Deciding to buy an infant swing or not? It says it is only for up to 25 lbs. Is this a waste of money?

Question

I am having my first baby. I am trying to decide what I need and what I don't need.
1. I am single. I am in major financial debt.
2. I have high stress and frequently get stressed out or anxious. I want to have things that will help me take care of the baby in the easiest possible way, since I have no one to help me at all... no family, no friends, father is gone.
3. Since I am in major financial debt, I want to get things that will be of good use for a long time. I don't want to waste money on something that will be no good after 3 months.
That being said.... How long will a swing last if it only holds 25 lbs? How old will the baby be when it becomes 25 lbs?
Infant car seats... I saw that they only go up to 30 lbs. Would it be a smarter idea to get one of those convertible seats which hold up to 60 lbs?
Does anyone have any tips for maximizing my money for the baby? What things do I need? What things will I not need? What things are a total waste of money??

Answer 1

Swings: some babies hate them, some babies love them. Honestly I wouldn't buy this ahead of time unless you got a great deal on a used one. My cousin bought one and their daughter never used it, I got it from them and my son loved it. Wait until baby is born and then take the baby to a store and see what kinds the baby likes and then buy second hand either from a second hand store or craigslist!

Most babies will be less than 25lbs at a year though not all. Graco the only company I know that makes in infant bucket style seat that goes up to 30lbs claims it fits 90% of babies at one year.

The convertible style seats can be used rear-facing (usually to 35lbs in the USA) then forward-facing to 40lbs (remember children gain slower after the first year). Some can then be used as a booster seat for higher weights.

Here are the pros and cons on different seats (as I see it):
Infant bucket seat:
*Can be easier to get baby in and out of because you have more room when it isn't in the car.
*Some people carry baby around in these seats, personally I find that ridiculously inconvenient. I have also snapped the seat into the stroller twice. It makes the stroller too tippy.
*You can get small metal folding frame strollers to hold up these seats, these can be useful and tend not to be tippy. They are particularly useful if you don't own a car and need to use taxis to and from stores. Or getting rides with different people.
*In winter it is nice to be able to put baby in the seat and then layer blankets on top, and this is safe. It is always safest to have the least amount of clothing between the baby and the belts and seat back.

Convertible seats:
*Harder to install usually so not as convenient if you have to change cars or use taxis.
*Not as portable BUT there are a few models that fold flat and a few with wheels. These are very useful in some situations.
*Technically safer. Bucket seats can separate from the base in a crash (if you use the base, but the whole convenience of the bucket seats is the base).
*Will probably last you a few more years

Covertable seats that are also used as boosters:
*Usually you have to cut the belts which means you can't go back. This is an issue if you plan to use the seat for other later children. However car seats are only good for a max of 10 years because plastic degrades over time.
*Usually convert to backless boosters which are neither the safest nor most comfortable option for the older child.


Things you don't need:
*Special diaper disposal systems
*Changing table (if you *really* want a change table get a dresser of the right height, you can even get strap on change pads that are concave and have a safety belt for baby).
*Expensive diaper bags. Backpacks work just as well
*Toys, its a long time before kids need toys.

Personally I found cradles and moses baskets useless. This time I am even finding the swing useless because my 20 month old likes to "help" the baby.

Oh and some people love those play pens that have the bassinette and change table attachments, and some people hate them. I'm not a fan but check them out set up at a store like toys R us and see what you think about how sturdy and useful they are.

Oh but DO buy a new mattress if you are using a crib, used mattresses can harbour mold and mildew. They may also be a contributing factor in SIDS.

Answer 2

Some babies like swings and some don't. My daughter loved her swing and used it for over a year. She's 2.5 now and still hasn't hit 25lbs. A child's height and weight is all genetics so there's no real way of guessing what age your child will be when they hit 25 or 30lbs.

As for the car seat, buy new. Car seats are usually outgrown by height before weight. Some newborns are too small to fit comfortably in a convertible car seat. If you're on an extremely tight budget, then I'd get a Cosco Scenera convertible car seat (5-point harness version). They're about $50 and fit newborns well. They have a 40lb weight limit and a fairly tall shell for the money so it lasts most kids until the ages of 3-4 years old.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8054494
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5716972

If your budget can allow it, a Safety 1st Uptown is a little more expensive ($90) than the Scenera but is nicely padded and lasts a little longer: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5515915

An even better choice but most expensive is an Evenflo Triumph Advance for $130. It has a 50lb weight limit and would last most children until the age of 5. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5933974

I would definitely check out a children's consignment shop or www.craigslist.org for baby items (not a car seat, though). Just make sure that whatever you purchase used is in good working condition with no parts missing or broken, no chipped or peeling paint and includes instructions. Also, beware that some people try selling older items that have been recalled due to safety issues. It's pretty much buyer beware but you can look up recalls on this website: http://www.recalls.gov/ Also, when buying used, remember that safety has changed a lot within the last 10 years so a crib that was safe 10 years ago may not be now. Today, slats on a crib have to be closer together to prevent an infants head getting caught. A good way to determine this is if a 12oz can of soda is able to pass through the slats, then they're too far apart and it isn't safe.

Good luck

Answer 3

My daughter HATED the swing. HATED it. By 6 months she'd learned to pitch herself out of it when I was unbuckling her. I'd recommend a good baby carrier or sling. You can still get things done around the house, but the baby gets the same benefits of being rocked to sleep, without the whole plastic bucket, away from Mommy thing. A sling will be a LIFESAVER for you, I promise. And it costs a heck of a lot less than a swing, and no batteries needed.

I wish we'd had a convertible seat to begin with. Ours is bigger, sturdier, and more comfortable than the infant seat we had. Plus it will last her for a LONG time. My daughter was miserable in the infant seat by 18 lbs (6 months), so we got a convertible and she loves it. Plus, it has the benefit of being rear-facing up to 30 lbs, which is far safer for a baby (or anyone, really). Between the safety, comfort, and cost of it all, I'd go with a convertible from the start next time.

I also use cloth diapers, which helps save a lot of money. Breastfeeding does as well, and is much better for both you and baby. Just don't spend too much on cute new outfits and toys - you'll just end up with a house full of outgrown, brand new outfits and toys gathering dust. Babies really don't require as much "stuff" as people think they do!

Answer 4

25lbs is a good amount of time to use the swing for. My son still loves his and he is 18 lbs and 8 months old. The best thing I ever bought besides a jumproo. He loves that too. A swing will def. help you especially if you are tired and he wants to be awake. I put him in it next me me on the couch and slepy while he hung out. When he was asleep. I put him in his basssinet and went back to sleep. Also helps to have it when you want to eat!


When ur baby becomes 25 lbs it should be around 10-11 months on average(this could change and depends in the birth weight) should be able to put it self to sleep on its own.

For money wise it was would a good idean to get a convertible one but, with that said, the problem is you cannot take it out of the car and therefore if the baby is sleeping you have to wake them up to get them out. The infant car seat will and can last until they are a year old.


Go to craigslist.com and search under you city and or state and look at the baby section. People post and sell all kinds of stuff on there for way low prices that are slightly used and they arent have children anymore. The only problem is you will have to pick up.

Best of luck.

Answer 5

my son is 8 months and is nowhere near 25 pounds, your baby probably wont reach that til long after their 1st birth day( although some people have big chunker monkers LOL)- i got a swing that converts into a todler rocking chair, so no mine is not a waste of money- i used the swsing until he was about 4-5 months and now he can use the ricking chair while he is still strapped in. my son is about 18 pounds or so- i would probaby get the convertable carseat since the rear facing is the safest andd you want your baby to be rear facing for as long as possibel and that convertable ones hold more weight- my niece who is 21 months isnt even 30 pounds so dont worry they dont gain that much weight that fast:)
PS my swing also converted into an infant seat that sat on the floor- it was great adn maybe costed about 75-80 dollars

Answer 6

I really benefited from the baby swing, a bouncy seat, and a jumperoo in the first year. The swing was only used until she reached 4 months, then the jumperoo was used until about 11 months old. The bouncy seat was used from birth until about 6 months, it doubled as the place where she ate her first solids. You can check at yard sales, baby resale stores, St. Vincent De Paul, Goodwill and Salvation Army. Try placing an items wanted ad with your local paper, or better yet try a free classifieds site online. Look at freecycle, craigslist, and contact your local crisis pregnancy center.

To reduce the number of car seats you'll have to buy you can buy a convertible seat. The minimum weight limit on them is 5lbs, and some go to very high weight limits (my 4.5 year old son is still below the 40lb weight limit on his). You don't have the convenience of being able to take the baby out of the car while still in the seat, though.

Most baby items are purely convenience. The only things you really have to have are a place for the baby to sleep, car seat, clothes, diapers, and food.

Answer 7

Well, in my personal opinion, I used the bouncy-vibrating seat more than the swing. My son only enjoyed the swing for about a month. I bought it used. Then got a NEW one as a gift. Try to look into spending a little more on a bouncy seat, and LESS on the Swing. But dont know if it is just MY son, because my girlfriend SWEARS by her swing, and puts her son in it all the time, and he seems to enjoy it. I think my son was a little bit spoiled. Also, my son didnt like riding in the car when he was that young either, I think the motion scared him. That could be a reason why he didnt enjoy the swing too! Another thing, as far as weight goes, my son was 9.6lbs when he was born, and he is 23 pounds now, at 10 months. So you can realistically use the swing a while, if you want to. I would try to look for a second hand swing, on either ebay, or a garage sale, thrift store. That way, you wont be out a lot of money, if you dont get too much use out of it, you know? MY mom just told me that when I was a baby, I would sit in the swing all the time. So I think it depends on the baby. know when I babysat before I had my son, its good to put the baby in there, so you can tidy up the house, or in my friends case, she takes a shower and lets the baby hang out there, because its safer!
As for the car seat, I have a really good one. I actually had an infant carrier too. The infant carriers are good, because they let you be able to take the baby out of the car with you, and you can use it in the Grocery stores, on top of the cart. Since you dont seem to have anyone to help you, that will be helpfull, and they are only good for 22lbs!
(remember, my sons weight now, so it will be GOOD for the first 6-8 months, I would say)
I have a really nice carseat too, that is completly convertible. Its made by COSCO brand. It was not cheap, but its really good, because it is for babies that are 5lbs to 100lbs. In my state, they have to be in a seat until they are 100lbs, or a certain height. So, you may want to just get that one, after about 6 months. Since they are so much safer as well!
Im sorry you are going to be doing this all alone. It is a really hard job. What state are you in? Maybe some people here can make friends with you. IT really helps having friends who have kids too, cause it makes it easier, people that are going through what you are too!

Let me know if you need any other help, Im here! You can email me, or whatever! [e-mail]

Oh yeah, and DONT by a 2nd hand car seat, its NEVER a good idea, you dont know if they have been in an accident of not, if they have been in an accident, they are useless and wont protect the baby. It is said, that car seats are only good in 1 actual accident. Once used, you have to get a new one. But try to look for second hand baby things, I did and I had a TON of stuff! And it all looked BRAND new. I chose to stay home past 5 months, and I was tired of working. So, I tried to save money where I could, so I spend it on more important things!

Congrats, and Good luck~!

Answer 8

We had the Fisher price aquarium portable swing and my baby loved it! When we had difficulties getting her to sleep, she would occasionally sleep in the swing. Now we did not have a bouncy chair thingy bc I didn't know what they were back then lol. I would definitely go with the infant carseat bc babies fall asleep in the car and if they were in the convertible seats you would have to wake them up each time. Also, when you go anywhere and they are in the infant car seat you can set them down in it for a sec, you know. And on shopping trips to walmart or grocery store whatever you can just set the infant carrier in the front and they can sleep. I don't really know how you could grocery shop without one. To save money on things, I would certainly try consignment stores and yard sales (except for the carseats you can buy everything there.) I was thinking if we bought anything we thought to be a waste of money but nothing comes to mind. Hope this helps!

Answer 9

The swing is my lifesaver, it's the only place my boy will nap and in the beginning some nights he slept there. If you want something that will last, try to get the Graco lovin hugs swing. It's rated to 30lbs, has a 5 point harness, seat has multiple positions, plays music, white noise and a heartbeat sound. That heartbeat sound was awesome in the beginning! Just don't use the mobile (it falls off) and be prepared for how stiff the tray is when unlatching it (once you use it for a few months it gets better). My son is 4 months old and no where near outgrowing his swing.

Go hunting through the consignment stores and Craigslist. I got an $80 dollar playmat for $20, I don't pay over $3 for any of his clothes (besides coats). Find some Mommy groups, people with older kids will be happy to share what there's have outgrown.

Skip the fancy bottle sterilizers/wipe warmers and crap. Skip getting a bassinet, go straight for the crib since it will last longer. Most cribs also switch to a toddler bed to a day bed so you'll get a long time out of it. Same with the car seat, go straight for the convertible one. Yes it will mean pulling the sleeping baby out of the seat and having to use the stroller in the stores instead of dumping the car seat in the cart but you will get longer use out of it. You don't need a change table. Get a dresser and then just use some scrap wood to build an edge around the top and use that for diaper changing with a change pad there. (The rails are to keep baby from rolling off, nobody says they have to look pretty, as long as they are smooth so no splinters).

For clothing, buy lots of footed sleepers, heavy ones for the first few months since it will be winter. Just have a few cute outfits for when you have to go anywhere special. Believe me the kid is not going to care about fashion and h/she will be quite comfy in them. Saves having to buy socks, and if they are warm enough you don't even need onesies underneath. Get a few hooded ones too for when going out in the cold weather. Saves having to buy hats which they outgrow sometimes in a matter of days! Plus socks, hats and mitts always wind up getting lost along the way.

If you are not breastfeeding or you pump, buy the dollar store bottles and toss the nipples from them. Take some nailpolish or permanent marker and remark the oz's on the side before you sterilize them (they tend to wash off over time, a few I have washed off the first time I sterilized them LOL). Buy some decent nipples and you are good to go. Don't forget a bottle brush, it will save you loads of time when washing the bottles.

Spend the money on a membership to Costco or Big Sams or whatever bulk food store you have in your area. You can save a fortune on diapers and wipes when the regular grocery stores aren't offering their fantastic deals. Formula is often a bit cheaper if they carry your brand as well. Watch the store flyers, occasionally there will be an amazing sale. Remember No name brands are often identical to name brands, just without all the fancy packaging/decoration.

For toys when baby starts getting into them (anytime after 3 months), scour the local thrift stores and in the summer hit the garage sales. You'll get good at seeing what can be cleaned up and sterilized and what can't. Be leery of Dollar Store toys, they often don't meet safety standards. But there is nothing wrong with buying cloths and clothing there. Comparison shop though when buying shampoos and lotions, I found where I am the bottles at the dollar store are smaller so you wind up paying more sometimes to get the same amount.

Breastfeed if you can. Spend the money on good food for you and drink lots of water. You can exclusively breast feed for up to a year if you eat healthy, that way you don't have to worry about bottles/formula/baby food for a long time.

Get involved in the community groups available for low income parents, your pediatrician will be able to tell you where to start. Government early start programs can help too.

Answer 10

I have 2 older ones and we're hoping to adopt a baby. My boys LOVED their swing. But if we're blessed to have another baby, they may not. You don't HAVE to have a swing from the get go, so I'd wait until the baby is born and try out a friend's (or take them to the baby store when they're a little fussy and try one out there). Then you can get a used one. I don't know where you live, but Craigslist in our area has TONS of lightly used baby stuff for well below purchase price. You might want to check there or a baby resale shop or local paper. See if you can find a local mom's support group for support also. And/or you can always email us other moms for questions/support. We're all in it together. Oh...and breathe, long and deep. It will all work out.