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teachingmyown
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| Posted: Dec 17 2007 at 9:33am | IP Logged
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I was thinking about treating myself to a new piece of baby equipment. I am looking at portable swings or bouncers. When we go to other people's houses, I find it difficult to put a little baby down somewhere. It would be nice to have a swing or chair to take along. I want one of high quality though that my older kids won't destroy.
One that I thought looked promising is the Boppy Swing.
Anyone have any suggestions? Or warnings of what to avoid?
Thanks!
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In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Dec 17 2007 at 10:08am | IP Logged
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Molly,
Sorry I don't have time to take a look at the Boppy Swing, and I'm unfamiliar with the name. But....some generals I've learned:
1. Make sure the top of the swing is open for easy ins and outs when baby is asleep. I've had the kind with a big bar over the top, and it is a contortionists nightmare to get them out without waking.
2. Use a battery powered swing - nothing worse than running out of swings just when the little one is drifting off.
Come to think of it, they probably don't make those archaic kinds of swings anymore.  Just keep sleeping babe in mind - will it be easy to get in and out of, is it fairly portable, is there a lot of clicking and extraneous sounds associated with the swinging mechanism. Are the fastening mechanisms (buckles, velcro?) loud or difficult to remove or fasten for you or the other kids helping with ins and outs?
Wish I could answer your questions more specifically about your Boppy. I know someone here can though.
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Jen Mackintosh
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Barbara C.
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| Posted: Dec 17 2007 at 11:08am | IP Logged
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With my first dd we had a Fisher Price Kick and Play Bouncer. We hauled that thing back and forth from Kentucky to Illinois while my husband interviewed for a job and we prepared to move. The cover was easy to remove and wash (which was necessary after some very bad blow-outs). The vibrations helped soothe my baby to sleep (although we did go through quite a few batteries). We didn't use the play bar very often. Thankfully it detached easily.
Unfortunately, my first daughter was a big baby and very late at being able to sit up on her own. She basically stretched the bouncer until it was unusable for a newborn. After a lot of research on-line, I decided to buy a new Kick and Play for the new baby. The main selling points were that it was bigger than many of the others, so the baby wouldn't outgrow it. Plus the straps on the harness were longer than many others so they didn't pinch chubby legs.
Now that we live in a two-story home I hope to get another Kick and Play if they still make them. I use my bouncer too much to be lugging one up and down the stairs in addition to lugging a newborn and supervising a toddler. Unfortunately, I don't think Target carries them so I may have to look around.
I've never used a baby swing, although my younger dd probably would have enjoyed it. My older daughter is still very wary of swings in general.
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Barbara
Mom to "spirited" dd(9), "spunky" dd (6), "sincere" dd (3), "sweet" dd (2), and baby girl #5 born 8/1/12!!
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Anne McD
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| Posted: Dec 17 2007 at 12:32pm | IP Logged
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I got one just like this for #3 and #4 is currently using it, and I love it. The toy/mirror on the top swings away easily to lift the baby out, and it collapses well. I've never brought it anywhere to use, but it stores well, and the cover on the seat comes off and goes back on well for washing. What I really liked is that it takes up such little room, unlike the older swings that require much more. Also, #3 still likes to get in and swing, and its fine. I think the battery holds up well, esp considering the fact that the kids run the darn thing all the time! Also, I think you'll get more bang for your buck with a swing over a bouncer seat, b/c once they are a bit more mobile and interested in things, I find I have to retire the bouncer b/c they sit up and I'm afraid they'll tip it (I think #1 did!), but this keeps them occupied longer. Good luck!
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vmalott
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| Posted: Dec 18 2007 at 8:05am | IP Logged
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Wow, Molly, the Boppy swing looks great compared to the swings I've had in the past (big ol' Graco ones). It looks really comfy for baby, especially a little one. And I like that it's portable and low to the ground, like a bouncy seat.
Right now I have a hand-me-down bouncer and another big ol' Graco swing. I remember the first swing we had, a shower gift with child #1...it was one of those with the bar overhead that you had to wind up. Poor child...she would be startled everytime we would wind it back up! Seems like the dark ages...
Valerie
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teachingmyown
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| Posted: Dec 18 2007 at 8:19am | IP Logged
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I had one of those ancient swings, too, with my first 16 years ago! My, how things have improved!
I still have a 12 yr old swing that is workable and a hand-me-down bouncer that is as plain as can be and still isn't very portable because it has a metal frame.
So, it would be nice to have something a little more convenient. I think the Boppy looks great but it has mixed reviews on Amazon. Of course, you never know the intelligence level of some of those reviewers! That's why I come here for advice. 
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In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
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Barbara C.
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| Posted: Dec 18 2007 at 8:53am | IP Logged
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I will admit that it would be better if they made bouncers with handles. What I really wanted but could not find was a carrier like they have in infant car seats without the car seat buckles. We had one of those when my nephew was a baby and used it to death. Until he was old enough to sit up on his own, every morning he was set up in his carrier with a pillow propping up his bottle to watch "Inspector Gadget" while the rest of us got dressed. (Believe me, I know how completely wrong this was on so many levels. In my defense, I was only thirteen. And he's only slightly backwards and anti-social today.  )
Anyways, what I ended up doing with my first child was buying the cheapest infant seat I could find just so I could have the carrier, especially to use in restaurants. It actually came in really handy as a car seat, too. I went into labor two weeks early before I was due to have our Britax's installed. My husband and mil could not figure out how to work the Britax, and a few days after I delivered, even though I could barely walk, I managed to install the infant seat thanks to LATCH. We used it until we could get the Britax put together. And then we used it in restaurants (or while the bouncer was being washed) with the car seat straps very loosely fastened. We also used it way past the weight limit to use it as a car seat.
Just my .02.
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Barbara
Mom to "spirited" dd(9), "spunky" dd (6), "sincere" dd (3), "sweet" dd (2), and baby girl #5 born 8/1/12!!
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4Real Forums : Mothering and Family Life
Topic: Baby swings/ bouncers
