Ways a Baby Swing Can Help Calm Your Fussy Newborn

You may be wondering “Why is my newborn so fussy?” For new parents, there are few things that are as distressing as the sound of their baby crying—and if your baby sobs the second you put him or her down, it can sometimes make you feel like crying too.

Before you burst into tears, take a deep breath and remember that infants have only one way to communicate—through crying. If you’ve made sure that your baby’s tummy is full, their diaper is dry, and they aren’t too hot or too cold, it’s time to find a new technique to stop the tears.

But how do you give your arms a break and still give your baby the comfort that he or she needs? While nothing can beat being rocked in your arms, a 4moms MamaRoo®4 swing can come pretty close for most babies. Learn how to calm a newborn with the help of a 4moms MamaRoo baby swing (and give yourself a little break, too!).

The Magic of Motion to Calm a Fussy Baby

Why do so many new parents rely on baby swings for the first weeks and months of their baby’s lives? In the womb, your baby was in constant motion, moving every time you did—so the gentle, rhythmic motion of a baby swing is one of the ways to calm a fussy baby by providing them with a familiar sensation. 

Pick a calming swing that offers a variety of speeds and motions, like the 4moms MamaRoo®4 Infant Seat. It was designed with five unique motions and five unique speeds so you can combine settings 25 different ways to find the just-right motion that will calm your fussy newborn.   

Make Some Noise While Baby Swings

The womb isn’t a quiet place. The beating of your heart, the whooshing of your blood, and the sound of your voice are the background noises your baby heard 24/7 throughout your pregnancy. That’s why common household noises like running a vacuum cleaner or a hair dryer can be music to the ears of an upset infant. 

You may find it tempting to find the quietest baby swing on the market, but your baby should be exposed to a variety of sounds. Many swings are pre-programmed to play familiar sounds as your baby sways. 

Keep it Safe and Comfy

Babies like to feel safe and secure, so make the swing a cozy and welcoming space. Adjust the baby swing seat so it reclines to a safe, comfortable position. 

Is the Mamaroo safe for newborns? Yes. For newborns or smaller babies, you can add a compatible newborn insert that cradles and supports your baby’s head and neck for extra comfort. Before starting the swing, make sure your baby is strapped in snuggly with the provided straps.

Then it’s time to bring on the fun! Many swings are equipped with mobiles that will keep your baby entertained, including a few by Mamaroo. Newborns’ vision is still developing after they are born, so mobiles that are high contrast—think black and white or boldly colored patterns—are the best bet to stimulate baby’s brain and encourage sensory development.

Make it Their Happy Place

A fussy baby isn’t the only thing swings are good for. Get your baby used to the swing when they’re content (think: right after they’ve eaten) so they associate the swing with good things—and it may become the second set of hands you need to squeeze in a daily shower, grab a bite to eat, or maybe even just sneak a few minutes alone to relax and recharge.