Are Swingsets Safe for Toddlers?

Wondering if swingsets are safe for toddlers? Learn key safety tips, features to look for, and how to create a fun, secure play space for little ones!

Can you, or should you, let your toddler play on a swing set? While the answer to this has many variables and can often be subjective depending on who you talk to, it’s an important question. Think about it: swingsets can be immensely fun but also dangerous. So, you don’t want to expose your toddler to unnecessary risks too early. With that in mind, here are some things you need to consider if you decide to allow your toddler to play on a swing set.

There’s Always a Risk

One thing you need to remember is that with swingsets, there’s always a risk of injury, even if you, as an adult, use it. However, the kind of risk that swing sets offer isn’t a deal breaker when it comes to using them. In fact, they’re the opposite.

While toddlers can get hurt playing on a swing set, it's also where they’ll learn so much about how to move, overcome challenges and make decisions while they navigate risky situations. So, what’s the best way for you to approach this then? Well, think about the first time you rode a bike. It wasn’t easy, and there was a risk of falling, but once you got it you learnt a skill that you’ll have for the rest of your life. Wouldn’t you want your kids to have the same experience?

Factors to Consider

As parents, we need to have a good balance between over-protection and giving our kids the freedom to scrape their knees and learn. The best way to find that balance is to overcome good boundaries that limit kids to a point but still allow them to exercise their creativity and learn new skills. With that in mind, here are some ways in which you can make swingsets safer for your toddler as they use it:

1.   Age-appropriate Swingset

First things first, you need to make sure that your toddler has a swingset appropriate for their age. This would mean that you would need a swingset that could cater for kids ages between 1 and 4 years old. A large metal swing set is certainly not going to be suitable for a 2-year-old who is still as wobbly as a walk. Toddlers would need a swingset that has things like a bucket swing with a high back for more support and holes for their legs. Likewise, having a secure harness would also be ideal.

2.   The Surface Under The Swingset

Toddlers are still learning how to balance as they walk and run, so there’s a good chance that they are going to fall a lot, especially as they get excited around a swing set. You’ll literally see them having a fun time and then the next second their face will be in the dirt.

Because of this, we recommend putting down a rubber mat underneath the swingset to create a more protective cushioned landing for them. Consider using things like mulch, wood chips, a rubber mat, sand or pea gravel.

3.   Maintenance

Like most things, swingsets will wear and tear over time as they are used and sit outside exposed to the elements. Because of this, how long the swingset lasts you, and its functionality will link directly to how well you look after it. Try to check for things like rust on chains, loose bolts and screws, broken straps, and cracks on plastic seats or worn-down wood.

4.   Constant Supervision

In addition to having your swingset in good condition, supervising your kids as they play on it is the next best thing when it comes to swingset safety. Make sure that you’re always around and actively watching your toddler as the explore the swingset. Better yet, get involved. Push them on the swing, and support them as they go down the slide. The more engaged you are on the swing set, the safe it will be for your child.

Buying the Right Swingset

One of the first steps to creating a safe and secure environment for your toddler to play in starts with the toys and playground equipment you buy. At Vuly Play, you can find swing sets that are designed with safety in mind, providing a safe place for your toddler to play and explore as they grow. You can find deals on kids swing sets at Vuly Play or even customise your own options to make them even safer.

The Final Verdict

Let’s recap! In general, swingsets are considered safe for toddlers, granted you choose the right swingset for them. When buying a swingset, consider buying an age-appropriate swingset, where you will put it, and how easy it is to maintain. Following that, always supervise your kids while they play on a swingset from a close distance, just as an extra precaution.

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