Outdoor baby swings are a wonderful addition to any backyard or playground. Not only do they provide endless hours of entertainment for young children, but they also help improve gross motor skills and coordination. There is a wide range of options available, from classic bucket swings to hammock swings, each with its unique features and benefits.
Whether you’re looking for a swing with a 5-point harness to ensure your child’s safety, or one that can be easily adjusted to grow with them, there’s a perfect outdoor baby swing out there for you. We’ve rounded up some of the best options available and provided a list of pros and cons to help you make the best decision for your baby.
Our Top Picks
- Best Infant To Toddler Swing: Little Tikes Snug ‘n Secure Blue Swing
- Best Bucket Outdoor Swing: Step2 Infant To Toddler Swing Seat
- Best Outdoor Baby Swing With Stand: HLC Folding Toddler Swing Set
- Safest Outdoor Baby Swing: Original High Back Full Bucket Toddler Swing Seat
- Best Hammock Outdoor Baby Swing: CaTeam – Canvas Baby Swing
- Most Durable Outdoor Swing: Monkey & Mouse Baby Swing Seat
- Best Wooden Outdoor Swing: Ecotribe Wooden Horse Swing
- Best Baby Swing With Safety Belt: HAPPYPIE Canvas Baby Swing
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Outdoor Baby Swings Picks
Little Tikes Snug ‘n Secure Blue Swing – Best Infant To Toddler Swing
- The straps are adjustable to height/weight, so various child sizes are accommodated we
- The plastic “T” comes up straps go over the shoulders and snap into the plastic “T” to hold the child securely in place
- Sturdy swing
- Inexpensive
- Clips are a little difficult to unbuckle (press) but expect that will be easier over time
If you’re looking for a swing that will grow with them to their toddler years, the Little Tikes 2-in-1 Snug Secure Swing is a perfect choice.
This swing is packed with safety features to ensure your child stays safe and secure while enjoying the swing. It comes equipped with a T-bar and straps that firmly hold your child in place, providing necessary support and security as they develop. As your child grows and becomes more confident, the T-bar and straps can be easily removed.
- Recommended Age: 9 months – 4 years
Step2 Infant To Toddler Swing Seat – Best Bucket Outdoor Swing
- Easy to install on deck
- Easy to put a child into
- Very safe and secure
- A heavy-duty rope included
- Not the most vibrant color
This sturdy and durable swing is perfect for infants and toddlers alike, providing a comfortable and cozy swinging experience that your child will love.
With its bucket-style seat, this swing is designed to provide a snug and secure fit for your child. Loading them into the swing is easy, and the weather-resistant rope ensures that you can use them in any weather condition. Plus, the seat is a breeze to clean, making it a practical choice for parents.
It also comes with a design that can be used on most swing sets. This makes it a great addition to any yard, providing a fun and safe place for your child to play.
- Recommended Age: 9 months – 3 years
HLC Folding Toddler Swing Set – Best Outdoor Baby Swing With Stand
- Easy to put together
- The seat is secure
- Well built
- Lightweight design
- Not very tall
With its sturdy A-frame metal frame, the HLC Folding Toddler Swing Set is built to last, and it’s quick and easy to assemble. The adjustable weather-resistant ropes and chairs are easy to clean and can withstand any weather condition. Plus, the metal frame is treated with a high-temperature painting technique for added weather resistance and durability.
The swing set’s collapsible design makes it easy to store and transport, so you can take it with you wherever you go. Plus the rope on the swing set is also adjustable, making it suitable for kids of various ages.
Plus, this swing set delivers with its high-back seat and seat belt, providing added safety precautions.
- Recommended Age: 9 months – 3 years
Original High Back Full Bucket Toddler Swing Seat – Safest Outdoor Baby Swing
- Comes with chains, a carabiner, and a seat
- The chain is well covered in the section it is covered
- Easy to install
- Plenty of height options
- The chain is very long
This swing set is specifically designed to provide young children with a secure and enjoyable experience as they develop their core strength and coordination.
With plastic-coated frames and a sturdy 66-inch metal chain, you can rest easy knowing that your child is playing on a safe and reliable swing set. Plus, with 30 inches of the chain coated in plastic to prevent sharp edges and pinching, your child can swing to their heart’s content without any worries.
Included in the package is everything you need to get started: one high-back toddler bucket swing, an adjustable chain coated in nontoxic plastic, premium galvanized hardware, and easy-to-follow assembly instructions.
- Recommended Age: 6 months – 3 years
CaTeam – Canvas Baby Swing – Best Hammock Outdoor Baby Swing
- The hardware is included
- Can be used inside and outside
- Nicely made with quality components
- The additional safety belt keeps babies in a comfortable position
- Limited color choices
This swing features a 5-point harness belt directly linked to the swing seat, providing a secure and stable connection to keep your child safely in place.
Your child will love the comfortable hanging chair of this swing, made with plush fabric for the upholstery. Two pillows with skin-friendly polyester filling are included for extra comfort. The silky fabric of the hammock swing is machine washable, ensuring that it’s easy to keep clean and hygienic for your child.
Adjusting the height of the swing is incredibly easy as well. Simply adjust the rope length to your desired height before or after installation, providing the flexibility to adjust the height as your child grows.
- Recommended Age: 1 – 4 years
Monkey & Mouse Baby Swing Seat – Most Durable Outdoor Swing
- Easily adjustable
- Easily put together
- Quality made product
- Machine washable
- The mini cushion provided is a nice touch, but if it were matching the color of the swing it would be ideal
This swing is easy to set up and can be hung from a branch, bar, or beam with just a simple tie of the rope. Plus, you can use carabiners to hang it from ceiling mounts or a doorframe anchor, making it a versatile option for any space.
The cotton seat pad is soft, comfortable, and easy to clean. If it gets dirty, simply remove the seat pad and toss it in the washing machine for easy cleaning. Additionally, the beech wood used in the swing’s construction is treated for easy cleaning, ensuring that it stays in top condition for years to come.
This swing’s design allows for easy height adjustment, and the 5-point harness belt provides extra safety for your child. The plush fabric of the swing and two pillows with skin-friendly polyester filling make it a cozy and comfortable place for your little one to play.
- Recommended Age: 6 months – 4 years
Ecotribe Wooden Horse Swing – Best Wooden Outdoor Swing
- Easy to assemble
- The wood is very sturdy and smooth
- Packaged in a very eco-friendly manner with reusable muslin bags
- A great alternative to plastic swings
- More expensive compared to other swings
This charming horse-shaped swing is carefully handcrafted with untreated, sanded birch wood. The swing is designed with comfortable handles and surrounding support to keep your child secure and happy as they sway to and from.
The horse swing seat is made with natural cotton fibers for the ropes, making it an environmentally conscious choice for your child’s playtime. Plus, the swing is designed to simulate the experience of riding a pony, fostering imagination and promoting gross motor skill development.
Ropes, steel rings, and clips are all provided, along with easy-to-follow assembly instructions. With just two screws and ropes inserted into the corresponding slots, your little one will be ready to ride in no time!
- Recommended Age: 6 months – 3 years
HAPPYPIE Canvas Baby Swing – Best Baby Swing With Safety Belt
- Lightweight
- The pattern and color are cute
- Easy to install and take back down for storage
- Pretty sturdy
- Easy but takes a while to assemble
This swing is crafted from high-quality canvas made of 100% cotton, ensuring a gentle and smooth experience for your child’s delicate skin. The 5-point harness belt holds your child in a fixed sitting position, giving you peace of mind as they soar through the air.
And the swing seat is thoughtfully designed with depth, preventing any chance of slipping or twisting while your child enjoys the ride. In addition, the swing ropes are made from durable and adjustable materials, meaning that this swing is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
Plus with a cushion filled with 100% hypoallergenic polyester, your child can enjoy maximum comfort while they swing. The cushion is also removable for easy cleaning. Lockable carabiners and marine-grade rope further enhance the swing’s safety and security, keeping your little one safe and secure while they enjoy their playtime.
- Recommended Age: 6 months – 3 years
How To Choose The Best Outdoor Baby Swing?
- Material: Choose a swing made from weather-resistant materials that can withstand exposure to the elements. Canvas and plastic are common choices, but metal frames can also be durable and long-lasting.
- Safety Features: Look for a swing that has a five-point harness, a sturdy frame, and adjustable ropes to prevent tipping.
- Comfort: A plush seat cushion and pillows can provide extra comfort for your baby, while a deeper seat can prevent them from twisting and turning while they swing.
- Height Adjustment: Look for swings that have adjustable ropes to accommodate your baby’s growing size and adjust the height of the swing as needed.
- Portability: If you want to move the swing from one place to another, consider a swing that is easy to assemble and disassemble, or one with a collapsible frame.
- High Back: A bucket seat that offers complete support, with a high backrest, is a great option as it helps prevent the baby from slipping forward, providing them with a comfortable place to lean back and relax. However, it’s important to be cautious when selecting a bucket swing, as some have received criticism from parents who have reported that their babies still tilt forward and are in danger of falling out.
When Can A Baby Use An Outdoor Swing?
Babies can start using an outdoor swing once they are able to sit up independently, usually around 6-9 months of age (1). However, it is always recommended to check with your pediatrician before introducing a baby to any new activity or equipment. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the swing you choose has appropriate safety features and is appropriate for your child’s age, weight, and height.
What’s The Weight Limit For A Baby Swing?
The weight limit for a baby swing varies depending on the manufacturer, model, and design. It can range from 25 pounds to 40 pounds or more. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the maximum weight capacity of a particular baby swing before purchasing it. It’s important to ensure that the swing is able to safely support your baby’s weight to prevent accidents and injuries.
Is A Bouncer Or Swing Better For Babies?
Bouncers provide a gentle bouncing motion and can be used from birth, but swings offer more motion options and can only be used after 6 months. Some babies may prefer the gentle bouncing or rocking motion of a bouncer, while others may find it more soothing to be swung back and forth in a swing. It’s also important to consider the weight and age limit of each product and make sure it’s appropriate for your baby. Additionally, some bouncers come with additional features like vibrating motions, music, and toys, which can be appealing to some babies and make the bouncer a better choice.
Which Is Better: A Plastic, Metal, Or Wood Swing Set?
The best type of swing set for your baby depends on several factors such as safety, durability, comfort, and personal preference.
- Plastic swing sets are lightweight, easy to clean and maintain, and often come with fun designs. However, they may not be as durable as metal or wood swings.
- Metal swing sets are sturdier and can withstand heavy use, but they can get hot in direct sunlight and may rust over time.
- Wooden swing sets are made of durable materials, are strong and sturdy, and blend in well with outdoor landscapes. They are typically more expensive, but they also provide a classic and timeless look that can last for years.
