New to Daycare - Always in the Swing

[NewMommyC]

My son is 4 months old and just started daycare 4 days ago. Prior to daycare his grandfather was watching him at home. The daycare has a webcam and it seems like every time I log in to see what he's up to he's in the swing sleeping. I know they have other children to look after but I'm wondering if he's swinging/sleeping too much. I've never had a problem putting him to bed at night, but ever since he's started daycare he is much harder to put to bed. Any ideas? Suggestions?

[jen]

I don't know about where you are, but here it isn't allowed to have a child sleep in a swing....you may want to check the licensing rules on that in your area.

As for how much is too much...how often are you checking? It may be that he is sleeping more at daycare and less at home as part of his transition.

I think what I would do is try to make an effort to monitor every hour or so for the next week, perhaps keep a journal of the time/date/activity. It will probably become very clear how your baby is spending his days and if he is sleeping less and less at daycare as he becomes more acclimated.

[Unregistered]

thanks

Thanks for the advice...i'll definitely check on that. I figured it was all a part of him adjusting, but I wanted to be sure. I'll make sure to monitor the webcam every hour to see whats happening. I just thought they would do more with him developmentally. NewMommyC

[momofsix]

If he's sleeping, he should be in a bed. Part of not sleeping as well at home could also be that he's getting used to the swinging motion to help him sleep. I agree with the suggestions Jen made and would follow through with those, especially monitering every hour at least.

[MN Mom]

Sleeping could be his transistion, yes. Also, children's growth happens primarily while asleep, and babies fastest growth is in the first year of life. They will sleep, and should sleep ALOT during this time. The little bit they are awake, however, they should be interacted with, held, talked to etc. I agree with Momofsix, though, unless there is some acid reflux issue..he needs to be in his bed / crib / pack n' play while sleeping.

[Chickenhauler]

Thanks for the advice...i'll definitely check on that. I figured it was all a part of him adjusting, but I wanted to be sure. I'll make sure to monitor the webcam every hour to see whats happening. I just thought they would do more with him developmentally. NewMommyC

He's four months old....at that age, the average kid sleeps, wakes up to eat, goes back to sleep, wakes up to get his shorts changed, sleeps some more....I'm starting to get jealous here!

Honestly, under one year, kids are like old dogs, they sleep, eat and poop and not much else.

[Former Teacher]

Here in TX same thing: a baby can not be in a swing (or any other confinement other than a crib) for more than 30 mins at a time. They can be in a crib only when sleeping. If after being awake for more than 30 mins, the child must be able to get up and on to other things

I agree with the other posters. Log on different times and note each time. If you can't do it on a routine basis maybe ask Grandpa or someone you can trust to look at the cam for you.

[MN Mom]

He's four months old....at that age, the average kid sleeps, wakes up to eat, goes back to sleep, wakes up to get his shorts changed, sleeps some more....I'm starting to get jealous here!

Honestly, under one year, kids are like old dogs, they sleep, eat and poop and not much else.

That's what all mine did too! It's totally normal. I miss their baby days ::, I got waaaaay more done around the house during their sleep time. Now that they are older, its much more difficult...

[mac60]

This is totally normal. As others said, eat and sleep. That is most of their day. If he is sleeping and content, I would think the daycare is doing a good job. And there is the saying.....never wake a sleeping baby.

This is one reason that I would never allow cameras in my daycare, or in a center if I owned one. No way I am going to be second guessed 11 hours a day.

[Crystal]

Sure, babies that age should be sleeping alot, but NO, not in a swing. As the parent, I'd be pissed if my baby was always sleeping in a swing. NOT HEALTHY at all.

[emosks]

Yeah, he should not be sleeping in a swing. In MI we are told if a child falls asleep in the swing/bouncy/etc we are to move them to a crib.

[Unregistered]

When was the last time you heard of baby dying of SIDS in a swing. I feel safer having babies taking a nap in a swing where I can see them versus in a crib in a room away from me. If I don't have the baby in a swing then I usually have them sleep in their car seat until they are old enough to get out of the carseat on their own (I don't buckle them in when sleeping and leave the seat on the floor). When they are old enough to get out on their own, they are big enough to pick up their headed and roll over and thus the risk of SIDS is significantly decrease.

[Chickenhauler]

Sure, babies that age should be sleeping alot, but NO, not in a swing. As the parent, I'd be pissed if my baby was always sleeping in a swing. NOT HEALTHY at all.

You say it's unhealthy to sleep in a swing....what exact health risks does this pose?

Our child swing is kinda recliner-like, very comfortable napping position, IMHO.

[nannyde]

You say it's unhealthy to sleep in a swing....what exact health risks does this pose?

Our child swing is kinda recliner-like, very comfortable napping position, IMHO.

No babies should not sleep in a swing. Small babies don't have the strength to hold their heads straight, even when sitting in a reclined position, making it easy for their airways to be blocked. The risk of baby's head falling forward in a way that would affect breathing is one reason why it's important to be sure that the baby is never left unattended in a swing.

[mac60]

I could understand this with the swings of years ago where the infant basically sat up, but the swings of today are very much a reclining swing, a least mine is, which makes a big difference. Infants also sleep much better in a reclining position vs laying down. Personally, I feel we all need to do whatever works the best for each individual infant. Not every infant is the same, sleeps the same, etc.