The Final Word On Duyan And Safety, According To Pediatricians

It’s not rocket science. Gently rocking your baby is one of the proven ways to put your little one to sleep. But it can be tiring, especially when your baby isn’t so little anymore but still requires to be carried and swayed into slumber. Hence, the invention of locally called a duyan or a swing offers a hands-free way to comfort and gently rock infants to sleep. 

Traditionally, a swing looks like a basket with strings strong enough to carry a baby’s weight. Today, some baby swings look like a playground swing, but with an inclined chair so baby can sleep on it. Some are battery-operated, which also offers vibration and cradling. 

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Should you buy a swing for your baby?

Like inclined rockers and bouncy infant seats, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents  against using infant swings for sleeping babies. 

“Parents also should limit the amount of waking time that their baby spends in a seat such as an infant swing,” the AAP added. Babies who lie sleep on infant swings and the like for extended time are more likely to develop a flat head. (Click here to know how to prevent flat head in babies.)

Between 2009 and 2012, there were more than 350 swing-related incidents, including two infant deaths and 24 injuries. These unfortunate incidents led to standards, so make sure your baby swing met the latest safety standards. Here are the AAP’s suggestions on keeping babies safe when using an infant swing:

• A baby younger than 4 months of age should be in the most reclined swing position to avoid slumping over and suffocating.
• If you’re going to adjust the swing to more than a 50-degree angle, it should have shoulder straps to secure the infant from falling out. 
• The swing’s cradle surface should stay relatively flat while in motion and stopped, so the infant will fall out.
• The swing should not tip over of fold easily. 
• Your baby shouldn’t be able to quickly pull off toys or mobiles attached to the swing.
• Follow the infant swing’s weight limit on the label or instructions.

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If your baby falls asleep on a swing, bouncer, or car seat , the AAP advises parents to move the child to a safe sleep space as soon as possible. (Click here for safe sleep guidelines.)

We get the convenience of using infant swings, but safety should be a priority. There are other ways to put your little one to sleep instead of gently rocking your baby to sleep.   (Click here for sleep training tips.)

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