Swinging is one of the great joys of childhood. The wind rushes by, the thrill of falling backwards, no wonder babies like to swing. Pediatricians suggest that once your baby is able to feed themselves, they can start with a bucket-style swing. This is usually around 6-9 months.
However, finding the right swing can be a challenge. We’ve compiled a list of pros and cons for the best outdoor baby swings available today, plus a quick reference guide to compare them.
This swing is the best selling swing and features a T-bar and straps to keep your child in place. Later, the bar and straps can be moved to the back of the swing so that toddlers can swing freely. This swing is reasonably priced at $ 26.99 and is made of plastic. It comes with ropes.
What we like
- Lightweight and affordable
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- T-bar for easy access
- Standing shoulder straps and tow bars can be removed later
What we don’t like
- Includes ropes instead of chains
What real parents think
“Very sturdy and well-built swing. It keeps my 1.5 year old squirmy very safe and the safety locks are inaccessible for him to tamper with. Every time we play outside, he’ll ask to get into his swing. It seems very comfortable for him because he falls asleep in it and never complains about how he does when he sits in one of those thick rubber bucket seats you find in public parks. ”
“I was so happy with the swing that I bought a second one for our property. Very easy to get him in and out. If you are hanging the seat from a branch, I would recommend pairing it with a canvas / nylon rocking strap rather than using a chain directly around the branch. First I used a chain from Lowe’s to wrap around a branch 6 inches thick, and about a month and a half of repeated use resulted in the chain sawing about 1/3 through the branch. Excellent product and highly recommended over the other products on the market. “–Corey
This safe swing has a birch wood bucket seat and rope cords that are designed to last. It’s on the higher price side at $ 74.97.
What we like
- Environmentally friendly
- Bucket seat available in animal shape
- Weather resistant
What we don’t like
- 44 pound weight limit
- The price is a bit high
What real parents think
“Couldn’t be happier with this wooden swing. Starting with the packaging, which was beautiful. My first thought is what a great gift this would make. The horse itself looks even better in real life than it does in the photos. Finally, I was impressed with the numerous hanging options. I can only recommend this product! “
-Ash (verified purchase)
This swing has a high back to keep your baby safe and chain guard covered chains. The bucket seat is made of high-strength, rust-resistant copolymer plastic. It costs $ 49.99.
What we like
- Simple bucket design
- High chair to support the back
- Chain that can be adjusted
- Plastic protective coating on the chain
What we don’t like
- Make an effort to put the baby’s legs into the leg holes
- Seat belt is extra chargeable
What parents think
“I recently bought a playset for my children that only came with the normal flat rubber swings. Bought this as an add-on for my 1 year old son and I couldn’t be happier. He can swing all day and even fell asleep in this thing. My 3 year old prefers this swing to a normal one because I can push it higher and there is no danger of it falling.
The swing came with a lot more chain than I needed. The only downside is that the chain links on the swing were too small to attach the connectors to my swing. I had to buy two adapters at the hardware store (about $ 5). “- –
This is an ideal step between a baby swing and a large swing. The seat belt and molded center support help little ones stay in place and avoid sliding down in the seat. This plastic corded seat is priced at $ 21.99.
What we like
- Affordable and lightweight swing
- Comfortable seat with backrest and safety belt
- Robust and weatherproof ropes
- Wide leg holes for more comfort
What we don’t like
- The ropes are too short, the baby is high off the ground
What parents think
“I love this swing! I like that there is nothing that adjusts to the front of the swing being open. In addition to the bucket, it has a belt to keep children on the swing. The leg holes are large so my child can comfortably ride in them. I started putting my son on this swing with my parents when he could sit alone, and we recently bought our own.
My son will be three years old in August and is not yet comfortable on a “normal” swing, so this swing is perfect for us! My parents have had their swing for over ten years and it has held up REALLY well so I know I will have this swing for years to come! “- K. Kul (verified purchase)
Little ones can hold onto the rope when pushed by an adult and pump their legs as they get older to swing on their own. The sturdy seat swing is made of plastic and is supplied with cords. It costs $ 39.99.
What we like
- User-friendly design for easy loading
- High back to support your back and neck
- Safety system for your baby’s safety
- Weatherproof ropes
What we don’t like
- The rope is short, the baby is high off the ground
- Security system is a bit complicated
What real parents think
“The 6 month old daughter LOVES her swing absolutely super easy to hang up and hours and hours of joy she defiantly brought” – Liz Truesdale (verified purchase)
Sometimes when you’re looking for the best outdoor swing you need something that can stand on its own. This self-contained secure seat is equipped with a safety belt to ensure babies are comfortably seated. Parents can feel safe knowing that the frame is made of sturdy powder-coated steel and can be folded up for easy storage and transport. It costs $ 49.50.
What we like
- Durable swing made of powder-coated steel
- Folding design
- Seat belt to protect your child
- No swing or tree needed
What we don’t like
- May not work if you have limited storage space
- Difficult to put together
What parents think
“I am very happy with this purchase! I bought this for my toddler for an indoor / outdoor swing and it more than exceeded my expectations! The instructions were easy to follow and understand, lightweight, and fold up for storage. It’s a mix of plastic and light metal. The chair is built with a full belt for safety reasons! All in all what a great design and i’m so glad i bought it! ** Not for children over 50 lbs. ** Under no circumstances suitable for older or larger children.
The only downside I could find was that once the permanent plastic screws enter the chair, they can’t be folded flat for storage. But as you can see in the picture, it still doesn’t take up that much space, so not big enough to pull off a perfect star rating! SO HAPPY! “–Courtney Lynn (verified purchase)
This canvas swing combines the advantages of traditional hanging chairs and swings, but is softer and more comfortable than traditional plastic swings. It comes with a removable pillow for added convenience and is priced at $ 49.99.
What we like
- Environmentally friendly canvas and wood
- Elastic rope for multiple furnishing options
- Removable pillow for more comfort
- Soft canvas that won’t hurt your little baby’s skin
- Canvas is easy to clean
What we don’t like
- Subject to powdery mildew growth
- The pillow does not stay in place
What parents think
“We really enjoy the swing for my 1 year old. We simply attached it with chains to swing on a tall tree. It worked perfectly! The pillows make it comfortable for children. Easy to assemble. “- Kyle (verified purchase)
The design of the kiwi bowl adapts perfectly to your baby’s body. Hang it anywhere, indoors or outdoors – whether you want to use it on a swing, under a tree, or on the porch, it’s perfect for any situation. This seat is a bit pricey and costs $ 79.99.
What we like
- Ergonomic shell design
- 3-point seat belt
- Softly padded foam insert
- Mold resistant
What we don’t like
- Ropes cannot be adjusted
- Ropes should break easily
- price
What parents think
“This is such a slim, beautiful swing that seems very comfortable and well made. Got this for my daughter’s 1st birthday and she loves it! The ropes look strong and smooth and the seat is so much nicer than the plastic one. The price of a baby swing is pretty high, but hopefully it will have a few years of it. I just wish I could have bought it in blue, but that color was sold out. “–KP
Quick comparison table
| product | price | Weight restriction | material | Minimum age suggested | Stars (of 5) |
| Little Tikes 2-in-1 Snug ‘N Secure grow with me Swing | $ 26.99 | 50 lbs. | Plastic, rope | 9 months | 4.8 |
| EcoTribe Hooden Horse Baby Swing | $ 74.97 | 44 lbs. | Wood, rope | 6 months | 4.5 |
| Eastern Jungle Gym High Back Full Full Bucket Toddler Swing Seat | $ 49.99 | n / A | Plastic, chain | 6 months | 4.8 |
| Small Tikes High Back Toddler Swing | $ 21.99 | 50 lbs. | Plastic, rope | 9 months | 4.8 |
| Step2 swing for toddlers | $ 39.99 | 50 lbs. | Plastic, rope | 9 months | 4.8 |
| Sportspower My First Toddler Swing | $ 49.90 | 55 lbs. | Plastic, rollers, metal bars | 9 months | 4.4 |
| Happy Pie Secure Canvas hanging swing seat | $ 49.99 | 150 lbs. | Canvas, wood, rope | 6 months | 4.7 |
| Swurfer Kiwi Ergonomic foam swing with foam | $ 79.99 | 55 lbs. | Foam, plastic, rope | 9 months | 4.7 |
If you enjoyed this article, please comment below and check out the Best Baby Swings in 2021 + Tips to Soothe a Fussy Baby!