot. It comes without any extra features or accessories, so it’s lightweight, compact and portable.
• Door bouncer for kids – this type is designed for little ones older than 6 months. This item teaches a baby to control his/her movements; kids can stay captivated for a long time thanks to such bouncers!
• Baby activity bouncer – it’s an automatic baby bouncer that features plenty of accessories; it can soothe or entertain your little one, depending on what you need. Lots of parents like vibrating baby bouncers since they comfort a baby and get him/her to sleep.

The best baby bouncers combine features of a bouncer, rocker, and swing.

Overall, a high-quality bouncer, be it basic or advanced, is a win-win device for parents and a kid.

When Can Baby Use Bouncer?

The first question that we get from parents who are choosing between bouncer vs. swing is “When can baby use bouncer?” We’ve got good news for you – there is no need to wait until a certain age, you can use a bouncer for a newborn. Safety harness and reclined seat keep your little wee secured. However, before making a purchase, read the manufacturers’ instructions to get to know whether there are any restrictions for use at a certain age. How long will a baby use a bouncer? Generally, basic bouncers are meant only for babies up to 6 months, or until they can sit. Besides, all units have height and weight restrictions, consider them too; and if your baby overgrows his/her seat, it’s time to retire it. However, you can find toddler bouncers available on the market, and you can choose the model which will grow with your kid.

How Long Can My Baby Stay In A Bouncer?

As you already know, you can put your newborn in a bouncer. However, don’t keep him/her there for more than 30 minutes since newborns must lie on a firm mattress in the bassinet or crib. Infants can stay in the bouncer longer – up to 2 hours.

Lots of parents ask if a little one can sleep in a bouncer. Well, pediatricians and childcare experts recommend sleeping on the firm surface free of hazards. In other words, a little one mustn’t sleep in a bouncer. However, experienced mothers say that children always sleep better in this unit. So, you can let your sweetie have a nap in his/her chair during the day-time. But don’t leave him/her for a night!

The best baby swings are free-standing, elevated seats that allow a little one to sit at a reclined angle. They can be basic, manual baby swings or have various extra features and accessories like vibrations, tunes, sounds, toys, etc. Baby swings have a soothing effect and can lull a baby to sleep or, contrary, they can entertain your little one while he/she is awake.

How do these units work? They make repetitive motions like those a baby experienced in utero. Swings can be real life-savers for parents who have a fussy child or the one who is difficult to put to sleep. Advanced models can move in multiple directions and at different speeds in rocking or bouncing motions. After several uses, your little wee will prefer some settings over others.

When Can Baby Use Swing?

The same as a bouncer, you can use a swing for your baby from a newborn age, just make sure that his/her head and body are well-supported. Mostly, these units have special, removable bolsters that provide better support for newborns. Besides, read the manufacturer’s info before buying to make sure that height and weight limits fit your baby.

You’ll have to stop using the swing as soon as the baby learns to sit upright without assistance (about 6 months).

How Long Can Baby Use Swing?

Rules are the same as for baby bouncer – a newborn can stay in a swing for up to 30 minutes while infants can play or sleep there for about 2 hours. If your little one loves to sleep in his/her chair, let him/her nap there during the day time. But, remember that pediatricians insist on sleeping on a firm surface during the night to avoid health hazards.

No matter if you choose a swing or bouncer for your little wee, you must know and follow certain safety rules, which are almost the same for both models.

• Know the weight and height restrictions of the bouncer/swing and do not use the unit if your baby outgrows it.
• Stop using the bouncer or swing once your kid can rollover or lift himself/herself up (5-6 months).
• Never and ever leave a child unattended n the chair.

• Always use a safety harness, even if you watch your little one.
• Never put a seat on the elevated or/and soft surfaces, place it on the floor.
• Do not leave a child sleeping in a swing or bouncer for a night, it’s dangerous for his/her health.
• Choose a model made of safe and durable materials. A frame must be sturdy, while a fabric must be natural and soft.
• Look for a non-slip grip bouncer/swing bottom.
• Make sure that the base is durable, wide and do not tip over easily.

As you can see, the rules are easy-to-keep and don’t demand too much from you as a parent. But, please, do follow them to be always sure that your little wee is safe and happy.

Now when you know so much about baby swing and bouncer, it’s time to learn the difference between them; after that, you’ll be able to make your final pick. So, baby swing vs. bouncer – compare them in detail.

• Size

One of the most essential aspects to consider before making a purchase is how much space you have at your home. Bouncers are much smaller than swings, thus, will take less space; plus, they are travel-friendly due to the modest size. On the other hand, some swings can be folded and stored away. But for what reason to buy a baby swing and then keep it somewhere?

• Portability

A standard baby swing is quite bulky and high, it doesn’t have folding and storing features. The unit takes much space in the room and it may be challenging to move it around the house. Contrary, a bouncer is relatively small, and its base is low. You won’t experience trouble carrying it or even taking the unit with you on far trips.

• Price

Normally, swings are more expensive. However, the price depends a lot on the brand and features. For example, a bouncer can cost about 20 dollars, but a unit with advanced features made by a well-known brand will cost about a hundred dollars.

Baby swings cost from 40 dollars to 200 dollars, again, depending on a manufacturer and characteristics.

• Source of power

Basic baby bouncer works with the help of another person or the baby’s own moves whereas swigs always need electricity, batteries or winding mechanisms to run.

• Motions

Bouncer vs swing differ in the way of motions. Bouncers that come without extra features have only bouncing motion, while swings can move side to side, back and forth, some units do both or even more.

Baby bouncers and swings are real helpers, and if you have tried one of them, you know it. Which one to choose only depends on your preference, budget, and size of your home. We, at parenthoodroutine.com, have been using both these units in our families and we all agree that they are great, each in its category.

Have you chosen the one for your baby? Please, tell us which and why!