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The most
obvious benefit is that swinging is fun and
exciting. The feeling of being weightless
for a split second at each end of the pendulum,
feeling the wind as you accelerate down, hitting
the bottom of the pendulum in full speed with
the extra g-force on your body is exciting.
To laugh and be happy is most beneficial to
both our physical and mental health.
Every
baby and child, except those who get sick, would
benefit from having plenty of opportunities
to swing. If you don't have your own swing go
to the playground often. Swinging is a suitable
exercise from the time the neck is strong enough
(approximately 6 months). Swing your baby gently
in the beginning to get them used to swinging
and not frighten them. If you start your baby
young be gentle in your swinging for quite some
time. Swinging can also be very soothing
and relaxing for your baby.
There
are some hidden benefits that the children won't
know about but we as parents can appreciate;
Eye
development (focusing): The development
of changing the depth of focus has already started
at 6 months and is basically completed during
the baby's second year. Swinging is one of the
most excellent ways of helping to develop this
ability and exercise it as the baby is moving
back and forth constantly changing the depth
of focus. (This is a period when watching TV
should be at the absolute minimum, preferably
not at all.) So don't wait to long before you
start your baby swinging.
Balance:
Eyes and ears are major organs when it comes
to balance. When swinging it is not only the
eyes that are trained and exercised but also
the fluid in the inner ear is constantly swirling
back and forth, which is great for the development
of balance. When swinging your baby is not only
leaning front wards and back wards she/he is
also moving back and forth and up and down.
Coordination:
To get oneself swinging only by moving ones
body is harder than it looks. At the age of
about 4 years old a child can swing by themselves
and swinging is super for learning and training
full body coordination.
Benefits
for the parents: There are times when you
want to get on with a job without your baby/toddler
wanting to be held or clinging to your leg.
Just pop your baby in the swing close at hand
where he/she can see you. An occasional push
will keep baby entertained while you get on
with the job. A perfect example is when you
are preparing dinner, a time when baby can be
tired and grumpy. The rocking movements of the
swing more often than not makes the baby go
to sleep. We know of people using their swing
in the milking shed and others in the sheep
yards.
An easy
to shift swing can be of great help to those
who work in and around home and have to look
after the little one too.
If you know of more benefits please contact
us so we can add it here or lead people
to the information.
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