[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/04\/is-it-safe-for-babies-to-sleep-in-a-swing\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/04\/is-it-safe-for-babies-to-sleep-in-a-swing\/","headline":"Is It Safe for Babies to Sleep in a Swing?","name":"Is It Safe for Babies to Sleep in a Swing?","description":"While it's tempting to let your baby snooze in a swing, it's not always the best idea. Read on for the dos and don'ts of safe sleep for babies.","datePublished":"2022-04-13","dateModified":"2026-03-19","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","name":"UPMC Magee-Womens","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-magee-womens-hospital\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/GettyImages-1321458978.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/GettyImages-1321458978.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/04\/is-it-safe-for-babies-to-sleep-in-a-swing\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Pregnancy and Childbirth"],"wordCount":804,"articleBody":"It’s a common scenario: Your infant is fussy and upset, and the baby swing is the only thing that calms them. So you skip the crib and let them nap in the swing. But is it safe to do so?Here’s what you need to know about infant swings, along with some overall tips on safe sleep for babies.Is It Ever Safe to Use a Baby Swing?Baby swings are fine to use for short periods of time, but only in situations when you’re keeping an eye on your child. For instance, a swing can be a blessing when you’re trying to make dinner or quickly check your email. The rocking motion can keep your baby calm and happy.Even a short nap in the swing is OK if you’re in the same room and supervising your child. But letting your baby sleep all night in a swing can be dangerous. Babies \u2014 especially those under 4 months old \u2014 have weak neck muscles and can slump over, leading to suffocation.Infant death in sitting devicesAccording to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), thousands of infants die in the United States each year from sleep-related causes. Some die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), while others die from suffocation or strangulation.A 2019 study in Pediatrics examined nearly 12,000 sleep-related infant deaths over a span of 10 years. Nearly 350 of those children (about 3%) died while in sitting devices. (Sitting devices include car seats, swings, bouncers, and strollers.)Most of those sitting device deaths were due to suffocation. Premature infants or those born at low birth weight were at higher risk, as were those exposed to secondhand smoke. Deaths in sitting devices were also more likely when someone other than a parent was watching the baby.How to use a baby swing safelyA baby swing can be safe, but only when used properly. Here are some tips for using a swing safely.Read the instructions thoroughly. Make sure to assemble it according to the directions and fasten any straps properly.Make sure grandparents, friends, and babysitters know that your baby shouldn’t sleep for long periods of time in a swing.If your child falls asleep in the swing, transfer them to a crib.Check product recalls. You can see if there is an active recall on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.It can be tempting to let your sleeping baby stay in the swing, especially when you’re exhausted yourself. This is not only dangerous, it’s also reinforcing bad sleep habits. Your baby will get used to the rocking of the swing and won’t learn to fall asleep in her crib.Safe Sleep for Babies: Dos and Don’tsThere are many steps you can take to promote safe sleep for babies. Likewise, there are behaviors to avoid.Do:Provide a safe sleeping environment for your baby. That means a firm crib mattress with a tight-fitting sheet.Always put your baby (up to one year of age) to sleep on her back. SIDS rates declined dramatically after the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development launched the \u201cSafe to Sleep” program in 1994.Breastfeed if you can. Breastfed babies have a lower incidence of SIDS.Keep the baby’s bassinet or crib in the same room with you at night. Room-sharing decreases the rate of SIDS as much as 50%. Place the crib close to you so your baby is within view.Don’t:Use a swing, car seat, or bouncer as a substitute for a crib. And never leave your baby alone in a sitting device.Fill the crib with blankets, bumpers, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed animals, or other soft bedding.Overheat your baby. Dress her in one layer more than you’re wearing. If she’s sweating, she’s too hot.Smoke around your baby. Secondhand smoke is a risk factor for SIDS.Let your baby sleep in the same bed with you. Your baby will be at a greater risk of SIDS, strangulation, and suffocation. Instead, keep the bassinet or crib in the room with you.Remember, always check with your pediatrician if you have questions about safe sleep for babies.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on April 13, 2022, and was last reviewed on March 18, 2026.SourcesPediatrics, Large study sheds light on infant deaths in sitting devices, LinkAmerican Academy of Pediatrics, How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained, LinkThe International Childbirth Education Association, The New AAP Guidelines on SIDS and Safe Sleep Recommendations, LinkNew York Times, Some Babies Sleep Better in Car Seats and Swings, but Are They Safe? LinkCDC, Helping Babies Sleep Safely, LinkAmerican Academy of Pediatrics, Reduce the Risk of SIDS & Suffocation, LinkNational Institutes of Health, Key Moments in Safe to Sleep History, LinkNational Institutes of Health, Fast Facts About SIDS, Link"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2022","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"04","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/\/04\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Is It Safe for Babies to Sleep in a Swing?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/04\/is-it-safe-for-babies-to-sleep-in-a-swing\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]