Do Baby Swings Cause Brain Damage?

The first thing all parents care about for their baby is safety. No one wants to put their baby at unwanted risk so the first question that arises is whether swings are safe for newborn babies and their development.

In this article you will find information that has been thoroughly researched, it is not something that I have invented.

Do Baby Swings Cause Brain Damage?

The answer to this question is no. Swings cannot cause Shaken Baby Syndrome or brain damage, because their swing is not strong enough to cause this syndrome.

Parents are often afraid of the question of whether the swing is safe for their children or if it can cause brain damage.

It should be known that the syndrome is obtained by shaking the baby’s head strongly and hitting a hard or even a soft object like a pillow.

The movements of the swing are gentle and cannot lead to the activation of this syndrome, but something that can put him at risk is if he falls from the swing, which is the case in most of the cases of this syndrome.

Always make sure before you buy a swing that it has been tested and approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Defining What is Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken baby syndrome is brain damage as a result of strong shaking that results in swelling, bruising, and even bleeding of the brain.

Injuries can occur by violently shaking the baby and hitting the baby against a hard object or even a pillow can be enough to cause this injury to a newborn or small baby.

A baby’s brain is very soft and their neck muscles and ligaments are very weak and their heads are large and heavy in contrast to their bodies. This syndrome does not result in small swings like a swing.

The shaken baby syndrome may not result in any swaying like on swings, or bouncers. Also, shortfalls such as from a chair, stairs, or falling from hands do not lead to this syndrome, although even these small falls can result in other head injuries, although they are often minor.

Signs And Symptoms Of Shaken Baby Syndrome

The most common signs and symptoms:

• Seizures
• Sleeps more than normal
• Loses appetite
• Vomits,
• Has difficulty breathing
• Has white-bluish skin
• Moodiness
• Loss of vision

If you notice any of these listed symptoms, trust your instincts and take your child to your doctor for an examination.

In some cases no visible signs of injury can be seen, SBS is a serious syndrome and must be taken seriously and requires treatment in case your baby is shaken.

Also Read: When to Stop Using Baby Monitor?

Are Swings Harmful To The Development Of The Baby?

There is no evidence that baby swings are bad for baby development. Swings help the baby interact with the environment.

During this interaction, their brains process sensory information through their senses like touch smell sight which affects everything they do.

As long as they are used with caution they can be useful for babies who need a little help in developing their motor skills.

Baby swings can help encourage their movement and exploration of the environment and help calm the baby which is very positive.

The only negative thing they can cause is a “flat head “which can be caused by lying in one position a lot, this can also happen in other children’s equipment such as car seats, bouncy chairs, etc.

Benefits Of Using Baby Swings

Swaddling can help soothe a crying baby and helps the baby to calm down.  Babies can analyze the environment around them while they are spinning.

Motor skills can be developed with the help of swinging. The back-and-forth motion can help strengthen muscles and improve coordination

Safety Ways To Use Baby Swings

Before putting your baby in the swing, make sure that your baby is fastened with all safety harnesses.
Until your baby is 4 months old, it must be in the most-reclined position. Check the swing for stability.

Always keep an eye on the baby’s weight, and never exceed the weight limit. These swings are not for your baby to sleep in. They are made to calm your baby and relax him, if you notice that your baby is sleeping, move him to their bed.

Is It Safe For a Baby To Sleep In a Swing?

Swings are made to calm anxious babies, relax them and even put them to sleep, but the baby should never be left to sleep in the swing during the night.

The swings are made for a maximum of 90 minutes a day. The reason lies in the fact that the reclining position of these swings is not a straight-reclining position as in cribs and with that, there is a higher risk of suffocation.

You can let them fall asleep and move them to a flat place like in their bed, basket, etc.

When I Should Stop Using a Swing?

Although there is no specific age when to stop using a swing, it is recommended that the minimum age be up to 6 months or when the baby starts to hold his head up independently. If the baby is already sitting up independently, then the swing is no longer safe.

When the baby starts to become more active and wants to explore the environment, you should stop using the swing and you should start with other activities. Each swing has instructions listed and a specified limit for how long your baby can use it.

Also Read: How Many Baby Wipes Do You Need?

Final Words

I hope this article will be of help to you regarding whether your baby is safe in the swing. Although the risk is always present in growing a baby, the swing is completely safe as long as it is used properly.

For many parents, the swing is a way to go, and it is also proven that babies enjoy the swings that are inspired by the movements of the parents and give them a soothing feeling.