6 month sleeps in swing!?

Question

My son sleeps best (all night) in his swing, and though it is not moving (we don't turn it on) I am having major guilt! The swing is a cradle swing and he loves to be reclined like that. He hates being on his back. We are trying some nights in the crib, and he wakes us every hour at least. I usually end up putting him back in the swing because I am so tired. Anyone have this experience? On the one hand, I am glad he can get a good night's sleep, on the other, I worry that it's not good for his developement. Yikes! Help, anyone?

Answer 1

We had the same problem when our little one was a little younger. I didn't have the energy to get up all the time at night so we would just let him sleep in his swing. I started getting him used to his crib more during the day when I was awake and had the energy to deal with more frequent crying. So during the day when you know that he's sleeping soundly in his swing, transport him to the crib. If he wakes up crying, try to calm him down by rocking him or bouncing him or put him back in the swing if that's the only thing that helps. Wait for him to fall asleep soundly again and repeat the process. This is what we did and now our 4 1/2 mo old sleeps very well in his crib and only wakes up 1 time during the night. We still have to do this process sometimes when he wakes up crying in his crib for naps during the day. Keep at it and he will eventually get more used to sleeping in his crib. Once that happens, he will be much more comfortable getting to stretch out in his crib and enjoy his time in there. Good luck and be patient!!

Answer 2

Stop what you are doing!!!
Put him in the crib! You will have to deal with a few sleepless nights to begin with, but it will pass. If you don't you are looking at years of sleep problems. He is now 6 months, this is the age to stop the bad habits, later it will be harder.

Put him in the crib while awake. He has to learn how to sooth himself. He will cry at first (don't pick him up) Just keep going back and reassuring him that it is ok. Don't let him cry more that 5-10 min without reassuring him, but don't pick him up. It will be very hard, but more for you than him. Withing a few nights of dealing with the sleeplessness and crying he will settle into the routine of his crib and he will sleep.

My first daughter I had problems with her sleeping until she was 4 years old and would not sleep unless I went to bed with her, and half the time I would fall asleep before her, which was not good when I had guests over.

My second one I toughened up and she was sleeping in her crib by herself by the time she was 6/12 months. I would put her in the crib awake and she would put herself to sleep, but it was hard and I had a few sleepless nights, but that comes along with the territory of being a parent.

I would not be able to sleep comfortably if my baby was asleep in a swing. When a baby is in a swing they should be supervised at all times and you cannot supervise if you are asleep. Especially a 6 months they are more active and even if they are strapped in, can still possibly get hurt. The safest place for baby is in his bed!

Answer 3

my daughter was the same way, and we always worried what we were going to do when she out grew the swing. as long as he is strapped in and safe i dont really see a problem with it. let him do it for a few more months and then try the crib again. my daughter adapted well when we finally put her in the crib.

Answer 4

I dont see a problem with him sleeping in the swing, hes still young. if hes in the swing or in his crib hes on his back , so its not hurting anything. but once he can move alot more, your gonna have to put him in his crib, you dont want him to fall out of the swing. good luck

Answer 5

You should check out this bed, endorsed by all sorts of doctors. It keeps the baby in a reclined position. It is very safe (mind you expensive... on the other hand if your baby is like mine he will outgrow the swing pretty quick.)

http://www.askdrsears.com/amby.asp
http://www.ambybaby.com/

Answer 6

my doctor always say let sleeping babies lie. if they are sleeping then they are comfortable so don't move them. pretty soon he will grow out of the swing and will have no choice but the crib. until then use it.

Answer 7

Remember that it takes 3 times to create or break a habit. Babies spines are still soft but at this age the bones are beginning to firm up so that he can begin to sit up straight on his own. The curve of the seat will keep his neck forward and his spine curved which practically thinking, like you are, would prob. not be a good thing. Also, do not feel bad about placing your baby on his belly. Humans (in the United States) are the only living beings that place their infants on their backs. Its not natural. At the same time, our infants heads are soft (having 2 soft spots) and keeping them on their back creates the wide triangular skulls that our american children are experiencing. It makes them have strange faces with eyes that are too wide apart. Egleston Hosp. in Atlanta is reporting that their biggest prob. with newborns is Flat Head Syndrome and they are doing surgeries and babies are wearing helmets to correct this phenomenon. This information can be googled. Hope this helps. Just create a new habit with baby to place him securely in a nice warm bed. You'll both begin to sleep soundly and wake up refreshed for happy days. :) God Bless.

Answer 8

the doctor told me that some babies like to be snug when they sleep. some sleep in their carseats or swings. If you want him in his bed than maybe swaddle him and if he don't want flat on his back move the front of his bed up so it slanted.

Answer 9

Do what works for you and your family. If he sleeps in the swing let him.

Answer 10

I don't see a problem as long as he is comfortable, warm, and not in any danger of being hurt( can't fall out, no way he can smother). If it really concerns you call and ask your doctor if it is alright.