When I was growing up, we had a swing set in my backyard, so I loved being able to go outside and swing, and I knew I wanted that for my kids. Swinging is so much fun and a great outdoor activity. Getting your kids outside is key in keeping them healthy and feeling their best, but it is vital to pick your child’s right swing.
There are many different swing styles, and you need to choose the best one for your children to keep them safe. You want them to have fun, but, above all, the safety of the swing is the highest consideration.
（Mom and baby are playing on the swing）
1. The benefits of using an outdoor baby swing
There are many benefits for your child to have an outdoor swing, and you may even reap some benefits yourself!
- Help your child build a sense of balance.
There are some swings out there that you can start using as soon as your child can sit up independently, which can be anywhere between 6 and 9 months. If your child is ready, they can start swinging and working on their balance. However, as kids get older, they will need to stabilize themselves more on a swing, and this can help them with muscle control and building this sense of balance.
- Enhance interaction with the world.
Swings are a great way to encourage kids to play outside. For instance, many of them will love the feeling of pumping their legs and making the swing go higher. Babies can still find a lot of enjoyment in being in a swing, and they will get to be out in nature to examine the space around them.
- Promote children’s mental health.
Being inside all the time is terrible for everyone’s health, and playing outside is a great way to get your kids moving and away from screens. Besides, the fresh air and change of scenery are good for mental health and help our brains get away from the monotony of being stuck inside.
2. Types of outdoor baby swing
Bucket Swing;
Babies who are six months old and older can use nursery bucket swings, but it also depends on whether your child is ready. In addition, nursery bucket swings offer security for children who are still very small. The area they sit in is more extensive, and there are supporters at the front and back to keep the child in place. Make sure that the back is high enough for your baby to be able to lean back comfortably. Some of them also feature a T-bar and straps. This swing is safe because the chances of a baby being able to fall out are low.
Disk Swing;
Disk swings, which have a disk with a rope in the middle, are not appropriate for babies or small children. In other words, the child sits on the disk and wraps their legs around the rope to stay in place while swinging.
Glider;
Gliders are not suitable for young children either as they require more strength to hold on. Above all, it is not safe for babies or small toddlers because they can easily fall off. This type of swing features a long and narrow surface area and is also called a back and forth swing.
Belt Swing/Toddler Bucket Swing;
Toddler bucket swings are a bit different because they have four leg holes so that the child can sit facing either way. There is support on all sides, but the back is lower. This lack of support means that if you put a small baby in it, they can easily pitch forward or backward, and you may need to correct them often.
3. Precautions for purchasing an outdoor baby swing
- Child’s age and weight
When shopping for a baby swing, be sure to note the age and weight restrictions to help you pick the best for your child.
- Seat comfort
You also want to make sure that your child’s seat will make for a more fun experience.
- Safety of baby swing
Safety is critical for a baby swing to make it an enjoyable experience for both of you.
- Baby swing material
The swing’s material helps dictate how long it will last and its comfort level.
- Installation method
You do not want to buy a baby swing only to find out you have no way nor place to install it. Take a close look at the specifics of the swing to make sure you understand the installation process.
- Your budget
Baby swings can be very affordable or very expensive, so you need to make sure it is within your budget and safe for your child.
4. Best outdoor baby swing recommended
Step2 Infant to Toddler Swing Seat
- Age: 9 months – 3 years old
- Weight Limit: 50 lbs
- Location: Outdoors
The Step2 Infant to Toddler Swing is a bucket seat that is comfortable for both babies and toddlers. In addition, it can help enhance your toddler’s motion skills, and it fits most swing sets. It is easy to clean, weather-resistant, and your child will be able to use it through toddlerhood.
It is affordable at $39.99, has secure straps to keep your child safe, and has a high back that allows them to lean back comfortably. Some buyers had problems with the plastic clasps warping due to the weather. It also does not come with a mounting frame and is only available in one color.
TP Quadpod Adjustable 4-in-1 Swing
- Age: 6 months – 8 years old
- Weight Limit: 77 lbs
- Location: Outdoors
This swing features a T-bar and childproof lock to keep your child safe. It also offers a great return on your investment because children six months old through 8 years old or 77 pounds can use it. The dimensions are 15.4 L x 13.4 W x 15 H inches. Besides, the seat system can be switched out into different modes, depending on your child’s age and weight.
- 1 offers a cocooned seat to give neck support for young babies.
- 2 is a cradle seat with back support.
- 3 is a bucket seat with side and back support.
- 4 is a single platform seat.
The versatility of this swing makes its $50 price tag worth it as a long-term investment. It is easy to set up for both low-height and full-height frames. Some buyers had problems with the plastic warping, and it was not as comfortable as advertised. There are also no color options or frames included.
Eastern Jungle Gym Toddler Swing
- Age: 6 months – 4 years old
- Weight Limit: None listed
- Location: Outdoors
This type of bucket seat is probably the one you tend to see most often at playgrounds, which is for a good reason. This one is a full bucket seat, and the one from Eastern Jungle Gym is commercial-quality. It has a high-back design and is of durable, high-quality materials. The bucket is 11.5 inches deep, 10 inches side-to-side, and 11.5 inches front to back. The chains are 66 inches long, with the bottom 30 inches covered in yellow plastisol.
Above all, the swing is designed well and helps to keep kids safe. It may be an issue getting your kid in and out of the swing, and kids will not be able to do this themselves. Besides, the swing is easy to set up and costs $50.
Sportspower Toddler Swing
- Age: 9 months – 3 years old
- Weight Limit: 55 lbs
- Location: Outdoors or indoors
We can use this baby swing indoors and outdoors. It comes with a frame, so you do not need to worry about having something else on which to hang it. It folds down to make moving it around easy. One problem with it is that you cannot raise it higher off the ground. This restriction could present problems as the child grows. Some buyers had issues with the straps breaking and it not being sturdy enough. It costs $53 and measures 55″L x 55″W x 47″H.
5. Ecotribe Wooden Horse Toddler Swing Set
- Age: 6 months – 3 years old
- Weight Limit: 44 lbs
- Location: Outdoors or indoors
This unique bucket seat baby swing for $75 is a lot of fun and is for both indoors or outdoors and shaped like a rocking horse; this swing is eco-friendly and made from untreated wood. The wood is smooth, and the edges around rounded for protection. There are many different ways to install it, including in your child’s room, a tree, onto a swing set, or a porch.
The swing dimensions are 17 inches x 11 inches x 11 inches, and the ropes are 78 inches long. This swing is durable, and the cotton ropes are wear-resistant, but buyers had issues with the horse’s head not fitting correctly.
Baby KEA Swing
- Age: 6 months – 3 years old
- Weight Limit: 66 lbs
- Location: Outdoors
This canvas bucket seat swing from Baby KEA is another excellent option, and it is more comfortable than some of its all-plastic counterparts. The flat seat has a plastic insert, an asset because it helps build your baby’s core muscles and keeps it from cutting into his or her legs.
The seat is a 10.25 inch square with a height reaching about 11 inches. It has a secure locking system, durable ropes, and an at-bar design. It has great reviews, but the price at $170 is its biggest downfall.
Little Tikes 2 -in- 1 Snug ‘n Secure Grow With Me
- Age: 9 months – 4 years old
- Weight Limit: 50 lbs
- Location: Outdoors
This bucket seat is a good option for a swing that grows with your child. It is appropriate for children between 9 months and four years old or 50 pounds. Besides, when your baby grows into a toddler, you can remove the t-bar and straps, and it becomes a toddler swing.
The straps easily store out of the way on the back of the swing, but buyers found that you should only attach the swing to a swing set instead of a tree or ceiling. It costs $27, so it is very affordable as well.
Squirrel Full Bucket Toddler Swing
- Age: 6 months – 4 years old
- Weight Limit: 150 lbs
- Location: Outdoors
This toddler bucket seat has a high back for added security as your child swings and is excellent for those just starting with a swing. There are 66 inches of heavy-duty chain, with half of it coated, and the carabiners make it easy to attach the swing to an outdoor playset.
This swing has the most color options, and you can buy this one in pink, red, blue, or green for $45. However, buyers found that it is well-built, but some had growing mold and were too big for their babies.
Happy Pie Play & Adventure Canvas Hanging Swing
- Age: 6 months – 3 years old
- Weight Limit: 100 lbs
- Location: Outdoors or indoors
Durable canvas and untreated wood make up this swing, which costs $50. You will need to bring it inside when it rains to avoid mold growth, but the construction adds to its comfort, and it even has a detachable cushion. The length of the ropes is adjustable, with a range of 49 to 57 inches.
You can use it both indoors and outdoors, and it has a wooden ring to attach toys for your child. However, buyers had issues with it because it may need more safety features. They also questioned the six months to 3 years of the age range. There may not be enough support for a six-month-old baby, and if a three-year-old reaches out of it too far, they can flip it over. It may be ideal for babies in a smaller age range.
5.Outdoor baby swing safety reminder
Q: When can babies use an outdoor baby swing?
A: This answer depends on the specifications of the swing. Babies should be at least six months old or able to sit up, but you will want to check the recommendations of the swings you are considering.
Q: Will outdoor baby swing damage the baby’s brain?
A: It is crucial not to push your baby too high. Young children are prone to whiplash because their neck and shoulder muscles are not yet fully developed. Vigorous swinging can cause traumatic brain injuries, so make sure to push your child gently.
Q: How do you choose a suitable place for an outdoor baby swing?
A: Make sure to follow the specifications for the swing that you buy to install it in a suitable place correctly to avoid injuries.
Summary
In conclusion, swings can be a lot of fun for kids and a great way to get them outside. There are many to choose from, so make sure to pick the one that fits your child’s age and weight. Above all, make sure that you have a safe place to install the swing that meets that swing’s specifications. We hope this article gave you some great ideas for baby swings, and we look forward to sharing more product information with you.