How to choose a swing for your little one

Getting children to play outside can be challenging, but with a swing, they’ll be happy to ditch the TV remote and head outside. Kids find the back-and-forth swinging movement of the play swing exciting and enjoyable. Not only that, but a swing promotes parent-child interaction and can be a source of childhood memories. Experts also agree that it benefits your child's cognitive, physical, and social development.

Each play swing has features that will test your child's creativity and physical strength. While a wing can be simple play equipment, it must tick several boxes, from safety to play value. Here at vidaXL, we have a large selection of swings to keep your little ones active. Each swing is safe for children and is made from high-quality materials to ensure durability. 

If you're looking for the right swing for your child and you need help figuring out where to start, we’re here to help. We've created this easy guide to help you choose the right swing.

Which play swing material is best?

Your choice of material has an influence on the weight capacity, appearance, and durability of your swing. Since a baby swing has to stay outside all year round, it should be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Below, we look at the different materials you can choose for your swing.

Wood

The wooden swing is the most popular option on the market. It’s not only sturdy and durable but also adds a traditional charm to your outdoor space. A wooden swing is also easy to match with other items in your garden. The wood used to construct these swings is often treated to prevent rot, splitting, or breakdown. The best options for long-lasting swings include cedar, pine, acacia, and maple. A wooden swing is a great choice if you're looking for a swing you can rely on as your children grow. However, they require yearly maintenance, which may include staining, painting, and varnishing.

Metal

A metal swing is strong, long-lasting and easier to assemble and install than its wooden counterparts. It’s also inexpensive and often comes in a protective finish to protect against rust. However, it's common for rust to form on a metal swing over time, leading to structural damage. It's important to check the metal for any signs of rust and apply a coat of paint when needed. In addition, some metal swings are not sturdy enough and might not hold the weight of older kids. So, if you have older kids, you may want to opt for a wooden swing.

Plastic

Plastic is mainly used to construct the swing seat. It’s also a great alternative to wood but ideal for younger kids. One of the main advantages of plastic is that it is easy to maintain. An occasional wipe-down with a sponge should be enough to keep it in good condition. A plastic swing is also lightweight, making it easier to move it around. It’s also the cheapest of the three materials and is simple to install. However, plastic is not as long-lasting as it does not have the sturdiness and durability to hold up to the elements.

How to choose the right play swing size

When shopping for an outdoor swing, it’s important to ensure you choose the right size for your outside area. It's recommended to leave a space of about 182cm on each side of the swing for safety. Let’s look at the different swing sizes based on yard size.

Small

Outdoor spaces under 74 square meters are large enough to accommodate swings for younger children. They can also fit a swing set with 1 – 2 swings, a climbing component, and a small slide.

Medium

For gardens ranging from 74 – 93 square meters, choose a swing with more than two components. Typically one with 1 or 2 slides, a climbing wall, an enclosed playhouse, and other components would fit perfectly.

Large

You can choose a more elaborate baby swing design if your outdoor space is over 93 square meters. The right swing for this garden size features more than three swings and other elaborate play components.

How to choose swing sets based on age

Choosing the right swing set for your child's age is important for safety and maximum enjoyment. Read on to learn more about swing sizes and how to select the best option for your child.

6 months to 2 years old

While children of all ages can use most kid’s swings, it's crucial to note that infants and toddlers have their own standards when it comes to safety and comfort. Most swings for children in this age group are shorter and often made from plastic to reduce the risk of injury. They are also more secure, often featuring harnesses, straps, and other safety features.

3 to 4 years old

Although shorter and safer, swing sets designed for children aged three to four years closely resemble those designed for older children. They are mostly made of wood rather than plastic. However, they lack elaborate features that require a more sturdy structure.

5 to 12 years old

From this point onwards, the size and features of the swings are more or less the same as they are designed to be all-inclusive. A swing set for children aged 5 – 12 is full-size, featuring sufficient height and other essential components that excite children within the age bracket. Both wood and metal are great choices; however, if you want to buy a swing that will be safe for your children until adolescence, go for wood.

13 years and above

If your children have reached the adolescent age, a simple structure is ideal. Choose a swing set that would only require hanging from and between trees to put your child’s skills to the test.

Which seat type should you choose?

Your choice of swing seat will depend on your child's age group as well as the number of children playing at a particular time. For younger children or those with low stability, choose a seat that provides back support, such as a swing chair, to ensure they are safe when playing. On the other hand, older children prefer more social interaction, so you can go for a basket swing as it can handle more users. In addition, a basket swing allows children of different abilities to play. They are particularly a great choice for children with disability as they allow them to sit comfortably and enjoy the experience with the carers.

What safety features should you look out for?

While price is one of the most important considerations when shopping for a swing, keeping your child's safety in mind is also crucial. Sometimes, the safety features, which come at an extra cost, may be worth it at the end of the day. Here are some of the safety features you should look out for.

• The edges of the baby swing should be round or capped to prevent injury. There shouldn’t be any protruding edges that can scratch, cut or injure your little ninja.

• Swing chains should come with hand grips to prevent your child's fingers from being pinched while having fun.

• If the baby swing comes with other components, such as slide platforms and decks, they should be designed with safety in mind so that the kids don’t fall off.

• The swing should also not be painted or finished in any product containing chemicals that may harm the children's skin or overall health.

Additional safety tips

• Anchor the baby swing in a location where it cannot tip over.

• Use a shock-absorbing material under and around the swing, preferably loose-fill materials such as rubber or wood mulch. This will protect your child from injury in the event of a fall.

What about installation?

Of course, you need to think about installation. Many people don't know that sometimes the installation cost can be the same as the swing itself. Some swings, especially swing sets, require hours of installation and a professional, while others take only a few hours and can be installed by an avid DIYer. So, take this into account when shopping for a swing.

In addition, some swings require additional stability, which can only be provided by in-ground cement. You can, however, find freestanding options with a broad base for enhanced stability. It's also easier to relocate this baby swing. If you intend to install it yourself, ensure you understand what you're doing.

Note that assembly and installation can be time-consuming and challenging. If you're not confident of doing it yourself, be sure to contact a professional for assistance.

Baby swing maintenance tips

Keeping the play swing in good condition is important in ensuring the safety of your child and the longevity of the swing. Cleaning, sealing, and staining your wooden garden swing chair should keep it in top condition for many years. If you have a metal and wooden swing, check for loose bolts and nuts.

For metal swings, check for rust at least once in three months. If you notice any signs of rust, brush it off and apply a fresh coat of paint. A plastic swing should be stored indoors during winter to prevent the cold weather from compromising the unit's structure. 

Find the best play swing for your child at vidaXL

At vidaXL, we have a large collection of play swings that will get your little ones running to the garden rather than playing video games or watching TV. You'll be surprised by the number of hours your child will clock up playing on one of our well-designed swings. Whether you're looking for something simple or elaborate, you'll find the perfect baby swing.

Our collection includes both wooden, metal, and plastic play swings to meet your needs. In addition, we only source play swings from leading brands to ensure you set up the perfect backyard playground without compromising on the safety of your kids. Browse our collection today to find the best play swing for your munchkins.