Are there medical concerns with putting a young baby into a swing or bouncer?

From the Guidelines

There are significant medical concerns with putting young babies in swings or bouncers, particularly related to sleep safety and the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and these devices should not be used for routine sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against using sitting devices, including swings and bouncers, for routine sleep due to the risks of suffocation, positional asphyxiation, and SIDS 1.

Key Considerations for Safe Use

• Limit usage to 30 minutes at a time and no more than 1-2 hours total per day.
• Always supervise your baby.
• Use all safety straps.
• Ensure the swing or bouncer is on a flat, stable surface.
• Never let your baby sleep in these devices.

Risks Associated with Swings and Bouncers

• The semi-upright position can compress a baby's chest and restrict breathing, particularly concerning for newborns with weak neck muscles.
• Excessive time in swings or bouncers limits important developmental activities like tummy time, which strengthens neck and core muscles needed for crawling and other milestones.
• The risk of SIDS and positional asphyxiation is increased when babies are left to sleep in these devices.

Recommendations for Safe Sleep

• Always transfer your baby to a firm, flat surface like a crib or bassinet for sleep.
• Avoid using soft bedding, pillows, or any items that could obstruct infant breathing or cause overheating 1.
• Ensure the sleep environment is safe and free from hazards, following the latest guidelines from the AAP.

By prioritizing safe sleep practices and being aware of the potential risks associated with swings and bouncers, parents can help protect their babies from harm and ensure a healthy development.

From the Research

Medical Concerns with Baby Swings/Bouncers

There are several medical concerns associated with putting a young baby into a swing or bouncer. Some of these concerns include:

• Injuries sustained while playing on inflatable toys such as bouncy castles have rapidly increased, and these supposedly safe structures are likely unsafe 2
• The main risk factors for injuries associated with inflatable bouncers are lack of effective adult supervision and the shared use by an excessive number of participants of different ages and weights 2
• Traumatic brain injuries were 1.4 times more likely to occur on a swing compared to slides or monkey bars 3
• There is a necessity to enhance child health surveillance and to consider limiting bouncer usage to children over the age of six years, to prevent and control injuries and to minimize their consequences 2

Safety of Semi-Upright Swings

However, some studies suggest that semi-upright swings may be safe for infants in certain settings, such as:

• The placement of infants in a semi-upright swing resulted in no discernible differences in averaged vital signs compared to the supine position in NICU infants 4
• Desaturation events occurred at a higher frequency in low-birth-weight infants and those on room air when placed in the swing, although none required oxygen supplementation 4

General Safety Precautions

It is essential to take general safety precautions when using baby swings or bouncers, such as:

• Ensuring effective adult supervision at all times
• Limiting the use of bouncers to children of appropriate ages and weights
• Following the manufacturer's instructions for use and maintenance
• Being aware of the potential risks and taking steps to minimize them 2, 3