Spending too much time in a baby swing can cause flat head syndrome, or positional plagiocephaly. This is because your baby’s skull is very soft at first to help them pass through the birth canal and allow their brain to develop and grow. To prevent swing-induced positional plagiocephaly, the AAP recommends limiting the amount of time a baby spends in a swing each day. Do not let your baby sleep in the swing, and be sure to provide opportunities for tummy time every day to help your baby strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles—which will eventually help them roll over, crawl, and walk. You can also hold your baby more often to take pressure off the head.  “Babies do best when interacting with other people, such as holding them in your arms or playing and talking with them,” says Dr. Hoffman. “The swing should not be a babysitter.”