Most babies sleep pretty well in swings. In fact, for some families, it may seem like the only way their baby will sleep. However, there comes a time when most babies outgrow the swing and need to transition to their own bed. Here are four tips to help you break the habit of your baby sleeping in the swing.
For most babies, swings seem to be a great way to get some good sleep. In fact, for some families, it may even seem like the only way their baby will sleep. However, there eventually comes a time when most babies outgrow the swing and need to transition to their own bed.
Tips to Break Habit of Baby Sleeping In Swing
Here are four tips to help you break the habit of your baby sleeping in the swing:
1) Put your baby in their crib and allow them to cry. Sleeping in a swing is comfortable and quiet, which can make it easy for your baby to fall asleep without any fussing at all. This makes it harder for you to tell if they are truly hungry or uncomfortable. If you put them down awake and walk away, the transition will be easier for them to manage.
2) Put your baby in their crib while they are still awake. Sleeping in a swing can make it easy for your baby to fall asleep without any fussing at all. This makes it harder for you to tell if they are truly hungry or uncomfortable. If you put them down awake and walk away, the transition will be easier for them to manage.
3) Delay naps and let your baby cry for a few minutes after you put him in his crib. Sleeping in a swing can make it easy for your baby to fall asleep without any fussing at all. If you put them down awake and walk away, the transition will be easier for them to handle. Forcing them to stay awake for a little bit before they go to sleep will help their bodies adjust.
4) Don’t return after putting your baby down. As hard as it is, you need to let them cry themselves to sleep. Sleeping in a swing can make it easy for your baby to fall asleep without any fussing at all. If you put them down awake and walk away, the transition will be easier for your baby to handle. Forcing him to stay awake for a little bit before he goes to sleep will help his body adjust.
Some babies can take up to an hour of crying before they are asleep. Don’t feel sorry for your baby or feel that you somehow “failed”. Your baby is crying because their instincts are telling them that they aren’t where they should be. As hard as it sounds, during this transition time you need to trust yourself and your instincts and push through the tough times. Sleeping in a swing can make it easy for your baby to fall asleep without any fussing at all, which makes it harder for you to tell if they are hungry or uncomfortable. If you put them down awake and walk away, the transition will be easier for your baby to handle. Forcing them to stay awake for a little bit before they go to sleep will help their bodies adjust.
Remember that this transition phase doesn’t last forever. With some time and patience, your baby will quickly learn that sleeping in their crib is just as comfortable and just as quiet as sleeping in a swing. They will also learn to fall asleep on their own, which means more sleep for the whole family!
FAQs
Q: Is it safe for the baby to sleep in the swing?
A: Experts do not recommend babies sleeping in the swing because of the risk of suffocation and SIDS. If you do choose to let your baby sleep in the swing, make sure that they are always laying down, never sitting up or reclined.
Q: Can a newborn sleep in a swing overnight?
A: It is not recommended for newborns to sleep in a swing overnight
Matan Feldman, Dad & Swing Expert
My Name is Matan Feldman and I am a dad of a toddler and an infant based out of Atlanta. I manage this website, Safe Baby Fun (formerly known as Baby Swing Hubs), and mostly blog here about baby activity gear including swings, walkers, bouncers, and jumpers, among others. From what I have learned being a parent for over 7 years now, I am very excited to share good tips with other parents especially if it can improve the safety of kids. I work with a baby products testing and review company and over the past 2 years, I have gained deep insight into baby products and am happy to recommend them here. When I am not wasting time learning one or two tricks at home with my two kids, I spend a lot of time blogging on this site or on other sites to assist parents looking for first-hand insight or feedback on different baby products – especially from a dad’s perspective. If you have any questions, you can reach me using my email, matan@safebabyfun.com.