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Best Baby & Toddler Swings
Indoor & Outdoor Swings For Toddlers (3+ Years)
BY: ADRINA PALMER
Introduction
Toddlers love to swing for fun. With so many options available, which swing should you choose? We found the ten best swings to use inside or outside to improve your toddler’s time with delight.
Start shopping and find the best option for your toddler. Thankfully, all of the prices are nice enough to be able to afford to switch to a child swing when your child is ready or older.
Top 10 Baby Swings
Step2 Infant to Toddler Swing
Price: $39.99 MSRP | Check Price on Amazon
With the Step2 Infant to Toddler Swing, babies as young as nine months old can enjoy time on the swing set.
Benefits
No other baby swing comes with as high a back or harness for extreme safety and comfort.
Downsides
The harness can come off too easily, making the swing dangerous. Check for issues before using.
Why we love it
The high back offers the most comfort and support for little heads. Moreover, the swing comes in modern colors instead of primary colors.
02
Wooden Hammock Chair
Price: $29.99 MSRP | Check Price on Amazon
With an innovative design, the Wooden Hammock Chair offers a fun and safe swinging option for babies and toddlers. It’s height-adjustable too.
Benefits
The swing is made of durable fabric with a high wooden bar to create a T-strap. It provides protection for baby spines and still works for toddlers, too, thanks to adjustable height.
Downsides
Despite how cute and functional this swing is, it does not have an inner harness. Never leave your baby alone in this swing (or any other swing, for that matter).
Why we love it
A gorgeous swing like this one provides a comfortable place to rock for several years and looks beautiful inside your home. Use it for up to 150 pounds making it a great option for children with special needs.
03
Squirrel Products High Back Full Bucket Toddler Swing Seat
Price: $42.99 MSRP | Check Price on Amazon
The Squirrel Swing looks like a commercial swing and comes with the same ease of use as a commercial swing.
Benefits
Choose from three colors for this high-back swing. Also, it’s useable for children six months up to 4 years old. The low price and sturdy quality makes this an excellent buy you can use for decades. Also, you do not need to fiddle with harnesses or seatbelts thanks to the smart design.
Downsides
While no harnesses mean the swing is easier to get babies into, it’s also not as safe.
Why we love it
A simple design allows you to focus more on swinging instead of buckling the child in. An extra long chain allows you to adjust the swing as needed to fit your swing set.
04
Little Tikes 2 -in- 1 Snug n’ Secure Grow With Me Swing
Price: $26.88 MSRP | Check Price on Amazon
The Little Tikes 2-in-1 Snug n’ Secure Swing offers exactly what parents need, an easy-to-use swing toddlers and babies love. Babies will love the motion and parents will love the ease of use.
Benefits
An easy-in hinge T-bar makes putting your baby in the swing an easy process. It even includes stay-in-place shoulder straps tots ages nine months to four years can enjoy from their own swing set with easy-on hooks. No other swing keeps your baby as safe with five points of protection. The bright primary colors help babies and toddlers to learn colors too.
Downsides
The hooks do not clip into place and can come off if swinging too hard. Swing lightly to prevent issues. Also, know this is best on a swing set and not on a tree. It’s best to bring it in during bad weather because of the rope material.
Why we love it
The high back protects your child’s head, and the high T-bar keeps tots safely inside the swing. Also, it’s waterproof, making less work for parents. It’s easy to use, maintain, install, and provides hours of fun for babies and toddlers.
05
Eastern Jungle Gym Toddler Swing Seat
Price: $49.99 MSRP | Check Price on Amazon
Choose the Eastern Jungle Swing if you want less work as you simply slip your baby into the swing and go! Pick from a full bucket seat or the option with the safety strap for extra protection.
Benefits
The swing is ready to go out of the box with no assembly, harness, or other parts. Simply attach it to your swing set, and your baby is ready to swing. Furthermore, the dark green color blends in with your backyard all for a low price parents will love. It’s made of durable polyethylene and plastic weighing a sturdy eight pounds.
Downsides
Without the harness, the swing is not as safe for smaller or children who like to move a lot. You may need to buy special clips to get this on to your swing set correctly.
Why we love it
No other swing works as easily so long as you do not mind the commercial appearance. Heavy metal sides provide sturdy reinforcements to keep your baby safe while enjoying swinging.
06
Ecotribe Wooden Horse Toddler Swing
Price: $74.97 MSRP | Check Price on Amazon
Put a touch of the past in your backyard or playroom with the Ecotribe Wooden Horse Toddler Swing. Choose this swing to make your home gorgeous and your baby happy.
Benefits
Despite the cute horse shape, this swing offers a high back. Also, you can use it inside or outside too. No need to worry about chemicals or plastic with this swing as it’s natural, eco-friendly, and safe. Use it for children ages six months old and up to three years old.
Downsides
The swing, while adorable, does not have a harness or safety belt of any sort. Wood can splinter too which means it can hurt your baby. Check it for rough patches and sand as necessary. You can finish the swing with water-based polyurethane if you want.
Why we love it
Not only is the wood swing high-quality, it’s also extremely cute and adds to any decor. As it’s made of wood, you can use this swing for generations and even pass it down to your grandchildren!
07
Sportspower My First Toddler Swing
Price: $48.00 MSRP | Check Price on Amazon
Get the Sportspower My First Toddler Swing if you need a base and a swing for one low price. Choose this for lightweight standalone your can use indoors or outdoors.
Benefits
The swing not only comes with a base perfect for outdoors but a high back, high bar, and a five-point harness in a cute teddy bear shape. It meets all safety requirements for children ages 9 months to 3 years of age.
Downsides
The straps are not heavy-duty and can fall apart, especially with chronic bad weather. This particular swing sells out often as it’s very unique and you may have a hard time finding it available.
Why we love it
As the set includes a base and a swing, you get everything you need for your toddler’s first swing. The swing can support up to 55 pounds total making it a fantastic first swing for babies.
08
Costzon Toddler Climber and Swing Set
Price: $219.99 MSRP | Check Price on Amazon
With the Costzon Toddler Set, little children can swing, slide, and play basketball for hours of fun. It’s an all in one fun set for toddlers you can use anywhere.
Benefits
The set includes three pieces in a small design perfect for indoor or outdoor play. It’s colorful in primary colors and green with a fun bear design. As a four in one set, kids get an entire playground that’s the right size for them. Fold it down when your toddler out grows and safe it for future children.
Downsides
Toddlers cannot get in the swing by themselves as it has a high T-bar. The company also recommends the set for children three and up and not for younger tots despite the low stature of the set. Also, the price may make this unaffordable for many price ranges.
Why we love it
Children can enjoy three fun activities in a space-saving design. We adore the built-in base under the swing ensuring stability. Also, we love that the swing offers so many activities for short attention spans.
09
Arkmiido Kids Swing
Price: $45.99 MSRP | Check Price on Amazon
Rope swings and hammocks are all the rage, and the Arkmiido Swing combines both in one fun swing. Older children will love this swing and as it’s soft, it’s a fantastic transition swing for toddlers.
Benefits
The orange rope swing offers comfort and fun to kids, and it’s perfect for indoor or outdoor use. It’s heavy-duty too and can work for years! Use this swing with adult supervision and teach your toddler how to swing correctly and safely. It’s a fabulous addition to a playroom.
Downsides
Children under two years old cannot use this swing alone as it does not have any form of harness. The ropes can give away from too much force or weight. Do not allow more than one child in the swing at once and check for fraying regularly.
Why we love it
Rope swings are fun and extra sturdy for years of use. Swings that can hold a larger amount of weight, work great for husky toddlers. Also, this swing is softer and more comfortable than plastic swings for toddlers.
10
OUTREE Kids Pod Swing Seat Hammock Swing
Price: $39.99 MSRP | Check Price on Amazon
Older toddlers will love the Outree Hammock Swing in their bedroom or playroom for a fun place to sit and swing lightly. This unique swing offers an imaginative place for kids to swing and relax.
Benefits
The hammock hangs low to the ground, making it safer. Furthermore, it comes with a thick cushion for comfort and multiple color options. No other swing offers as much comfort as this option. Moreover, you can adjust this swing too to fit as high or low as you need.
Downsides
Stitching can come loose as the material is nylon. It’s also better for sitting than for swinging. As this is not a traditional swing, kids can not and should not swing very fast. Use this as a relaxing swing not an exciting swing.
Why we love it
A low-to-the-ground hammock can offer a fun place to sit for years to come and some light swinging too. Not only is the price right but so is the weight limit as it can support 100 pounds!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best baby swing?
The best baby swing available is the Step2 Infant to Toddler Swing Seat as it offers the highest seat back and harness making it suitable for younger children. We also love the Ecotribe Wooden Horse Toddler Swing as it’s made of wood and meant to last for generations.
When can you start using a baby swing?
Always read the manual for any swing and try to stick to the age recommendations. Do not use a swing for a child who cannot hold their own head up either. Never leave your baby or toddler unattended when in a swing as they can get injured quickly.
Do newborns need swings?
Newborns do not need a swing, but they are nice to have; however, make sure you get a baby swing like the Graco DuetSooth Swing and Rocker for a newborn to help soothe baby to sleep. Baby swings are completely different than toddler swings, so make sure you are getting the right product.
Do baby swings really work?
Baby swings help to rock a baby, similar to the motion they felt in their mother’s womb, which is why both babies and toddlers love swinging. As they get older, kids find fast-paced motion invigorating. Baby swings definitely work to soothe babies and help them to fall asleep.
Why can't babies sleep in a swing?
Baby swings do not follow the recommendations to have babies sleep on a firm, flat surface without loose bedding. Use a swing to help a baby fall asleep, not as a bed. Always put a baby to sleep on their back on a flat surface to prevent SIDS.
Are swings bad for babies' brains?
Most baby swings do not swing fast enough to cause brain issues. Always choose the lowest setting possible and only for short durations. Use caution with babies and never leave them along when they are swinging. Never use swings overnight.
Can a baby swing cause shaken baby syndrome?
Not with an infant swing as they keep the head supported. When using a toddler swing, always keep the movements small enough not to rattle a child’s head. Keep swinging time short and on the lowest setting for safety.
Are baby swings or bouncers better?
Which is better is a matter of preference. Bouncers move with the baby’s motion while a swing moves mechanically. We love both but for different reasons. Get one of both and find out which works best for you.
Can sleeping in a swing cause SIDS?
Sleeping in a swing has been linked to SIDS because it alters the sleeping position of the baby. Use a swing to help babies fall asleep, then put them on their flat back to sleep on a firm mattress. Never leave a baby unattended in a swing and do not use a swing at night.
How long can a baby stay in a swing?
Keep swinging sessions to thirty minutes or less. As babies get older, they can swing a little longer. Always stay in the room with a baby in a swing.
Why does the child like to go in a swing?
The motion of swinging is fun and soothing. Children love anything that allows them to move quickly, and this does not change as they grow. Swinging also gives a sense of freedom and exhilaration that children adore.
Can toddlers use a tree swing?
Absolutely! They will love a swing mounted to a tree. Start with a bucket swing and later you can switch to a flat seat swing or even a hammock.
At what age can toddlers swing themselves?
As soon as a toddler learns to move their legs to cause the swinging motion, they can swing themselves. Also, make sure they can safely jump down on their own before allowing them to swing on their own.
Closing thoughts: Is a toddler swing worth it?
Most swings are made for babies ages six-months-old and older and provide a fun activity for practically any age. Improve your backyard with the right swing to make it a fun place for babies and toddlers. Choose a safe option ready to give your child hours of protected fun or a swing ready to last for years and provide tons of fantastic childhood memories.
