Best Outdoor Baby Swing
In hot weather, all kids like to go outside and have fun, so choosing the best outdoor baby swing is important for every parent. Our article will help you with this. Aside from learning the benefits of encouraging your little ones to swing more frequently, you will also learn what you should be on the lookout for when shopping for a swing to avoid suffering disappointments, which might even be life threatening in some cases.
This product is particularly important because swinging is one of the healthiest ways children develop their core muscles, which promote coordinated movement. Be that as it may, it is quite hard to guarantee the total safety of your little ones when you are outdoors playing with swings. No matter how careful you are, you simply cannot control a lot of variables. The best you can do is provide your little ones with quality outdoor toys designed for fun and safety.
In this post, we put together the best outdoor baby swing models for you to choose from. Before we get to that, we will discuss their benefits and the standards you need to put in place before making a choice.
How Did We Pick the Best Outdoor Baby Swing?
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Best Overall
Little Tikes 2 -in- 1 Snug 'n Secure Grow With Me Swing
Key Features
- Ease-in hinged bar
- Safety shoulder straps
- Removable t-bar
- Made of plastic material
Why It is Better?
- Simple and effective design
- Easy to maintain
- Weather-resistant and strong rope suspension
- Why Do You Need an Outdoor Baby Swing?
- How to Pick the Right Outdoor Baby Swing
- Top 5 Best Outdoor Baby Swings
- 1. Little Tikes 2 -in- 1 Snug ‘n Secure Grow With Me Swing
- 2. Step2 Infant To Toddler Swing Seat Turquoise
- 3. Eastern Jungle Gym Heavy-Duty High Back Full Bucket Swing
- 4. Sportspower My First Toddler Swing
- 5. Squirrel High Back Full Bucket Toddler Swing Seat with Plastic Coated Chains
- Safety Tips for Using a Baby Outdoor Swing
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why Do You Need an Outdoor Baby Swing?
A baby swing is a fun piece of equipment. Typically, it is in the form of a chair suspended by strong ropes or chains. A baby sits in the chair and is secured by a belt while moving back and forth in an oscillatory manner. The seat can also be in the form of a bucket with holes big enough to let through a child’s legs. This fun seat suspended in the air is usually one of the most common outdoor play toys for kids. Aside from being fun, it comes with a number of health benefits that are fundamental to the early development of a child. Let us take a look at five ways an outdoor baby swing can be of benefit to your little ones.
- Body balance, control, and movement
These are probably the most essential benefits of an outdoor baby swing. When moving back and forth, specific parts of the body are engaged, which requires the body to readjust in line with the movement to maintain balance. This may not seem like a lot of work to a child who is having fun, but doing it constantly can help children develop better control of their movements, even outside the playground.
Generally, it provides a great workout for the legs, arms, and midsection. It will also develop your baby’s ability to endure other physical activities better.
- Improves focus and attention
When asked about how an outdoor baby swing benefits the mental development of a child, specialists point to the fact that swinging improves the awareness of a child. When you tell a child something, it often goes in through one ear and out through the other ear. Swinging is one of the ways a child can develop better focus and a longer attention span.
According to the experts, swinging causes blood to flow to the brain, which increases alertness and, in turn, creates increased attentiveness. This activity can raise the endorphin levels in the body, which is generally good for the body and the brain in particular.
- Sensory integration
This is basically the process of organizing and applying the information obtained through our senses in our day-to-day activities as they have to do with motion. Children, more often than not, are still too young to properly organize every piece of information they perceive through their senses because their body systems are not fully developed to that point. Interestingly, this level of motion awareness is not even a given for every adult.
Participating in outdoor activities is a great way to inculcate this awareness in children. A lot of parents love to set up such activities for their kids while at the beach with a baby beach tent to protect them from the sun when it is too hot.
- Improved mood
Experts have confirmed that outdoor events play a huge role in the improvement of our mental health. When you carry your child in a baby backpack carrier quite often or let him get on his feet in the open air, it activates his mind and gives him a fresh and exciting perspective on everything. Naturally, the body responds to such activity by raising the level of endorphins and improving the circulation of blood especially to the brain.
Such responses improve the mood and leave a lasting effect. It can help deal with frustration and depression and lead to better communication and better thinking.
- Fun
Humans naturally enjoy fun things. This is especially true of children. It gives them a level of satisfaction. These days, they get that satisfaction mostly from electronic gadgets, promoting a sedentary lifestyle, which can be very unhealthy. Investing in outdoor entertainment like swings and beach stuff for babies can help them get out of the house more often.
After having a good swing session with all these benefits mentioned above, your little one is bound to be worn out and hungry, which is great, right? This can send your child to sleep right after and make him or her eat just about anything you offer. It is a good time to eat some vegetables!
How to Pick the Right Outdoor Baby Swing
There are a lot of things you have to put into consideration when shopping for an outdoor swing for babies or any other baby items for that matter. There are a lot of suggestions on the internet and even from your friends and associates, but it is important you take your time to look through any recommendations you might have gotten and even compare them to other options out there to make sure you are getting the right fit for your little one.
Here are some of the factors we took into consideration in the course of our research for this project.
- Brands: We always recommend that you start your search by selecting quality brands that you have heard about. Start from the most popular high-quality ones to see if they have all the qualities you are looking for. The idea is to see if the brand checks off every quality on your list or most of them at least. If the high-ranking brands do not appeal to you, do not hesitate to look at the less well-known ones; sometimes, you can find the greatest treasures in the unlikeliest of places. Some of the brands we recommend include Little Tikes, Squirrel, Step2infant, Eastern Jungle Gym, and Sportspower.
- Swing type: There are different types of swings on the market, and what type you decide to go for will ultimately decide what type of experience your little one has with it. The most popular type of swing for young children is the bucket swing because it has a high back and front for support and safety. Disk swings come with little to no safety measures in place and are for older children who can support their own bodyweight. Gliders come between the bucket and the disk types with some safety precautions in place and are suitable for older babies.
- Safety: This should be the most important factor of all on this list. If you are looking for a baby travel system, baby bike trailer, a swing, or any other baby product, it is important to ensure that your choice is safe for your little one. The age of your baby also helps you in making the best decision in this case. If your baby is quite young, you should get the bucket type for her. If she is a little bit older, then the gliding type would be great. The disk type is most suitable for older kids.
- Fit: This has to do with the size of the swing and the level of comfort it brings without sacrificing safety. Parents whose babies are younger should be more concerned with this factor since they have to go for the bucket type, which is the most restrictive in size. Consider the size of the seat to ensure it will fit your little one just fine. You may want to go for brands that do not have molded places for the legs or a fixed t-bar that cannot be removed if you have a big baby.
- Age and weight range: A lot of all the other factors already mentioned are dependent on your child’s age and weight. Age determines what type of swing you should get. Usually, it will be marked on the swing if it is for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and so on. If your baby weighs more, you may need to get a bigger swing for her. Always remember that safety measures are important and should be in place whether you buy outdoor swings or infant bicycle carriers especially if your baby is still much younger and is still learning to support her own body weight.
- Material: The material used in constructing the swing is another factor you must consider. Is it made of plastic, wood, or metal? In any of these three cases, always ensure that the quality is excellent and that the swing is something that will not break easily, exposing your little one to risks. A lot of parents prefer to go for plastic and wooden materials because the metal types can scorch the baby’s skin when the sun is too hot.
Top 5 Best Outdoor Baby Swings
This is probably the most anticipated section of this post, and it is understandable why it is so. In this section, we bring you the results of our long hours of research. Parents and caregivers who do not have enough time to carry out intensive research can make a reliable choice after going through these reviews. These five swings were selected based on the factors mentioned above and more.
1. Little Tikes 2 -in- 1 Snug ‘n Secure Grow With Me Swing Review
Key Features
- Ease-in hinged bar
- Safety shoulder straps
- Removable t-bar
- Made of plastic material
- Maximum weight limit of 50 pounds
- Suitable for babies of nine months and above
We Like
- Simple and effective design
- Easy to maintain
- Weather-resistant and strong rope suspension
- High back for better support
- Comfortable and durable
We Don’t Like
- Straps that could use a smoother finish
- Swings may hang crooked and ropes deteriorate over time
If you are looking for something basic and classy at the same time, this would be a great choice for you. It comes with an ease-in hinge bar that makes it quite easy for your little one to get into the swing. The level of safety factored into designing this product is also commendable. With an adjustable t-bar, safety shoulder straps, and weather-resistant ropes, this swing has your baby’s safety in mind. This model works well with most swing sets, so you do not have to purchase a new set. It is made with durable plastic materials, and it has an ergonomic design, which makes it convenient for your baby to sit in and have fun. It is cost-effective as well.
On the downside, the straps are too rough for some babies, and the swing may hang at a crooked level after a while because of the ropes’ reaction to outdoor elements. It is important to inspect the ropes and other parts of the swing from time to time to ensure they are in good shape. Change the rope once you notice that it has started deteriorating.
2. Step2 Infant To Toddler Swing Seat Turquoise Review
Key Features
- Ergonomic and snugly fitting design
- Durable plastic seat and rope materials
- Available in turquoise blue
- Suitable for infants and older kids
- 50-pound weight limit
- Has safety straps
We Like
- Weather-resistant ropes
- Specially designed to ensure the safety of the child
- Made from quality and long-lasting materials
- Easy to clean and maintain
- High-back seat to help support a baby’s body weight
We Don’t Like
- Can easily be outgrown
- Buckles that are hard to unlatch
Here is another great product you can count on as far as baby swings are concerned. Step2 is a great brand that is known for making quality baby products just like this one. The swing seat is designed to hold as much weight as 50 pounds. This baby swing is made from plastic material molded to perfectly fit the body structures of babies generally, thereby promoting convenience and safety.
Talking about safety, the ropes suspending the seat are strong and weather-resistant and come with mounting carabiners. The adjustable harness over the seat, which snaps in the front, offers great support as well as good balance and a comfortable ride. The high back provides comfort and a suitable area for pushing. It comes in a turquoise blue color, and it is quite easy to clean and maintain. Plus, it is cost-effective. On the downside, this product can easily be outgrown by your little one, which can be disappointing.
3. Eastern Jungle Gym Heavy-Duty High Back Full Bucket Swing Review
Key Features
- Available in two different designs and sizes
- Fully assembled and enclosed
- High-back feature
- Made from high-quality polythene material
- Yellow-coated chain suspension
- Maximum weight of 150 pounds
We Like
- Compatible with most swing sets
- Very sturdy
- Simple to set up
- Made from durable rust-proof materials
- Easy to clean and maintain
We Don’t Like
- Yellow coating may peel off over time
- Unprotected rivet design that may be dangerous
Aside from being the best bucket swing, this product can also qualify as the best for durability because it is made with the toughest commercial-grade materials. Interestingly, they are also available for private use, so you can set this swing up for your little one at your residence. One of the things that makes it stand out from the rest is the chain suspension. A lot of parents may not be impressed by this considering that it may be too hot to hold since it is most likely to be set up in the open air under the sun.
But the manufacturers took that into consideration, which is why they coated the bottom half of the chain with yellow plastisol for a soft and pinch-free grip. You can either get the half-bucket design with safety straps, or you can choose the full-bucket types, depending on the size and weight of your baby. It is rust-proof, holds up against the weather fairly well, and can hold a maximum weight of 150 pounds.
4. Sportspower My First Toddler Swing Review
Key Features
- Suitable for infants and older babies
- Can be set up indoors or outdoors
- Made from a sturdy steel construction material
- Can easily fold down
- Exceeds the ASTM safety standards
- Holds a maximum weight of 55 pounds
We Like
- Powder-coated steel material for durability
- Portable and easy to transport
- Functional safety measures in place
- Lightweight and durable structure
- Multiple harness options
- High-back seat to support head and neck
We Don’t Like
- Too close to the ground
- Straps that are not very strong
This is a great product for babies who are within the age bracket of 9 to 36 months old, which means it can last for a while before your little one grows out of it. It has some special features, which is why it is on this list. One of those features is that it is designed to be set up just about anywhere including both indoors and outdoors. So, you do not have to worry about the weather being too bad for an outdoor event, you can simply set it up inside the house and have your swing party even while it is pouring outside.
Sportspower put a good number of safety measures in place, and this product even exceeded the ASTM safety standards. The seat is high enough to support the back, neck, and head as well as give you an area wide enough to push. There is a safety harness to keep your baby safe and comfortable while swinging, and a powder-coated steel material ensures durability.
5. Squirrel High Back Full Bucket Toddler Swing Seat with Plastic Coated Chains Review
Key Features
- Available in three different colors
- Sturdy bucket design
- Suitable for infants and older babies
- High-back seat
- Seat suspended on quality chains
- Can hold a maximum weight of 150 pounds
We Like
- Long-lasting design for children
- Soft and pinch-free chain coating
- Standard safety measures in place
- Made from durable and quality materials
- Easy to clean and maintain
We Don’t Like
- Bucket seat may be too large
- Mold can grow on the chains
Finally, on our list of best outdoor swings for babies is the Squirrel Products swing seat. It is a typical outdoor swing with the basic features like a high-back seat to support the weight of a baby and coated chains. It is designed for the fun and safety of your children. This swing is suitable for children as young as six months old because it is a basic bucket design and because it has safety features in place to support children.
All things being equal, your little one can enjoy this swing until she is up to three years of age or more. It can hold a maximum weight of about 150 pounds. On the downside, the bucket seat may be too large for your little one, and there is no adjustable strap to help in such a situation. Also, you will need to clean the swing as thoroughly and as often as possible to prevent the growth of mold on the chains.
Safety Tips for Using a Baby Outdoor Swing
As we have already mentioned at the start of this post, there are a lot of health benefits your little ones stand to gain when you let them swing very often. As a matter of fact, baby swing outdoor is one of the best ways to get kids away from being on their phones, playing video games, and watching television all the time. Be that as it may, it is not safe to invest in just any swing or set your baby on the swing without putting some standard safety measures in place.
- Have a checklist
Feel free to use our checklist in the section about “How to Pick the Right Outdoor Baby Swing.” It will guide you on what to look for while shopping for a swing set for your baby. Some of the things you need to have on your list include quality, brand, age range, material, safety features, and so on. The key is to get the most suitable set for your baby.
While shopping, you can also get other items like baby sunglasses and a baby sun hat to protect your baby since she may be under the sun for a while.
- Set up the swing on a soft surface
Children are hyperactive, and even though you put all the safety measures in place, it is possible that they may still experience minor accidents from time to time while swinging. Setting up the swing set on soft ground will give them a soft landing should they fall down while playing. If you do not have soft ground, which is very likely for most, then you should make some. You can use sand, shredded rubber, pour-in-place rubber, mulch, artificial turf, or any other suitable material.
- Install the set properly
Children are generally lightweight and easy to lift off the ground. But do not let that fool you into neglecting the risks of incorrectly installing playground equipment for your little ones. Always make sure all screws are in place and tightly secured to avoid unwarranted accidents.
You can seek the help of a contractor, or better still, you can get the help of the manufacturers. If you have to do the installation yourself, always make sure you set it up on levelled ground, and make sure you remove every obstruction like rocks and roots to avoid accidents.
- Keep a safe distance
It is a swing, and it can forcefully knock down whatever or whoever is in its way. Keep other children away when someone is swinging, and be sure to maintain a safe distance while pushing. Also, do not push too high or too hard. There is no such thing as a baby life jacket for your little one to wear as this is not swimming, so you need to be extra careful.
- Always pay attention
Do not leave your baby unattended while swinging for too long. Even if your child is old enough to swing by herself, be sure to monitor her closely all the time to make sure she does not have a playground accident. Having a first aid kit at home is also necessary just in case your little one sustains an injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
So far, we have discussed everything you need to know to help you make the best decision and enjoy a swing set with your baby. Here, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions in the hope that they will address any further inquiries you may have with regards to swing sets.
Do not put your baby on a typical outdoor swing if she is less than six months old. This is because she is not yet strong enough and does not have the capacity required to play on a sit-down swing. The key is to make sure your little one can sit up on her own and is stable enough to control her neck and head.
Also, if your baby is still very young, you should install a bucket swing for her to protect her all round. Bucket swings are more protective than any other type of swing.
Most baby swings are easy to clean, so you most probably will not be doing a lot of work in the way of cleaning and maintaining the equipment. First, take note of the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean, and follow them. Most outdoor swings, if not all, do not need to be dismantled before being cleaned. Before cleaning, you may need to consider the material of the swing. In most cases, water, a simple brush, and a cleaner will do the job just fine.
The ropes are quite safe especially when they are still new. If you took the effort to buy a swing of high quality, you will most likely enjoy the swing for a long time. But you have to be very observant to know when the rope starts to deteriorate so that you can change it to prevent any accidents. If you want to be very sure and on the safe side, then you should go for swings with quality chain suspension.
Yes, there is something about enjoying the open air and breeze on a beautiful sunny day that makes you happier, freer, and healthier. It is a great way to get kids moving and help them develop better cognitive abilities than their counterparts who are more into playing video games and watching television. Exposing your kids to outdoor fun helps them get some vitamin D, which comes with some surprising benefits such as improving your mood and fighting depression.
Outdoor swings are mostly available in quality plastic materials molded into the desired shape. Plastic swings are quite comfortable, safer, cheaper, and more aesthetically appealing than the rest.
Conclusion
An outdoor baby swing is one of the first things you will see on a playground. If you have a residential playground and do not have an outdoor swing, you should consider getting one because they have more benefits to offer than just fun. To provide even more enjoyment for your baby, take your time to research in order to make the best pick for you and your baby.
Hopefully, this article has brought to light all the basics you need to know about to help you make the right decision when shopping for an outdoor baby swing. The most important feature you should always look for is how safe the product is for your little one. Any of the five swings we reviewed in this post would be a great addition to your playground. They are safe, comfortable, budget-friendly, and perfect for kids.