A Swing Set For All Ages

Choosing The Perfect Swing Set for YOU!

The swings sets we remember as kids, like a tire swing hung from an old tree are still found in the odd backyard, but with so many different styles of swing set now available we thought a buying guide would help out parents. Paricularly those who are facing their first purchase of this essential piece of play equipment.

When selecting a swing set, size is an important consideration, particularly if your yard size is limited. Fortunately, manufacturers offer everything from small plastic play structures to metal and wood play centers complete with swings, tower and slide. For a look at outdoor play equipment sets including slides, swings and other features click here.

When shopping for outdoor wooden swing sets, make sure the equipment you choose is age appropriate for your child, yet flexible enough to accommodate your child as he or she grows. The height of the swings should be easily adjustable. More permanent swing sets have the flexibility to change the style of seat as your children grow up.

Infants and Toddlers

For toddlers you can get maintenance free molded plastic activity gyms which can include a swing aswell as crawl-through holes, a small slide and climbing walls that all fit together without hardware. These swings have high sides and are adjustable for different sized toddlers. These units can be used indoors or outdoors and are much less permanent than many options for swings.

Another option for infants and toddlers is the t-bar style swing, which hangs from a sturdy tree or porch. It is molded plastic with high sides and back to support a child still learning how to sit, while the t-bar secures the child firmly in. The t-bar design can be a little awkward to get the child in and out of with feet and shoes sometimes getting stuck. They come in heavy-duty plastic and weather-resistant rope, so are hard-wearing, but of more importance is that they need be securely fixed to a suitable structure.

If you are purchasing a stand alone swing set for a toddler then a soft plastic bucket seat is required. It fits the child in snugly and usually has a clip belt across the front. Once the child outgrows the bucket seat it can simply be replaced with a standard belt or U seat. My four year old still easily fits in to a bucket seat so you will get plenty of use from one. Whether you go for a metal or timber swing set comes down to budget, visual appeal and the size of your yard. See below for the pros and cons of each.

**TIP- Always supervise toddlers when using a swing. I have seen them somehow manage to flip the seat upside down but still be strapped in!