• What are the developmental benefits of swings?
The purpose of playgrounds, and elements like swings, slides, and climbing frames, isn’t just to tire little ones out so that parents can sit and get some rest, too. It’s to help your child develop their brain and body, strengthening their muscles and motor skills while improving their sensory system.
Today’s technology doesn’t offer children as many opportunities to develop balance, touch, and perceptive skills. This is why it’s so important to provide an environment where kids can actively play and improve their physical coordination, also learning how to adapt to new sensations.
While your child is swinging, they’re learning how to grip, push, pull, and kick, and how to move their bodies in different ways to make the swing work. Not only does this stimulate their sense of rhythm and spatial awareness, but it can also have a soothing and mood-boosting effect.
Physical exercise is an important part of child development, and so is mental exercise. Playing on swings with siblings or friends encourages social awareness, especially if they have to learn to take turns. Learning new motor skills together and showing off their balance and coordination can also provide a confidence boost.
Of course, physical exertion can also lead to a full night’s sleep, which improves everything from your child’s brain functions to their immune system. Also offering the benefits of relaxation and peace of mind for parents and guardians, who will have more time to unwind in the evenings!
• What size garden swing should I buy for my child?
The size of swing you should choose depends on the size and age of the people who will use it, plus the size and style of your garden or outdoor space. If you have more than one child, you’d be better off investing in a double swing set or a singleswing set with additional play equipment features, such as a slide or climbing ropes.
You don’t want anyone to feel left out or start fights over whose turn it is to use the swing. However, these larger outdoor playsets might not be suitable for families with smaller gardens, where a simple small swing set should suffice.
The type of children’s swing you buy will also depend on the age of the child or children who’ll be using it. Bucket-style baby swings are available as separate seats, which can be attached to swing frames and then removed when the child gets older and needs a 'big kid swing' instead.
You need to make sure the wooden garden swings you choose are designed for the age and weight range of your child, as it won’t be safe to use the product otherwise.
Baby and toddler swings tend to suit the 6 months to 3 years age range, with a lower maximum weight. Our kids' garden swing sets for older children are suitable for ages 3-10 or 3-12 years weighing up to 45-50kg. Always consult the instruction manual for appropriate use guidelines before allowing children on the swings.
Additionally, it’s important to observe your child’s comfort when they’re using a kid's swing – if you feel like they’re outgrowing their current seat, then you should look at a larger replacement so they can continue enjoying their outdoor play equipment for as long as possible.
• How do I set up a swing to create a safe play environment?
On the face of it, it may appear that swing sets are difficult to install. After all, they can be quite tall and wide structures that take up plenty of outdoor space in your garden. At Wicken Toys, we guarantee that our children’s swing sets are straightforward to install, so they can be built and your youngsters can start playing on them in no time.
Each of our products comes flat-packed, minimising the risk of damage in transit, and the durable wood comes pre-drilled with all the necessary holes. Every kid’s garden swing comes with a detailed yet easy-to-follow instruction manual to aid you in a speedy but safe assembly.
We estimate that the average time spent assembling our kids’ swings is approximately 1.5 hours for 2 adults, though larger and more complex swing playsets will take longer.
To prepare for your children’s swing, choose a suitable place for it and take measurements to ensure the structure will fit. You’ll need an outdoor area with several feet of open space around it for safe swinging and running around, away from overhanging obstacles like tree branches, power lines, or roofs.
Don’t forget obstructions on the ground, either, such as rocks and stones, sprinklers, and utility lines both over and underground.
If your garden or outdoor space is uneven, you may need to level the ground by raking and redistributing the soil before you can securely install a garden swing set on it. The instruction booklet will explain how to anchor the structure to the ground to prevent accidents.
It’s fine to install swings on grass, but if the ground is hard, then you should create a more protective playground surface with impact-absorbing materials. This could be rubber mats, sand, woodchips, mulch, or pea gravel, which can help to stop adventurous offspring from accidentally hurting themselves.
When the time comes to set up the long-awaited swing set, make sure excitable sprogs and any pets are kept out of the way, and remove any obstacles like stones or garden equipment from the installation area. Read through the booklet and lay out the parts carefully to check that you have everything you need before proceeding with assembly.
You should never try to build a children’s swing set by yourself in case of injury – the process is much faster and safer if at least 2 adults work on it together. Check that the frame is secure and the swing seat is attached properly before allowing anyone to use the play equipment.
• How long do swings for kids last?
We understand that purchasing gardenswings for kids can be quite a sizeable investment, so our products only use the highest quality timber, guaranteeing that even the most well-loved kids' swing set will last throughout their childhood. The lifespan of our swings is between 15-20 years, allowing ample time for them to put smiles on your children’s faces.
However, it’s inevitable that a garden swing will encounter some wear and tear over its lifetime, so regular maintenance and care is crucial. Installing the structure well and frequently checking for damp, dirt, and other signs of damage will keep deterioration at bay. Keep moving parts lubricated and clean the swing set at least semi-regularly to fight off rust, mould, and unwanted pests.
Wooden swings tend to outlive plastic and metal, but only if you treat them annually with preservative wood stains. Baby swings and toddler swings tend to be made from plastic or vinyl, as they’re usually only intended for use for around 3-5 years, whereas a solid wood children’s swing set should last well beyond the kids outgrowing it.
To lengthen the life of the swing set, teach little ones how to use it properly, and never exceed the manufacturer’s weight restrictions.
• How long do wooden climbing frames last?
A well-kept wooden climbing frame should last for at least 10 years, staying safe and functional for most of your kid’s childhood. The wooden frames are made using sturdy and durable timber, as the climbing frame will be located outdoors, so it can survive consistent exposure to the elements.
To ensure that your child’s wooden climbing frame stays in good condition for as long as possible, you should stay on top of maintenance checks and treatments. Read the FAQs above for more information on where to position the frame, how to treat the wood, and which checks to carry out.
Don’t forget that metal and plastic parts need looking after, too – not just the wooden frame. You should clean these parts whenever you notice them getting dirty to prevent them from rusting. Similarly, if a swing makes a squeaking noise, you should lubricate the hooks and chains.
If you originally buy a climbing frame that’s suitable for smaller children, it’s likely that they’ll outgrow the swings and slides. However, it’s possible with some brands to replace these components with other compatible features for older children, allowing you to adapt the original frame as your child grows so they can enjoy it for longer.
• Which swing seats and accessories are available?
From high-back swing seats for infants to two-seater swings for sharing with siblings or friends, we offer plenty of swing choices at Wicken Toys. If a standard swing seat isn’t exciting enough for your young ones anymore, there are more challenging (but still safe!) options for big kids, too.
They can stay on their feet with a standing swing, or relax in a nest swing that’s large enough for two. Or they could pretend to be a part of the circus with a trapeze swing, complete with ring handles for an easier grip. Whichever swing style you choose, you could always benefit from snap shackles for a speedy seat change, or the addition of protective rubber mats to keep both the family and the garden in good shape.
Multiple swing seats and interactive elements make it more fun for youngsters to play with siblings or friends, offering opportunities to develop coordination skills together. So, don’t miss out on the chance to enhance the outdoor fun – order swing accessories to create the perfect place to play year-round, whether it’s warm and dry weather or on the chilly side!
Take a look at our selection of swing accessories here on our website. Before you buy, be sure to read the full product description and check whether the accessory is compatible with your specific swing set model. We stock accessories by Plum, TP, and Creative Playthings.
