The 5 Best Toddler Swings of 2023
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- Studies show that playground activities, including swinging, have just as much impact on a child’s brain as formal classroom education.
- Swinging is helpful for concentration and focus.
- As children practice using their legs and arms to swing, they are developing their gross motor skills.
Parents who frequent playgrounds know just how popular swings are. If there’s a line for anything at public parks, it’s the swings. And for good reason!
Kids love to swing. It’s often hard to get them to stop once they learn how to swing themselves. They’ll spend hours pumping their legs, leaning back in the breeze, and laughing as the movement tickles their belly.
It’s no wonder swing sets are found in backyards all over the country. They are a staple toy of childhood and a great way to pass the time. The health benefits and joy of swings make them a great choice for toddlers.
If you’re thinking about getting a swing for your little one, don’t hesitate. You will find that it will not only help their development, but it will also be a toy well-loved for years to come.
But before you go searching for the best toddler swing, take a peek at our list of the 5 best toddler swings of 2023. You are sure to find something your little one will love.
Top Choice: Sportspower My First Toddler Swing
- TODDLER FUN: Swing set is great for both indoor and outdoor play for infants 9-36 months old
- HEAVY DUTY: Constructed of lightweight yet sturdy powder-coated steel construction for durability
- PORTABLE: Swing Set folds down for easy storage and transport so your little one can swing anywhere!
- SAFETY FIRST: Meets or exceeds ASTM safety standards and includes safety harness on single nursery seat to enhance security
Our pick for the best toddler swing is the Sportspower My First Toddler Swing. Here’s what we love it:
Portability: This swing folds up and can be taken along wherever you go.
Ease of Use: While some swings take special hardware and time to hang, this only takes 10 minutes to set up. You don’t need a special place to hang the swing. It’s all-inclusive.
Safety: The included harness will keep your baby safe from falls as they swing.
Options: We like that this swing gives you options as to whether you’ll use it outdoors or indoors.
All of these features make this toddler swing a fantastic choice for little ones!
Best Hammock Swing: Outree Kids Pod Swing Seat
- Fun And Sensory: OUTREE Kids Pod Swing Seat will give children a peaceful and warm place to play, and provide kids a sense of safety while at the same time provide soothing sensations that can help them regulate sensory and relax
- Comfortable: The 100% cotton-canvas material is soft, warm and breathable, it makes the kids hammock chair is quite comfortable to sit in while reading, watching TV or listening to music. It’s a great choice for sensory swing
- Well Made: The sensory swing’s design with reinforced nylon edgings and double stitched to increase safety, soft PVC air cushion make you don’t worry about mold problem. The swing can support up to 100 pounds, easily taken down and stored away at any time to make more room
- Universal Use: Our kids pod swing is great for indoor or outdoor use. Whether you hang it from your ceiling, or thinking about hanging it from a tree. Besides, it would make a great addition to a child’s room, especially as a reading nook
Do you have a little one who could benefit from a hammock swing? Hammock swings have become a popular choice among sensory swings. This Outree Kids Pod Swing Seat is a fantastic choice for parents looking for a calm-down swing.
This hammock swing creates a cozy, safe environment for your child to relax in. The partially enclosed swing is perfect for helping toddlers calm down and reach optimal sensory regulation. And most toddlers already love fitting into small spaces like behind the couch or in a box.
This swing is made from cotton-canvas in a variety of colors. The reinforced nylon edges and double stitching make it durable and reliable. It also includes a PVC air cushion for more comfort that also won’t mold.
You have the choice to either hang the hammock from the ceiling indoors or hang it outdoors on a tree or swing set. The weight capacity goes all the way up to 100 lbs. This means you won’t have to worry about your child growing out of it right away.
This swing does include hardware for wood or concrete and an adjustable nylon belt. However, some parents didn’t think it was sturdy enough. This is an easy fix, as most hardware stores carry heavy-duty supplies needed to hang swings.
Dimensions: 7.48″L x 3.54″W | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 100 lbs | Material: Cotton
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Most Loved: Little Tikes 2-in-1 Snug ‘n Secure Swing
- Easy-in hinged T-bar
- Stay-put shoulder straps hold baby securely in place
- As the child grows and doesn’t require the T-bar or straps, they store conveniently out of the way
- Durable and great for outdoor or indoor swing. This product does not come with anchors.
Many of our childhoods were probably marked with memories of this classic swing. Little Tikes has been creating childhood favorite toys for years. The Little Tikes 2-in-1 Snug ‘n Secure Swing is no exception.
This plastic bucket seat is a treasure in the world of outdoor baby swings and created by a brand we trust. Little Tikes goes above and beyond to ensure their products are safe and reliable. They test each product for lead and heavy metals and avoid using BPA, latex, or harmful PVC and phthalates
Parents will be relieved to know this Little Tikes baby swing includes a t-bar and adjustable straps. The t-bar harness is designed to keep your child from falling out as they ride. When little ones outgrow the attached t-bar, parents can easily remove it and store it away.
This toddler and baby swing is perfect for use inside the house or in the backyard. As an outdoor swing, parents can use the attached ropes and metal hooks to hang it from a playset. If you plan on hanging this baby swing indoors, you’ll need to purchase the hardware separately.
Dimensions: 16.3″D x 16″W x 17″H | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 51 lbs | Material: Plastic
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Best Swing Set: Sportspower My First Toddler Swing
- TODDLER FUN: Swing set is great for both indoor and outdoor play for infants 9-36 months old
- HEAVY DUTY: Constructed of lightweight yet sturdy powder-coated steel construction for durability
- PORTABLE: Swing Set folds down for easy storage and transport so your little one can swing anywhere!
- SAFETY FIRST: Meets or exceeds ASTM safety standards and includes safety harness on single nursery seat to enhance security
If you don’t have an existing swing set, you might be wondering where you are going to hang a swing. Thankfully, there are other options besides expensive, large swing sets. The Sportspower My First Toddler Swing is a perfect starter swing set.
Unlike most toddler swing sets, this one is portable. The lightweight, steel frame easily folds in two. You can then move the swing and stand from indoors to outdoors without trouble.
With a gentle push, your child will swing with ease. The included seat belt will keep your baby from falling out of the baby swing. You’ll also get many months of use out of this swing set, as it will safely hold up to 55 lbs.
Unlike most indoor or outdoor baby swings, this requires no hardware for assembly. You’ll only need 10 minutes of setup to get your little one swinging.
Dimensions: 52″D x 55″W x 47″H | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 55 lbs | Material: Alloy Steel
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Best Indoor Swing: Monkey & Mouse Baby Swing Seat
- DURABLE AND SAFE – Stringent testing and high quality natural materials such as double-sided cotton canvas fabric, marine-grade rope and lockable carabiners ensures that your little one will swing securely. The bucket swing seat is deep and comfortable, and backed by warranty & support.
- FUN AND HANDS FREE – Take a seat and watch your baby, infant or toddler swing and grin as they enjoy the outside with wind in their hair and engage in exploring the sensory wooden toys while you catch-up on cooking, set it up at an outdoor picnic, on a swingset in the park, or for a few minutes to catch your breath from the busy day and watch the kids swings.
- A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING – A thoughtful present to buy for holiday celebrations, baby showers or infant and toddler birthdays from friends, family and grandparents alike. Show them that you care with a quality present that’s guaranteed smiles. Gift wrap option available!
- COMFORTABLE AND CLEVER – The designer dual-color padded cotton cushion is detachable and easy to clean. It can also be removed to make extra seat room as your little one grows bigger. Rest easy knowing you’ve made a smart investment that will be long lasting.
If you’re looking for an indoor toddler swing where design meets fun, stop here. The Monkey & Mouse Baby Swing Seat is one of the cutest baby swings on the block.
Some parents just want one less primary-colored baby toy in their living room. With this hanging indoor swing, you’ll get the look you’re desiring. The neutral-colored design will blend with just about any surroundings.
You’ll have several options for hanging this baby swing. You can hang it from a pull-up bar in a doorway, from the ceiling, or you can temporarily hang it outdoors on a tree or swing set. You will need to purchase the hardware separately.
The material is double-sided cotton-canvas and is not designed as a permanent outdoor swing. If you decide to hang this swing outside, be sure to bring it back inside when your baby is done swinging.
You’ll also love the wooden toys that hook onto the seat. These will keep your baby entertained while you cook dinner or relax on the patio.
Dimensions: 16.54″D x 13.19″W x 4.41″H | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 110.23 lbs | Material: Double-sided cotton canvas fabric, natural beech wood and marine-grade rope
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Most Versatile: TP Quadpod Adjustable 4-in-1 Swing Seat
- SWINGSET ACCESSORIES: The fantastic TP Toys Quadpod is an adjustable 4-in-1 swing seat designed to grow with your child’s ages and stages, for years of outdoor fun and play.
- INGENIOUS & STYLISH: The Quadpod innovative design incorporates four perfectly dimensioned seats to suit children of different sizes; as young as 6 months, all the way up to 8 years.
- 4 SAFE & COMFORTABLE SEATS: Mode 1: cocoon seat -neck support for young babies. Mode 2: cradle seat -back support. Mode 3: bucket swing -side and back support. Mode 4: single platform seat.
- EASY SET UP: The seat configurations are quick and easy to change from one to another. Includes a universal fastener that fits both low-height frames and full-height frames.
I am always looking for products that are designed to grow with my children. Thankfully, someone dreamed up a swing that would last through years of child development and growth. Meet the TP Quadpod Adjustable 4-in-1 Swing Seat, one of the most versatile outdoor baby swings.
This 4-in-1 swing is designed for an extremely wide age range. You can begin using this swing with your 6-month-old and continue up to 8 years old, or 77 lbs. Each mode is created with that stage in mind.
The 4 modes include a cocoon seat with neck support, a cradle seat with back support, a bucket seat with side and back support, and finally a single platform seat. The seat transforms from one stage to another without much effort. The versatility means parents can use this with babies, older toddlers, and even big kids.
The seat itself is made with a sturdy plastic and the straps are made from nylon. The safety straps clip in securely, keeping your baby safe as they swing.
Dimensions: 14″D x 9″W x 11″H | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 77 lbs | Material: Plastic
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Recommended Accessories
Here are some other sensory toys for toddlers that provide similar benefits for gross motor development. Some of these might also be useful for calming or stimulating sensory activities. We recommend these to go along with your child’s outdoor or indoor play:
Surprising Benefits of Toddler Swings
Parents know the benefits of healthy food, adequate sleep, and a good education. However, many overlook the many benefits that come with play. Swinging is an area of play that has many surprising benefits for your child’s development!
Is swinging good for toddlers?
Yes, it is. Swinging is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Their studies show that playground activities have just as much impact on a child’s brain as formal classroom education.
That’s an impressive statement. So next time you take your child to the park, remember that you’re doing them just as much good as a day in school.
So let’s talk about the specific benefits of swinging for kids.
Why is swinging beneficial for children’s development?
Do you remember the feeling of soaring through the air on a swing, feeling weightless? You were actually learning spatial awareness when you felt that sensation. That very movement helps to increase spatial awareness as well as provides vestibular stimulation.
As kids grow, they learn to pump their legs back and forth. This requires them to use their full body to swing. As older kids practice pumping back and forth, they develop their gross motor skills.
The whole process of swinging also requires strength and coordination. This takes full concentration from the child. This is why swinging is helpful for concentration and focus.
And finally, swinging is a sensory activity that calms many children and might be useful to help toddler aggression or anxiety. The birds chirping, the wind blowing, and the smell of fresh air all create a calming environment. Many children benefit from the energy exhausted while swinging as well.
Choosing the Best Swing for Your Toddler
When you choose a swing for your toddler, you’ll have many options. Should you choose a bucket seat swing, a swing with a safety harness, or a full toddler swing set? What about an indoor swing versus an outdoor swing?
Here are some helpful questions to consider before making a decision:
What are the factors that you should consider when selecting a toddler swing?
When selecting a toddler swing you’ll want to think about how you will use it. If you want one for outdoor use, you’ll need to make sure it’s designed for outdoor use. Otherwise, you might end up with a moldy swing that’s falling apart.
You’ll also need to decide if you want a swing to hang from an existing swing set or tree. If using a tree, be sure the rope and hardware are sturdy enough for the tree and that the limb is strong enough to hold the weight of a child.
Which is better: a plastic, metal, or wood swing set?
Generally speaking, plastic or pressure-treated wood are good choices for outdoor playsets. Metal will get very hot in the sun. Most swing sets avoid using metal for this reason.
What is the weight limit on a toddler swing?
Many toddler swings have a weight limit of around 50 lbs. However, each toddler swing will vary. You should check the details on the manufacturer’s website to be sure.
FAQs
At what age do you stop using a toddler swing?
Toddler swings can often be used up to 5 years old. However, you should pay attention to the weight limit. If your child reaches the weight limit before the recommended age limit, you should discontinue use.
How long does it take to install a swing?
Many swings come with the hardware that makes assembly easy. Generally speaking, you should be able to install most swings in under an hour.
Is it okay to make a DIY toddler swing?
Making a toddler swing might sound like a good idea, but can be risky. You’ll need to ensure that all parts are sturdy enough to hold your child’s weight. A fall from a swing that wasn’t properly designed or installed can cause serious harm to babies and toddlers.
Are toddler swings safe?
Yes, toddler swings are safe as long as they are used correctly and with adult supervision. Don’t let children stand in a swing. Never hang a toddler swing from a weak tree limb if working with tree swings. Always ensure you use the proper hardware for hanging a swing indoors and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
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