The Greatest Gift You Can Give a New Parent - Baby Swings Rock!

One of the best items I ever received for my first child was a baby swing. Yes, there were many other helpful items given at the baby shower, from diapers and diaper service to tons of little outfits and blankets to rattles and other baby toys, thermometers and bottles and a host of other very useful items. But the gift I remember best was the one that helped calm my colicky infant and therefore helped me to maintain at least some small grip on my sanity. For such a simple gadget, the baby swing was a miracle invention and I don't know how I would have survived without it.

It even managed to last through all four of my children, which means that older siblings got to help turn the crank for their little brother or sister. This allowed the older ones to interact with the new family member on some level which in turn helped ease any feelings that the baby was taking all of mom's attention. Sibling rivalry tends to rear its ugly head eventually, but at least no one seemed to become overly jealous of each new baby once they were able to play with him or her in the swing. Plus, it meant everyone was occupied for at least a minute or two while mom tried to get dinner finished or accomplish some other household chore. I knew where at least one or two of my offspring were at any time by the steady squeak of the swing and occasional re-cranking noises.

If you have been invited recently to a baby shower or know of someone who is expecting, consider purchasing one of these fabulous devices. Most newer models run on battery power or electrical outlet, but there is nothing wrong with a standard crank-turning style if available. Especially if this is not a first child. Older siblings, despite our modern age of technological devices and electronic babysitters, will most likely still enjoy the game of turning the handle to play with their new sibling. Pushing a button works, too, but is much more short-lived. Although, there is the advantage with battery or plug-in styles that the length of time that the infant can be held by the soothing rocking motion is extended. So choose whichever style is most appropriate for the household that it is intended for.

And if you have an infant of your own and this was not one of the gifts you received, consider purchasing one for yourself, especially if you have a fussy or active baby. My first born in particular was a crier and would do so long into the night and early the next morning. The baby swing was one of the few methods that worked to distract her from her latest tantrum or give her something to do with a body that wasn't quite up to all the movement that she wanted to perform and the frustration that her lack of physical prowess created. It also kept her off my hips twenty four hours so I could try and accomplish other things besides holding, cuddling, bouncing and rocking my energetic child. If you have such a baby who seems to need a little extra stimulation, a swing is an absolute essential for your home.