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It’s a beautiful day and you want to get outside with your baby, but who’s going to watch them? Baby swings are the perfect solution! Not only do they keep your baby safe and happy, but they also provide a great way for you to get some fresh air. Here are some of our favorite to help you find the best outdoor baby swing on the market today.
With babies and toddlers it is important of course to keep safety in mind. While a lot of swings add a harness or a seat belt buckle, they are often made to be used for several years. In the early years kids need to be watched a lot closer as they tend to lean forward and not hold on to the ropes of the swing.
When shopping for an outdoor baby swing, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to find a swing that’s sturdy and well-made. Some swings have an attachment to secure it on a tree branch, while others are freestanding. If you choose a swing that needs to be attached to something, make sure the attachment point is strong enough to support the weight of your child.
Our Favorite Baby Swing
This is the best outdoor swing for the very little ones. The swing seat has great support with a high back for your baby to lay in it. The straps can be adjusted for different stages of growth.
You get great quality and your baby might even fall asleep in it while enjoying the outdoors.
Best Outdoor Baby Swing With Harness
If you want a baby swing to leave outside and to have your little one spend a fun time outside, this is the one for you! It wipes clean easily, you can add a soft pillow underneath but it is perfectly fine without one.
The security harness straps are awesome for all parents worries their child could fall out. The high back is also additional support to keep your child safe and happy. This is the perfect addition for outside!
Best Infant Swing Hammock
This hammock/swing is perfect as an infant swing as well as for toddlers. It can be reclined or upright, giving your child a high back support. For the really young ones the reclined will be best. Of course don’t keep unattended but it is a fun and nice way to have your little one with you.
You can hang it outside but try to keep it out of the rain. You can attach the infant and toddler swing both inside and outside.
Best Indoor/Outdoor Swing With Pretty Design
We love this canvas swing seat that can be used indoors and outdoors. Outdoors it should only be temporarily, best not to have it be exposed to rain and cold weather.
You’ll have to assemble it, which is pretty easy and it is machine washable. It is a beautiful design and has a buckle to keep the little one safe and secure.
Best Swing Set With Stand
If you have space enough, this swing set is a great option for outdoors but even indoors if you choose to. The stand comes with it making it easy if you do not have an option to hand a swing on the ceiling, or other structure outside. The seat has a very pretty design.
For small children, you might want to consider using an extra blanket or pillows to secure your child in place so they stay centered.
A jungle gym might be a bit too much for a baby since it is usually for older kids so this is the perfect in between.
There are a few different ways to secure a swing set outside should it not be steady enough. One way is to use sandbags or water drums to keep the swing in place. Make sure that whatever method you choose, the swing is stable and won’t topple over.
Best Heavy Duty Toddler Swing
This bucket swing is great for toddlers. Young kids should be watched as some parents have reported young kids tending to lean forward on this swing. The bucket swing seat is very sturdy, constructed with high-quality, durable copolymer plastic.
Graco® Slim Spaces™ Compact Baby Swing
This is an automatic baby rocker that is battery operated. We wanted to mention this as an option for young babies because while it is not intended for outdoors, you can easily take it out with you on your terrace or backyard since there is no wires needed. Legs are adjustable, you can fold it for easy storage, and it has adjustable swinging speeds.
What To Consider When Buying An Infant Swing
Weight limit
Make sure before buying that your baby is not too small or big for the swing of choice. Lots of toddler swings and swing sets have a higher weight limit to hold older toddlers.
Age range
If you want a baby to go on the swing, make sure it is fine and still always stay next to them. Popular swings for babies have age range recommendation starting at 6 months, some at 9 months. Some toddler ones on the other hand start at 2 or 3 years old. If you want your 9 months old baby in a swing you’ll want to consider one with a harness or buckle or sort, at least for the beginning.
Safety
You want to make sure the swing is made of quality materials. If there is belts and harnesses, that is always preferred especially if your child is still a baby. Also as parents we need to make sure that little fingers can’t get caught in between any of the pieces. If you get a swing set with a stand you’ll also want to make sure that it stands secure. If it doesn’t come with stakes, use sandbags or other heavy items to hold it in place.
Swing seat material
If it is easily washable swing seat and/or easy to keep clean it is great for kids. A toddler swing will get dirty from play and food. If you can’t just wipe it make sure any fabric can bee washed. Usually that is the case as it is expected with little kids. A bucket seat is better for smaller toddlers to keep them snug as they usually have less room to slip.
Set up
Some outdoor swing sets come with a whole stand, some come with hooks and attachments, others you need to get those separately. The swing seat itself might also need to be assembled in some cases. It is fairly simple most of the time and can bee easily stored.
Space
Depending on the kind of swing set you’re getting you’ll need more or less space. Make sure you have the space needed wherever you plan on putting the swing.
High back support
For babies having a high back support from a full bucket seat is important to keep them from falling forward, so they can lean back and relax. Some of the bucket swings have a high back but also need caution because of the fact that some parents have said babies still tilt forwards and almost fall out. (This is why we also really liked the hammock, but remember always keeping an eye on your little one.)
Getting a different infant swing
Some swings offer features like music, lights, and sounds to keep babies entertained. Be sure to read the reviews before purchasing a mechanic swing, to make sure it is the best fit for your family. Those swings also should not be kept outside and are usually on a leg on the floor, not hanging on anything.
Attaching to jungle gym
You can also look into swings and jungle gyms to see if the toddler swing is compatible so you can use it later when your child is an older toddler. If there is space on the gym bar and it can hold the extra weight, this might be an option. Make sure to secure it with heavy duty attachments when making a swing n slide. You can also attach some of them to swing sets for older kids.
To let your baby swing safely, be sure to follow these tips:
- Make sure there is enough space for the baby to swing without hitting anything.
- Be sure that the baby is able to hold on tight and not let go.
- Do not leave the baby unattended in a bucket swing.
- Stop swinging if the baby looks uncomfortable.
- Test the weight with books or other heavy items if you want to make sure everything is safe.
