How to Soothe Your Baby With a Papasan Swing

How to Soothe Your Baby With a Papasan Swing
By Jessica Chamberlain

New moms are always looking for advice from others when it comes to helping soothe their newborn. They are told to cuddle your baby, walk with your baby, sing to your baby etc. One thing that I found that was a lifesaver with my newborn son was the Fisher Price Baby Papasan Swing.

Babies are become accustomed to the swaying motion when they are inside their mothers womb. The Papasan Swing helps reinforce that feeling of safety in your newborn with two swinging motions. The swing cradles your baby and moves side-to-side but also moves in a head-to-toe motion.

Babies also like distractions, soft sounds, colors and movements. This swing has an attachment located on the top of the swing that has little animals and a mirrored globe that move in a circular motion to amaze your little one and give them something to focus on. The swing features eight songs, sounds of nature and has six different swing speeds to help you find the perfect one to rock your little one to sleep.

There is also a snack tray for older children that can easily be removed for cleaning and the seat pad is also machine washable in the event of spit up or diaper leaks.

The swing holds children from the time they are born until they weigh approximately 25 pounds. If your child is able to or starts trying to climb out of the seat it is time to put the swing away. The swing also folds away for storage easily so you can pull it out only when you need it.

Visit http://www.onestopshopforkids.com/kids-swings.html for a great selection of swings for babies and kids including the Fisher-Price Papasan Swing!

Author of A Humorous Guide to Being a First Time Mom and Bright and White Brushing Your Teeth Can Be Fun! Both books are available on Amazon.com and One Stop Shop for Kids! They make great baby shower and first birthday gifts!

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Benefits of a Swing Gate

Benefits of a Swing Gate
By Nikki Johnson

The Swing Baby Gate is a fabulous gate. It is fast becoming a popular gate for families with young children. It is arguably the best gate out there today. As with most baby gates, this gate can also be used as a gate for pets.

There are many benefits of using this gate. The swing gate can be used just about anywhere. Although this gate is not recommended for top of the stair use, it has been used in multiple homes at the top of the stairs. Now each model will obviously be a little different but most need approximately three feet to open correctly. Most swing gates are made of plastic with a clear middle. This is a great feature to increase the feeling of openness even though you are closing off a portion of the room. Also, this may be a plus for safety since there are not holes or grates that children may possible injure themselves on, as found on most other gates.

The convenience factor with this gate is huge. The gate is attached to the wall. Simply unhook the gate, swing it open and lock the gate again. It is that easy. Some models have the one hand open and close feature, which is a big plus. For example, an adult could be holding groceries in the one hand and use the other to open and move through the gate without putting them down. Another situation would be when carrying a child through an area they are not allowed to be in, such as the pet area. Now the adult could open the gate, carry the child through the area, back out and close the gate without having to put down this child. This is a huge safety benefit.

When shopping for a swing baby gate, there are obviously many choices. The Dream Baby Swing Closed Security Gate sells for about fifty dollars. It is made of metal rails and would not be purchased for my home. It does not appear to have the one hand open and close feature and it seems the operator would have to step over a small portion of the gate when passing through. For around one hundred dollars you can purchase the Evenflo Baby Swing Gate in a beautiful Oak Finish. Although this gate may blend in with the other trim found in the home, it again does not have the one hand open and close feature. The First Years All Clear Swing Gate comes highly recommended. It sells for around fifty dollars and is well worth the money. It has the great one hand open and close feature and is a breeze to use.

The Swing Baby Gate is just one of the many different types of Baby Gates found on the market today.

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Consumer Reports: Baby Swings

Consumer Reports: Baby Swings
By Brooke Yan

Designed for indoor use, baby swings typically consist of a seat suspended by a pair of arms attached to a frame with wide-standing, tubular-metal legs. Swings come in windup and battery-operated models. To make a windup model swing, you crank a handle at the top or side of the frame, which provides 20 to 30 minutes of movement. Battery-operated swings are driven by a motor that generally uses four D batteries. Such models emit a low churning noise with each passage of the swing. Most of the swings on the market today are battery-operated.

With either a windup or battery-powered mechanism, swings are lightweight and can be easily moved from room to room, although some are more maneuverable than others. Standard-size swings eat up a fair amount of room, so they may not be for you if floor space is scarce.

Some parents of colicky babies swear by swings. Other parents say they get by just fine without one. You may find that a swing comes in handy if your baby needs to sleep in a semi-upright position due to a cold or stuffy nose (although a bouncer seat may do the trick as well).

SHOPPING SECRETS

Decide whether you want a windup or battery-operated swing.
A windup model may be perfectly adequate as long as it's stable and has a well-padded, reclining seat that affords easy access. Battery-operated models usually have a sleeker design plus more features, such as speed controls, baby-sound activation, and toys attached to a front play tray. However, many parents find the motors noisy. If possible, try display models in the store (with batteries) or double-check the store's return policy. Then, test the swing as soon as you get home so you'll have the option of taking it back within the time allowed.

Try your baby out in a friend's swing or bring baby to the store with you for test runs when you're shopping. Keep in mind that your baby may not like the motion of a swing at first, although that could change after a few tries. Your baby's reactions may help you decide on one brand over another, or whether you're even a candidate for a swing in the first place.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

The major brands of baby swings are, in alphabetical order: Fisher-Price, Graco, J. Mason, and Kolcraft. Prices for windup swings range from $40 to $65. The price range for battery-operated swings is $70 to $100.

FEATURES TO CONSIDER

Crotch post. A built-in crotch post prevents a baby from sliding out of the seat--an extra safety measure. There should also be a safety belt, which most models have.

Frames. Swings without a top crossbar make it easier to put your baby in and take him or her out again. At the very least, look for a swing that has a wide, sturdy stance and folds or dismantles for storage.

Seat cover. Look for plush padding that's machine-washable.

Seat settings. Multiple reclining positions can help you find the most soothing posture for your baby, which is especially important if baby likes to nap while swinging (a common combo).

Speeds. Some battery-operated swings give you up to eight speeds, but more than four is overkill. The faster speeds may annoy rather than relax your baby.

Swinging motion. Some swings have two swinging motions: side to side and front to back. That's nice but not essential.

Timer. Some models feature a time-remaining indicator that can help you keep tabs on the action.

Toys. Many swings come equipped with toy bars or trays, which is an option your baby may enjoy. But make sure they're within reach so your baby can actually touch them. Also check that they're safely attached and have no small parts that might cause choking.

Nice but not necessary extras include a front tray, with or without attached toys; sound (classical music and lullabies), which may or may not be soothing to little ones and grown-ups; a light display; storage baskets on the side to hold toys and accessories; and a remote control to activate the swinging action, music, or both. Some swings try to sense when baby needs comforting and respond automatically. A built-in sound sensor "hears" baby's sounds and responds by swinging and/or playing music.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Look for a swing that has a sturdy, stable frame with strong posts and legs as well as a wide stance to prevent tipping. The bottom of the legs or frame should not protrude so far that you're likely to trip over them, however. Examine the seat. It should be well padded and have a crotch post (if it's not a travel version) to prevent your baby from sliding out. It should also offer a partially reclined position for snoozing. You'll also want a secure safety belt.

If you buy a model with a cradle or bassinet attachment, make sure it's well mounted underneath, with no potential for breaking loose. If you opt for a battery-operated swing, come equipped with four C or D cell batteries to test products in the store and hear the sound of the motor (a deal-killer for many parents). As a rule, swings don't come with batteries included.

Copyright © 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit http://www.ConsumerReports.org

Find More
Baby Swings with Easy Deal at
ShopNdeal.com

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Baby Swings - Must Have Gear

Baby Swings - Must Have Gear!
By Sara Tazewell

Our babies loved nap time in their swings - very sweet pictures from those days. They got to fall asleep in the room with me which was very relaxing for both of us. When they had a fussy moment, the swing was the spot - and much less expensive than a long drive! When I was home alone and needed to take a shower or do some laundry while my son was awake, the baby swing was my lifesaver. (I am also a big fan of baby bouncy seats - excellent baby shower gift.)

My baby swing was my "extra pair" pair of hands while I was home alone. The baby swing's soothing motion would calm or entertain my boys, depending on what they were needing at the time.

Must-have baby swing features:

Stability: A wide base and low center of gravity is a must so your swing won't tip over if baby manages to lean too far in one direction.

Seat Belts: again, a must and the 5-point harness is best. Just like in a car seat, newborns are good at sliding out of inadequate seat belt systems.

Battery Vs. Wind-Up: Wind-ups are usually compellingly less expensive, but the winding mechanism on ours was so noisy, we finally sold the wind-up and sprang for the battery. Battery-operated baby swings are easier to operate and usually feature more speeds and music settings to match baby's mood.

Speed: Sometimes, your baby will like to be gently rocked, sometimes - especially when fussy - she might like a bit more determined swing. I'd advise getting a swing with at least a couple speeds (you don't need many!)

Sounds: Your baby may have preferences for music. If your baby swing plays music, make sure there is a volume control as well as an off switch! My boys didn't go for the music, preferring the house sounds or none at all. If your swing does play music, make sure you can handle the repetition.

Recline: If you will use your baby swing with your newborn (and mine loved it), make sure yours has a newborn recline position. Your newborn can't hold her head up, nor can she avoid slouching forward - definitely need the recline. Your older babies will appreciate when they fall asleep, too! Make sure you can easily reach the recline mechanism so you can recline the seat after your baby falls asleep.

Open Top: An open top baby swing allows you to lift your baby out without bumping his head on an upper bar. Thank goodness someone thinks of these things!

Flip-Out Tray: A flip-out or fold-up tray is another must-have feature! You can remove your baby gently and lessen any chance of scraping baby's legs on the tray.

Toy Bars: Toy bars and mobiles, lights, sounds and music all offer ways to help baby stay entertained! Neither of my boys were really interested in them, though. They liked their familiar toys in the swing with them, their favorite blankie or nothing. I usually removed the toys so they could see what was happening around them.

Portability: If being able to take the swing with you is important, look for a portable swing. They are full size swings but in a compact body.

We put off getting a baby swing for a bit, I was convinced it was "cheating"... I thought every convenience was cheating!!! Yeah, a little nuts! I finally got too tired to keep up that guilty charade. Once I had my swing and saw how much the boys enjoyed it, the baby swing made it to the must-have list.

For more information on baby gear and to find the essentials at the best prices and best selection, please visit baby-o-baby.com. Thank you!

Check for baby swing recalls (thank you, consumerreports.org):

The following companies make Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association-certified swings: Dorel Juvenile Group (Safety 1st), Fisher-Price, Graco, J. Mason, Kolcraft, and Simplicity. Swings are also covered by the federal safety standard for small parts. Some models of baby swings have been recalled in recent years. Problems have included loose screws on the swing's arm support that caused the seat to separate and drop to one side, a seat that wasn't properly attached, swing frames that weren't stable, frames or seats with sharp edges, harnesses that could entangle a child, and hazardous toys. One recalled model could be easily disassembled, resulting in a loose seat that flipped forward. For a list of baby swing recalls, go to the CPSC Web site, http://www.cpsc.gov.

Sara Tazewell, Recovering REALTOR®, packed up her family and 30 years of a life in Key West on basically a whim and a prayer and moved to Costa Rica for a year. Or more. Life in Costa Rica is something... breathtaking, frustrating, hilarious. Here's the tale. Más venir... pronto! Love, Sara T.

http://www.abroadincostarica.com

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Baby Swings - Features to Look For When Buying

Baby swings are almost like having a swing set inside the home that is safe and effective for babies. Babies who are fussy can use baby swings to calm them down and soothe them while moms and dads take care of household duties such as cooking, showering and using the phone. These baby devices are becoming increasingly popular and advanced with technology. Some are simple swings while others have more added features. Buying the right baby swing for your baby boy or baby girl can be fulfilling not only for you as a parent but for your child as well. There are a few factors to consider when purchasing a baby swing to ensure that you get the perfect one. Here are a few suggestions for baby swings.

Safe Baby Swings: You may want to think about safety when it comes to choosing a baby swing for your baby. As a parent, you always want to ensure that the devices you purchase are safe and reliable. A safe baby swing will have a wide base and a low center of gravity. These features will make the swing safe and will not allow it to tip over if your baby decides to lean towards one direction. Baby swings should always come with seat belts and the belts should always be closed when your baby is sitting inside. For newborns, you want to make sure that there is a hip strap to prevent the baby from falling incase they curl up in their seats. Don't forget that babies wiggle and move around a lot and you want to have a baby swing that will keep them safe.

Battery or Wind-up Baby Swings: A baby swing can be either battery powered or one that can be wound up. Which ever you choose depends on your preference but it may be useful to know that battery powered sets require purchasing new batteries or investing in rechargeable batteries. The advantage of a batter powered swing is that you do not have to wind it up every time you use it. Wind-up swings can make a lot of noise and may require you to keep winding it if you want your baby in the swing for longer.

Speed and Sound on Baby Swings: You may want to have a baby swing that gives you options for speed. Some babies like to be swinging to fall asleep and some babies may need more intense rocking to stop their cries. Having different speeds will allow you to adjust for your baby's needs and having different rocking options. Some swings even provide soothing music for your baby in different styles.

Added features on Swings: When looking into buying a baby swing, you will find some that have the ability to recline for babies who cannot lift their heads or sit upright. This feature is also helpful when babies fall asleep. When babies do sleep, it is helpful to have a swing that has a flip-out or fold-up tray so that you can easily and safely remove your baby.

Baby swings are excellent ways to keep your babies busy while rocking and even listening to music. While they are a great investment, it is important to look for different options to find one that matches your and your baby's needs.

For more information on choosing baby swings check out the From Baby to Toddler website. As well as useful baby swing advice , there are also great articles subjects like baby baths, baby monitors and baby carriers.

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My Top Ten Baby Gear Essentials

A New Baby List - My Top Ten Baby Gear Essentials
By Helen Burroughs

If you're a first time mom or mom to be, you are probably feeling a little overwhelmed by all those "great baby products" out there.

What you need is the advice of a mom who's been there, done that, and is now sitting with boxes of unused baby stuff!

Baby goodies are expensive, so before you go on your shopping spree, take a look at my new baby list to find out which products will give you the most value for money.

1. An Infant Car Seat

My absolute number one essential baby item - don't put baby in a car without it!

2. A Nursery Rocking Chair or Glider

Essential for maximizing mom and baby bonding time. Your nursery rocking chair is the place where you will spend countless hours of snuggle time. Not to be missed!

3. An Infant Health Book

There's nothing worse than having a sick baby and not knowing what to do. You don't want to call the doctor in the middle of the night, but you're not sure if you should wait until morning.

A good baby health book will help you to relax and determine the best course of action - put baby back to bed, or rush her off to the emergency room.

4. A Sound And Movement Monitor

Having a sound monitor in your nursery room enables you to move around the home while still being able to monitor baby wherever he is. No need to worry that you won't hear him when he wakes.

Movement, or apnea monitors check baby's breathing. An alarm goes off if baby does not inhale for an extended period -- usually twenty seconds. Often cited as a preventative measure against SIDS, these monitors do not necessarily prevent SIDS, but they do provide peace of mind. If all is quiet, you know baby's OK.

5. Infant Sleeping Bags

Lots of blankets can be dangerous for baby. They can lead to overheating and suffocation. Besides that, from around five months, babies have an annoying habit of kicking them off in the middle of the night, and waking up freezing cold. Guess who else gets woken up?

Sleeping bags are the perfect solution in winter when your baby's jammies may not be enough to keep her warm.

6. A Baby Swing

A baby swing is a must-have for soothing a fussy baby. They just love the to and fro rocking motion. Swings also make great baby sitters while you indulge in the luxury of a shower or a meal without a baby on your hip.

7. A Nursing Pillow

This is a wonderful invention, whether you are breast or bottle-feeding. Even dad can use it! The nursing pillow elevates baby to the correct feeding position, thereby eliminating back and neck ache and preventing sore nipples.

8. Burping Cloths

Take a couple of these with you everywhere you go with baby. Indispensable for keeping your shoulders clean and wiping up spills and spills and spills...

9. A Baby Sling Or Pouch

This is useful for keeping your young baby close to you while you are getting a few things done around the house. Does folding the laundry sound familiar?

Young babies don't sleep for very long at a time in the beginning and when they're not sleeping they like to be held. To have any hope of keeping your home in a livable state - you have to have a pouch!

Baby pouches are also a wonderful help if you have a colicky baby. The warmth of your body against her little tummy is very soothing and calming.

10. A Wheat Bag

I found an unexpected use for this little goody with my new baby. The warmth of a wheat bag on a sore little tummy beats every colic remedy on the market hands down. It soothes, relaxes and comforts.

Author Helen Burroughs is stay at home mom to three precious little girls. Visit her website for a complete baby checklist collection and advice on how to create a beautiful baby nursery.

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Baby Swings Are a Real Life Saver for Parents

Baby Swings Are a Real Life Saver for Parents
By Terri Ornstein

With the hectic lives of parents, baby swings are a must have in the arsenal of baby gear, they are great for calming fussy babies and giving parents a much needed break to relax or get some house chores done.

There are two basic types of baby swings available today, wind up and battery operated. Portable swings are also available, which are great for traveling out of town or going to grandma's house.

Most babies love to be in their swing, they provide entertainment with mobiles, music, sounds and interactive toys, as well as the calming swinging motion. Today, some swings come equipped with two different types of swinging motion, side to side and front to back, ensuring your little one doesn't get bored swinging in one direction. Most parents today choose the battery operated baby swings, because no one wants to keep having to wind up and wind up a baby swing.

What to look for when shopping for baby swings:

1. Make sure the baby swing is sturdy.


2. Make sure it comes with a restraint system.


3. Easy to clean seat cover.


4. Reclining seat that will grow with your baby.


5. Trays provide a place for toys to help keep your baby entertained.


6. Music to help calm your baby.


7. Variable speeds.


8. Always look for the JPMA seal.

Safety Tips for baby swings:

1. Never leave your child unattended while he or she is in the baby swing.


2. Make sure you are aware of weight limits for your swing.


3. Always use your swings restraint system.

To ensure the safety of your baby, always complete your product registration and send it to your manufacturer, that way you will be notified in case there is a problem or recall with your particular model of baby swing.

Terri O. is a mother of three daughters, author and publisher of Best Baby Products An informative resource when shopping for baby items, car seats, baby cribs, crib bedding, baby gifts, strollers, swings, baby clothes and more!

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How to Choose a Baby Swing

How to Choose a Baby Swing
By Jackie G. Maxwell

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1,000 American infants are taken to emergency rooms every year for injuries sustained while using swings. This is generally a result of the infant's head or neck becoming trapped between the back rest and the bars the swing is suspended from. If figures like this concern you as a parent, then knowing how to choose a baby swing that is safe and durable, will be one of your first priorities.

Even with an infant of six weeks, you'll want a wide, solid base to make sure there is no tipping. An adjustable seat is necessary, particularly for the infant who can't sit by themselves yet. But do make sure that it can't be accidentally released so that the seat lays down flat while the baby is in motion, allowing them to slide or fall out, backwards.

Every seat should have a combination waist and crotch safety belt. Older models had only the waist belt, which allowed babies to slide down, and out the bottom of the chair/seat.

While there are many "bells and whistles" to entertain babies, the main concern when you choose a baby swing, should be their comfort level. Providing extra safety features such as rolled towels to either side of an infant's head for stability, will avoid the type of accidents mentioned above.

Battery operated or crank models should have quiet operation, so a baby is not frightened or startled awake as they begin to doze. Swings that have variable speeds are the wisest choice, to provide gentle motion for infants, and higher speeds for larger, more active babies.

As always, a baby should never be left alone in a swing, nor should the swing be placed near any hot object, or in a position where the baby could grab something that could be pulled over onto the swing and child.

Get more family and parenting tips 24/7 at http://www.schmoozins.com/

It's parent-to-parent advice for everyday parents like you and me.

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Baby Swings

Baby Swings Are a Real Life Saver for Parents
By Terri Ornstein

With the hectic lives of parents, baby swings are a must have in the arsenal of baby gear, they are great for calming fussy babies and giving parents a much needed break to relax or get some house chores done.

There are two basic types of baby swings available today, wind up and battery operated. Portable swings are also available, which are great for traveling out of town or going to grandma's house.

Most babies love to be in their swing, they provide entertainment with mobiles, music, sounds and interactive toys, as well as the calming swinging motion. Today, some swings come equipped with two different types of swinging motion, side to side and front to back, ensuring your little one doesn't get bored swinging in one direction. Most parents today choose the battery operated baby swings, because no one wants to keep having to wind up and wind up a baby swing.

What to look for when shopping for baby swings:

1. Make sure the baby swing is sturdy.


2. Make sure it comes with a restraint system.


3. Easy to clean seat cover.


4. Reclining seat that will grow with your baby.


5. Trays provide a place for toys to help keep your baby entertained.


6. Music to help calm your baby.


7. Variable speeds.


8. Always look for the JPMA seal.

Safety Tips for baby swings:

1. Never leave your child unattended while he or she is in the baby swing.


2. Make sure you are aware of weight limits for your swing.


3. Always use your swings restraint system.

To ensure the safety of your baby, always complete your product registration and send it to your manufacturer, that way you will be notified in case there is a problem or recall with your particular model of baby swing.

Terri O. is a mother of three daughters, author and publisher of Best Baby Products An informative resource when shopping for baby items, car seats, baby cribs, crib bedding, baby gifts, strollers, swings, baby clothes and more!

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