When Should You Stop Using A Baby Swing?

My daughter never really enjoyed her baby swing when she was an infant. For some reason she just didn’t take to it, despite my best efforts. She preferred her bouncer and playmat. My son on the other hand, loved his swing. It enabled my wife and I to have a few minutes peace a few times a day when he was a newborn baby.

However, as good as baby swings are for most babies, all good things must come to an end and you can’t use them forever. So when should your infant stop using one? It can vary between different products, but the weight limit is roughly between 20-30lbs. Furthermore, you should also stop using a baby swing once your infant shows signs they want to crawl out (usually around 9 months). So either go by the weight limit, or when you baby wants to get out of the swing, whichever comes first. Let’s delve into this topic in more detail.

When can a baby start using a baby swing?

You should check the manufacturer guidelines carefully but in general, you can use a baby swing from birth. However, if your baby was born premature, you should first check with your paediatrician. Also, you want the swing to be as flat as possible for newborn babies (some baby swings have different recline settings so you can use the product for longer).

When should you stop using a baby swing?

Your baby should stop using a baby swing once they reach the maximum weight limit as stated by the manufacturer, or when your baby starts crawling and tries to get out of the swing by themselves. Like all baby products, you need to ensure your little one is safe and sound when they use a baby swing.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) there were over 350 deaths related to baby swings between 2009-2012

However, it’s also possible your baby will just not take to the swing at all even when they are only a couple of months old. By all means, persevere with it for a while and see if they grow to like it. But if not, you’re probably better off just selling it (the swing, I mean. 🙂 )

What is the weight limit of a baby swing?

Most baby swings have upper weight limits of around 20-30lbs. However, while it’s tempting to go for one with a higher weight limit, remember once your baby is crawling, they won’t like staying in baby swing, and it’s also not safe for them to use one either. Considering most babies start crawling between 7-10 months, you might not be able to use a baby swing for as long as you intended anyway. Furthermore, the average weight of a 10 month old baby is about 20lbs, which is quite a bit below the maximum weight limit of most baby swings on the market.

What about the age limit?

Most swings don’t have an age limit. This is probably because all babies are different shapes and sizes and develop at different rates too. Therefore, it’s easier to just go by a weight limit instead.

Graco swing chair limit

Here are five of the most popular Graco swings and their maximum weight limits:

• Graco Simple Sway = 30lbs
• Graco DuetSoothe = 30lbs (18lbs when used as a bouncer)
• Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing = 30lbs
• Graco DuetConnect = 30lbs (18lbs when used as a bouncer)
• Graco Soothe My Way = 25lbs

Therefore, 30lbs seems fairly standard across most Graco swing products.

What age can baby go in a Graco swing?

You should be fine using most Graco swings straight away with a newborn baby, but check the instructions carefully. Sometimes the minimum weight limit isn’t specified (however, both the DuetConnect and Soothe My Way state 5.5lbs as the lightest weight a baby can be to use these swings safely)

Graco Simple Sway Swing

Ingenuity swing weight limit

Here are five baby swings produced by Ingenuity:

• AnyWay Sway = 20lbs
• InLighten Soothing Swing = 20lbs
• Soothe ‘n Delight Portable Swing = 20lbs
• Comfort 2 Go = 20lbs
• ConvertMe Swing-2-Seat = 20lbs

Therefore, it looks like Ingenuity baby swings have 20lbs as a maximum weight limit across all their products.

When can your baby start using an Ingenuity swing?

Like most baby swings, you should be fine to use any Ingenuity swing from birth but check the instructions carefully, particularly if your baby is a preemie. Some Ingenuity swings do provide a minimum weight requirement e.g. the Soothe ‘n Delight Portable Swing specifies babies should be at least 6lbs to use the swing safely.

Swing chair weight limit- other brands

Here are some popular baby swing options made by some other brands

• Rainforest Vibes Portable Swing – Bright Starts = 20lbs
• Whimsical Wild Portable Swing – Bright Starts = 20lbs
• Fisher Price Sweet Snugapuppy Swing = 25lbs
• Nova Baby Swing = 24lbs
• 4moms mamaRoo = 25lbs

Bright Starts Whimsical Wild Baby Swing

Which baby swing has the highest weight limit?

After doing some research online, it seems you will find it tough to find a baby swing which has a maximum weight limit of more than 30lbs. That being said, as I mentioned above, you shouldn’t need anything more than that anyway. By the time your baby is around 20lbs (9-10 months old), a baby swing might not be suitable for them anymore as they could well be squirming and trying to get out by themselves. However, all babies are different and you may get more use out of it for a couple more months.

My son managed to use his baby swing until he was about 9 months old and then we sold it (not planning any more kids now I have two!)

What can you use instead of a baby swing?

If your baby just doesn’t take to a baby swing and they are still a newborn, you can try a bouncer or a rocker instead. You could even try placing your infant in a baby carrier and see if that soothes them. For older babies who have outgrown their baby swing, rather than purchasing some other baby gear to distract them, you should encourage them to crawl about as much as possible to build up their core strength and help them transition to sitting up and eventually walking. Once babies start moving, they’ll probably not like you trying to restrict their independence! That being said, you could try placing them in a playpen or pack n play and see if that entertains them for a while.