[JamesMama]

DS (4 mo) is addicted to his swing...I feel so bad putting him in there, but thats the only place he'll nap. If I lay with him he wakes up if I try to leave, if I hold him he fusses and has to be rocked constantly. Doesn't take the sling (for naps, has to be sitting up, no cradle hold) Am I a terrible mommy for letting him sleep in his swing?

 

[alegna]

I often just nap with my dd (especially at that age when she wouldn't let me leave.) If he doesn't like to lie down, maybe a mei tai type carrier? My dd sleeps on me in ours all the time.

-Angela

 

[AngelBee]

You are doing what makes your baby comfortable....that makes you a good mama in my book!

 

[athansor]

My ds went through a number of phases, especially with the sling..first he would only fall asleep when I was moving, then he wasn't comfortable in it at all, so I got an ergo (which we still use whenever we go anywhere), now, he loves to sleep in it, even though he is really big for it.
My feeling is that the best choice is the one that makes your dc happy. I've got a swing in the office, and he used to love to sleep in it, now he's back to the sling. I don't think it's terrible to let your dc sleep in the swing, especially if he's got lots of contact with you when he's awake and at night.

 

[AnnR33]

You might want to try a mei tai or wrap since they are sitting up in the front position. This would mimic the swing a little if you were walking around and moving. My guy falls asleep in the mei tai within minutes when I'm walking around.
Just another idea for you but not trying to make you feel bad! We do what works for us and baby and just keep trying to improve on it

 

[emsstacey]

We use the swing a lot too. I feel bad, but she's happy there and as soon as she seems unhappy--I take her out. My dd won't nap in cradle hold either--actually won't tolerate cradle hold much at all. If you want to wear her for her naps why don't you try t2t with her legs out. Mine loves the ring sling for that. If not, just keep extra batteries on hand for that swing!

Stacey

 

[momofelise]

I think it's fine that your baby sleeps in a swing. I agree with the earlier poster who said that as long as your ds gets lots of love and contact when he's awake, the swing won't be bad for him. I sometimes wish my dd could take a nap or two in her swing (or in her crib)! The only way she will nap is on my back in a mei tai.

 

[aprildawn]

my baby likes her swing, too. and sometimes she naps in the bouncy seat. it's hot here, even with the a/c on and i like to use the time she's napping to do things i can't do while holding or wearing her (like change clothes!) and sometimes i just want some space, and i think she does too. she'll often be grumpy and fussy so i'll put her down for a sec in the swing for a change of scenery, and she'll suddenly be happy and quiet.

don't feel bad, mama. if your baby likes it i don't think it's a bad thing at all.