I'm thinking I would really like having one of these, but which one? I wanted some feed back as to what was most practical to you. I've read lots of reviews, and to be honest I don't feel completely confident about any of these products. Either the motor is too weak or too loud, or the speed is too fast or too slow, or it only rocks if there is no baby in it, the batteries wear out in a matter of days/weeks, the mobile is worthless, the seat doesn't recline enough or doesn't sit up straight enough for an older child, etc. If I go for a swing I'm debating between travel swings (I wonder if any of these vibrate as well?) or a very nice full-size that swings both directions. With the latter swing I would probably spend more money and get the (limited) type that can plug into an outlet instead of simply using batteries. Does anyone have a plug in type? What do you think of yours?Or there is the bouncer option.
Nice for times when I want the little imp close but not necessarily on the floor (while cooking, or when I bath/shower - then I can just reach out and bring her in with me, etc.)
Or maybe both are totally unnecessary. I've read too much time in a semi-reclined position is not healthy for babies; they are better off lying flat on their backs, so should I just forget the whole "holding station" idea and keep a stock of quilts nearby instead? I'm not as interested in what option you chose, but how you feel about using that option. What would you change next time? Oh, and how soon did you start using them? Will I use it right away or will it just sit for awhile after the baby's born?
You know, while writing this post I've been re-reading tons of reviews on both bouncers and swings (travel size and plug-in) and I'm getting the feeling that it will not take long before it is a regretted purchase. They all seem pretty cheaply made with some major defect or another.
7 comments:
I'd say both. Go to garage sales or check craigslist. Bouncers are easily transportable, I would have Ethan in his w/ me in the bathroom while I showered. Ethan hated the back and forth swing as a newborn but LOVED it when I got one that could do side to side swinging, then when he was older we switched it to the back and forth motion. Some babies don't like either way, but I think most would like one way or the other. It SAVED me when Ethan would wake up too early for the day, he'd sleep for hours in that.
I have both, too. Both of my babes have loved the bouncer. And it's great to have somewhere to sit them down that isn't the floor. Only Cami likes the swing, but she loves it and will sleep forever. I have the portable, smaller swing and it's great because it folds and you can move it from room to room without much trouble. If I had to choose one or the other I would pick the bouncer. Bouncers take up less space and and cheaper. But both of mine I got for cheap at walmart and haven't regretted it one bit.
I had both for Isaac. He was not a fan of the swing, but enjoyed the bouncer and it was really nice to have something to put him in. Isabella loved the swing and I wouldn't have survived with out it.
I also have both. My bouncer is a very basic one, no toys on it and I didn't even replace the batteries in it when Max was born so it never vibrated for him. But it was still nice to have a little seat for him that I could put him in when showering or doing other little tasks.
Both. They have totally different purposes. Get a good bouncer and a used swing. They are out of swings very fast. Mostly for the first three month. The bouncer is for carrying around the house while you clean and make dinner. They can sit in it when you feed them when they are a bit older. I have a portable swing. Got it used, works great.
I'd say both. Babies get sick of being in one spot. You definitely want one that reclines as much as possible too because otherwise baby will be folding into herself and she won't like it. My first one didn't recline and Alex hated it. I have also heard from tons of people that the ones that can go side to side or front to back swinging are the best. Babies like the side to side more. Also, now swing can swing too much. Not true. The more the better in my babies opinions. Oh, and she will probably only like it for like 4 to 5 months anyway, so it doesn't really apply to an older child. :) As for a bouncer, I don't think it matters much as long as it lays back far enough for the little tyke to be comfortable and again, not fold into herself. :) Good luck!!
I say the bouncer is more important - but that's because neither of my kids liked the swing. Also, definitely check Craig's List and garage sales. I got my bouncer for a couple of dollars.
Post a Comment