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OVERVIEW
Swings are considered an essential for babies from day one. As any
exhausted new mom knows, a few minutes of quiet time can be a
lifesaver. They can provide you with much-needed quiet, hands-free time in the
early months with a place to comfort a fussy baby or just a place for baby to
rest.
Baby swings come in three basic types: The traditional full-size swing,
the cradle swing, and the travel swing. Full-size swings have really
changed in design since they were invented in 1955 by Graco employee David Saint
(a father of 9!): a padded seat suspended in a metal frame rocks forward
and back. Cradle swings rock back and forth, but also side to side, a
direction many moms (and babies) prefer. Travel swings are full-size seats on
smaller legs that give you precious portability not just on the go, but from
room-to-room.
Swings are powered one of two ways: by wind-up crank or by battery. The
windup swings with you might remember from your childhood are not as
popularanymore because the noise of re-winding tends to wake wee ones up. But
if you're looking to save money, they are cheaper and don't require the
repeated purchase of batteries. Many moms do like that wind-up swings
wind-down and naturally stop on their own, but since they are a rarer
breed, most wind-up swings are missing the whistles and bells and nifty
features of their energized counterparts.
Battery powered swings are quieter, generally smoother and come stocked
with features such as variable speeds, music, rotating mobiles and even
lights. Some even have their own parent remote controls! Be warned that they
are battery hogs however. One popular model requires 10 batteries! Your
million other baby products and toys notwithstanding, the baby swing alone more
than warrants the expense a good rechargeable battery system.
FEATURES TO CONSIDER
- Safety & Stability
- Traditional, Cradle or Travel
- Wind-up or Battery Powered
- Toys
- Music
- Lights
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