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Many of us would hold our babies 24/7 if we could. Still, we have to put them down to shower, cook, and occasionally, rest. Having a bouncer or swing available will keep your baby calm and free your arms and hands to do other things.
To be honest, as a new dad, a year ago I didn't even know, these things existed. We bought a standard bouncer for our boy, and a friend gave us their old swing. So we a chance to test both of them. Keep reading to find out the winner between bouncer vs swing.
Key Points For Busy Parents
Four Great Options To Calm Your Baby
Baby bouncers and swings have a magical effect on babies. They are excellent tools for soothing a fussy infant or keeping your little one occupied while you get things done. Swings and bouncers have a reclining position and offer the same comforting motion of rocking as in a parent's arms.
I: Standard Bouncer
This no-frills option requires an adult to move the seat up and down manually. It also bounces in response to your baby's kicks and wiggles.
It's perfect for when you need to work out, meditate or perform yoga. You can place the baby on the floor next to you as you take a little time to de-stress.
II: Electric Bouncer
This type of seat requires a battery or electricity. Some units feature a vibration mode, resembling the soft hum of riding in a car. It may also include toys that suspend from a bar for interactive play.
III: Swing
Motorized swings operate on batteries or an AC adapter. There are full-size and portable sizes available.
With this containment device, you simply choose a setting. After that, the swing will rock your baby back and forth, or side to side until he or she falls asleep.
A swing is ideal for times when you are exhausted, but your baby is not.
IV: Bouncer/Swing Combo
For those who can't decide between a bouncer or a swing, this dual option may offer the best of both worlds. The seat detaches from the swing and converts to a bouncer.
I don't like buying these combo products, as they generally don't do two things equally well and you have to make compromises. That said, if you are searching for one, then a Graco DuetConnect may be your best choice.
Standard Bouncer vs Swing: What's The Difference?
Weight & Portability
Bouncers are lightweight and portable. Assembly is effortless, and most models fold easily for storage.
For example, in the picture, you can see a folded BabyBjörn (check the latest price on Amazon) bouncer. I've also written a proper BabyBjorn bouncer review, check it out if you wish.
In contrast, swings can be bulky. Depending on the dimensions, it may be difficult to fit through a door or narrow hallway. It was more convenient for me to set the swing up in the living room and leave it there. This way, we could fold clothes, watch TV and eat while my baby boy enjoyed the gentle motion of the swing.
You also need more storage space for a swing. We gave ours to a friend after our baby was too old for it. But we still have our bouncer somewhere in the closet.
Longevity of use
A bouncer sits low to the ground. Most models can hold a baby up to six months old.
Since swings are heftier than bouncers, they tend to hold more weight. Some parents report using the containment device for up to a year.
That said, in my personal experience a swing becomes more quickly absolute. When our 20-pound baby wiggled to look around, the swing became uncomfortably wobbly.
Other Features
Most swings feature music, a vibration mode, or toys to relax babies and keep them occupied. Many settings will give you ample alternatives to keep your baby rested.
In contrast, many bouncers don't have a lot of extra features.
For example, we had to buy a toy for a BabyBjörn bouncer as it's not included in the package.
General Advice
Some things are essential for bouncers and swings alike.
Restraints
This feature is important regardless if you choose a bouncer or a swing. The harness will keep infants from falling out of the seat.
Many swings use a 5-point-harness because the device may become unstable if your little one is very active. A baby bouncer, in contrast, is meant to be moved by your baby, so it usually comes with a 3-point-harness that allows more mobility.
Removable or Waterproof Covers
In the event of an accidental leak or mess, waterproof seats wipe down easily. You may also prefer a cover that detaches from the frame so that you can throw it in the washer.
Bouncer vs Swing: Which One Should I Choose?
Baby's Temperament
Your baby is the most important influencer of your choice. So you have to consider his or her temperament. There's no point buying a swing nor a bouncer unless it can calm your baby.
For example, our baby started crying when we weren't sitting just next to him. It neglected the benefits of having a swing that you don't have to bounce yourself.
Space
Your choice will also depend on how much space you have available in your nursery. A bouncer is the best pick if you don't have much storage space or you travel a lot.
For example, we often visit friends and family. As BabyBjörn bouncer is light-weight and very easy to fold, it made our life more comfortable. It also saved my nerves as I'm the one who has to drag all the baby stuff to a car and later unpack the stuff. I think the BabyBjörn bouncer is a very dad-friendly product.
Baby's Mood
On the other hand, swings offer more features. Depending on your baby, it may calm him better than a bouncer. Some parents have been able to use swings a longer time, but as I've explained, that's not my experience.
Pets
A swing is also a better option if you have small pets in the house. They generally sit higher off the ground than bouncers. So dogs and cats can not so easily disturb your baby during naps.
Still, if you can't decide, you have the option of buying a combo set.
Are Baby Bouncers And Swings Safe?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), bouncers and swings are safe as long as parents don't keep their babies there too long. They should not be used for routine sleep.
To minimize risks, experts suggest:
Three Best Bouncers For DadProgress Reviewed
BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft(Check The Latest Price On Amazon)
Weight limit: Up To 20lb when you are using it as a bouncer. You can also use it as a chair and then the weight limit is 29lb
Item Weight: 4.6lb
Standard Bouncer
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Fisher-Price Baby Bouncer (Check The Latest Price On Amazon)
Weight limit: Up To 20lb
Item Weight: 5.8lb
Electric Bouncer: It's a standard bouncer (so the movements are triggered by you or your baby), but it also has an option to switch on the calming vibrations
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Fisher-Price Moonlight Meadow Deluxe Bouncer (Check The Latest Price On Amazon)
Weight limit: Up To 25lb
Item Weight: 7.7lb
Electric Bouncer: It's a standard bouncer (so the movements are triggered by you or your baby), but it also has an option to switch on the calming vibrations. This bouncer also plays calming music for your child
PROS |
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Three Best Swings For DadProgress Reviewed
Graco Slim Spaces Compact Baby Swing (Check The Latest Price On Amazon)
Weight limit: Up To 25lb
Item Weight: 13.5lb
Baby Swing: This baby swing is battery operated
PROS |
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CONS |
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Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams Cradle And Swing (Check The Latest Price On Amazon)
Weight limit: Up To 25lb
Item Weight: 24.9lb
Baby Swing: This swing is operated by batteries or plug in
PROS |
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CONS |
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Graco Dreamglider Gliding Swing And Sleeper (Check The Latest Price On Amazon)
Weight limit: Up To 30lb
Item Weight: 22.2lb
Baby Swing: This swing is operated by batteries or plug in
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To Sum It Up
It may be hard to decide between a baby bouncer and a swing. You could buy both of them, of course. But if you don’t want to buy stuff that you may not need, it’s a good idea to think about the pros and cons of both of them. I hope this guide will help you to decide.
