Children's swing: types, materials and sizes

Many people, when arranging their sites, turn to installing a swing. Children are very fond of such designs. In addition, beautifully executed models can decorate the site, making it more "lively" and aesthetically pleasing. Today we will analyze in detail what types of swings exist, what materials they are made of and what sizes they can reach.

Comfortable children's swing - excellent designs, ideal for placement in a summer cottage. Of course, such products are often located inside the house, but for this it is necessary to have an appropriate living space. You can install a children's swing in any place chosen by the owners. The main thing is to allow free space. At the summer cottage, such products look especially attractive and aesthetically pleasing, diluting the familiar and boring landscapes.

Despite the fact that swings are interesting and eye-catching structures that make areas more aesthetic, their main purpose is not at all in this. First of all, these are objects for children's entertainment and games.

In addition, the swing has a beneficial effect on the condition of the child:

• such constructions have a beneficial effect on the development of the muscles of the young user;
• give out excess energy, which is especially important, because the period of childhood is inseparable from increased activity;
• swing has a positive effect on the development of the vestibular apparatus of the child;
• using the swing, the child learns the capabilities of his own body;
• thanks to the swing, children's agility develops;
• the child learns independence faster with such constructions;
• the swing also allows children of all ages to connect with peers.

From all of the above, we can conclude that swings are more functional structures that have a positive impact on many areas of a child's life. That is why these structures cannot be underestimated, and their choice should be approached with full responsibility. Many parents buy such products to keep their child busy for a while. This pleasant outdoor activity delights young users. In the meantime, mums and dads can do other things. Having played well on the swing, the child will sleep sweetly all night.

Today, on the sites you can meet swings of various modifications. Some people install rope rocking chairs, while others install cozy hammocks or hanging cradles. There are a lot of options. Let's get acquainted with the most popular and frequently encountered designs that young users simply adore.

Stationary street structures are very solid and rather massive structures.Under certain circumstances, they can be further strengthened by making a reliable columnar foundation. Thanks to this solution, the swing is safer and more durable. However, these robust options also have their drawbacks. These include the fact that such a swing can only be located on the street all the time, so they need appropriate care. For example, if we are talking about a metal model, then it cannot be left without proper anti-corrosion treatment.

Suspended modifications of outdoor children's swings are very common. Such specimens are distinguished by the most simple and understandable design, which was also referred to in the distant past. To put it simply, these models are a regular wooden bar attached to a rope. Of course, such specimens can hardly be called comfortable, and the level of safety here leaves much to be desired, especially if very young children are going to use the swing.

These simple options can be installed both outdoors and indoors. Some varieties can be easily disassembled, so they can be removed at any time in the allotted corner, freeing up more space in the room or on the site. For such specimens, only two types of fasteners are used - rope and chain. As for the seats of such swings, they are both open and equipped with a back. For the manufacture of these parts, wood, plastic, metal, or a combination of these materials are used.

In many Russian parks and courtyards, you can find these types of children's swings. Balance weights can not only keep your child entertained, but also have a positive effect on their athletic skills. You can do similar options with your own hands. To do this, you do not have to spend a lot of effort and expensive materials - independent production of the balancer is available to everyone.

An interesting entertainment for the child will be the use of a special spring rocking chair. In such designs, there is mainly an automobile spring from a shock absorber. Moreover, this part can play both an auxiliary role at the moment of repulsion, and become a full-fledged replacement for the central support. For such an interesting rocking chair to function correctly, it is very important to attach the spring as tightly as possible to the ground and the balance bar.

There are also portable modifications of children's swing. Such varieties are especially relevant in cases where the dwelling and the site have not yet acquired a complete look and they will have many alterations. This mobile swing combines the advantages of both home and stationary outdoor designs.

However, it should be borne in mind that not all swings can be used as portable options. For example, it is almost impossible to design spring products of a mobile type, because they require the strongest foundation possible.

The main advantages of these specimens are:

• mobility, thanks to which such models can be protected from bad weather;
• many portable structures are prefabricated - it is very easy and convenient to carry and store such models;
• as a rule, these models are small in size and modest in weight.

But such options for children's swings are not designed for heavy loads, so it is permissible to buy them only for lightweight babies. The wear resistance and durability of these structures also leaves much to be desired - you should not count on their long-term operation.

Very often today you can find stationary single swing. They are made from different materials, but the most common are wood options. There are many variations of these designs, which differ in their shape and structure. Most often, people purchase or make with their own hands a U-shaped single swing, which takes very little material.

The main features of these options are:

• they are fairly simple and inexpensive;
• presented only by stationary copies;
• are distinguished by excellent strength characteristics;
• they do not include a large number of racks, which significantly reduces the risk of injury of their use;
• for these structures, it is required to build a foundation base.

If the family is large, then it is better to give preference to a more spacious two-seater swing. Such structures are made from different materials. You can make them yourself.

Double copies are distinguished by the following features:

• if such a structure is made of good quality metal, it can easily withstand a load of up to 300 kg;
• such structures can be made by yourself without using a welding machine during work;
• for such structures, it is necessary to additionally buy various components, because they are not in every arsenal.

A hammock-type swing is one of the varieties of hanging models. They imply a lying position of the baby while rolling, so in most cases they are used for very small crumbs. These models have a rectangular stock that attaches to the four shoulder straps at the top. The last parts are connected at the top with one fastener. To make the baby as comfortable as possible, the cradle is made of environmentally friendly, safe and pleasant to the touch materials with a soft texture. Wool, rubber or foam rubber is used as filling.

Hammocks can also be used by older children. These models are made from denser and more durable fabrics or regular rope mesh. These types of "nest" are called. Basically, these types of swing are suspended from two main fasteners. They can be used by children from 1 to 10 years old.

There are also sun loungers. Such models have a simple design. They are equipped with a single seat, supplemented with a protective cover. Chaise lounges are suspended at one main point.

The largest load that such a swing can withstand is 200 kg. The durability of the chaise longue is provided by a spring part that is present in its design.

There are also special types of children's swings that have a memorable name - cocoons. Such models have an additional stand in their design. Usually the last piece is made from rattan, vine or bamboo.

The structure itself of such a swing is assembled from reinforcing arcsconnecting to each other at the highest point. Tightly stretched threads or rattan are located between the reinforcement. Such models are one-, two-, three- and even four-seater.

Sofas are called standard swings, in which the seats are complemented by soft cushions and a soft back. As a rule, these structures are single-seated. They differ in their structure - the swing sofa has not only an upholstered back, but also fairly high armrests. These varieties are very convenient to use.

Especially for newborn babies from 0 years old, they sell cradles, in which there is an automatic motion sickness system. It operates on the basis of an electric drive. With such models, parents do not have to swing the cradle with the baby on their own. Many moms and dads choose more interesting options, in which there are various soothing melodies or vibrations that have a beneficial effect on the baby's mood. In such conditions, the baby will feel absolutely safe.

Also, modern combined units are produced for babies, which can be used as a mobile cradle. By detaching the bed from the straps, the seat of the little user can be easily moved without causing any inconvenience to the little one. Often, such designs are installed in cars.

There is a swing for the little ones, which is a kind of chair. Such varieties are relevant if the child has already learned to sit on his own. For crumbs, fasteners are provided on straps or Velcro. Such parts are necessary to protect the baby from falling out of the swing. For older kids, you can buy a swing equipped with solid plastic or wood seats. The simplest and most uncomplicated structures are those consisting of a horizontal bar suspended from ropes. These copies are cheap, but still give a lot of pleasure to little users.

More complex modifications of swings for babies consist not only of a soft seat, but also of a fairly high horizontal backrest. Often, armrests are also present in such products. In such conditions, babies are very comfortable and safe - it is quite difficult to fall from such a swing.

Children's swings are made from different materials. Various options differ from each other in operational characteristics, level of reliability and service life.

The most durable, reliable and wear-resistant structures are made of metal. That is why such structures are found in many courtyards. Most high quality metal models are designed for heavy loads. Both toddlers and adolescents can ride on such structures. These structures are also good because they can be supplemented with various decorative elements. Often they are painted in different bright colors. Richly colored swings can decorate a plot, and it will be more interesting for a child to swing on them.

However, it is very important to take into account the fact that metal structures, with their reliability and durability, are prone to corrosion. The appearance of rust on the metal can lead to structural failure. That is why such swings must be treated with special compounds in order to protect them from destructive consequences. Also, we must not forget about the high level of thermal conductivity of the metal.

Because of this, metal swings can be difficult to use, for example, when the weather is hot or frosty. In the first case, the structures will be too hot, and in the second, too cold. In addition, metal seats (if not covered) are slippery. During a long sitting, you can stick to them, which will also cause a lot of unpleasant sensations.

Another popular material used in swing production is wood. Very beautiful products are obtained from it, which can be adorned in different ways. Wood models have the following positive characteristics:

• wood structures have excellent strength characteristics - it is quite difficult to damage them;
• wood is an environmentally friendly material that does not harm the health of young users;
• such models can last a very long time, especially if you provide them with proper care;
• wooden seats are not slippery and do not overheat in hot weather;
• wooden structures can be painted, giving them a more interesting appearance;
• low or high temperatures do not affect such swings - in the heat they do not overheat, and in the cold they do not become too cold;
• independent production of a swing from wood is quite simple, since this material is mostly malleable in work;
• these models boast a wonderful natural scent.

However, the popular wooden options also have some disadvantages, which must be taken into account by the owners of summer cottages or suburban areas:

• natural wood is a material that is prone to rotting, discoloration and drying out if not treated regularly;
• wood structures are a "tasty morsel" for many types of insects;
• when using such a swing, you can accidentally plant a splinter or get a minor injury, especially if the structure has not been properly processed.

Wooden swings can also be found in many areas. Many owners make them with their own hands. If everything is done correctly, the result is very beautiful and original designs that attract attention. In order for such a swing to last as long as possible and not lose its external beauty, they will need to be regularly treated with special mixtures - antiseptics. Without them, the wood will soon begin to "wither".

Plastic products are very common today. Most often, they are purchased or assembled on their own for small children, since such models are not intended for heavy loads. It is worth figuring out what the advantages of these options are:

• plastic swings can have a wide variety of shapes and colors - this material is easy to process, therefore there are a great variety of different models on sale;
• such structures are installed easily and quickly, because they are lightweight;
• plastic products are unpretentious and do not require special care, such as natural wood;
• these models are universal in use - they can be found both in residential buildings and in large entertainment complexes.

But the plastic swing has its drawbacks:

• such products cannot boast of high reliability and good strength characteristics, especially when compared with structures made of other materials;
• it is not always permissible to use such models outside an enclosed space;
• plastic is not designed for harsh conditions - this material does not withstand temperature changes, and under the influence of sunlight, the plastic swing can lose the brightness of the colors;
• only young children can use such structures, because such swings are simply not designed for heavy loads;
• high humidity is also detrimental to plastic swings.

As you can see, the plastic swing is beautiful and easy to install, and does not require complex maintenance. However, they can not last long in all conditions, so they are chosen less often than the same wooden options.

Some craftsmen construct swings from non-standard materials. For example, it can be car tires. They make simple models that are attached to both chains and ropes. Also, in the manufacture of such products, people turn to plastic pipes or wooden pallets. Some craftsmen even construct swings from old snowboard boards, skateboards or cans.

Children's anatomy is very different from an adult, therefore, when choosing or making your own swing, it is very important to take into account the height and age of the young user.If the child is unable to reach the ground with his feet while on standard swinging structures, then he will not be very interested in using them. Let us consider in more detail what parameters of the height of the seat correspond to certain parameters of the growth of the baby:

• with an increase of up to 80 cm, the height of the suspension of the seat should be 54 cm;
• with an increase of 80-90 cm, the suspension height will be 58 cm;
• 90-100 cm - 63 cm;
• 100-115 cm - 68 cm;
• 110-119 cm - 74 cm;
• 120-129 cm - 79 cm;
• 130-139 cm - 86 cm.

Basically, children's swings have more compact dimensions than standard adult versions. If we are talking about models for the smallest, then they are completely made very miniature. Only in such conditions will babies be safe.

Not every person is ready to independently design a children's swing, especially when you consider the fact that ready-made models are produced by many well-known brands. Let's get acquainted with the list of the most popular of them.

The well-known Dutch brand Ikea offers consumers a chic assortment of various baby products. Branded products of this brand are of good quality and long service life.

Children's swings from this brand are presented by popular high quality suspended models. Such copies are produced for the smallest users. Such items as "Kung-kung", "Sveva", Ekorre, "Rusig" are in great demand. The listed models are inexpensive, but made from sturdy materials. For example, the Kung Kung hammock is made of dense and high quality fabric. The lion's share of the Ikea swing is designed for use by young children. The products of the Dutch brand collect only positive reviews. Buyers love the good quality of the materials as well as the affordable cost of the swing.

Electronic rocking chairs Capella are in enviable demand today. These models are the most comfortable and absolutely safe. Such products are characterized by smooth swaying. For a more restful sleep of the baby, such specimens are equipped with pleasant musical additions. In addition, Capella rockers have backrests that can be fixed in two positions.

A lot of high-quality and bright swings for babies are offered by the Tako brand. Branded models have the following features:

• equipped with soft and comfortable seats, equipped with fasteners for the legs;
• complemented by a removable handrail;
• have protection against arbitrary folding;
• equipped with a safe and comfortable backrest with lateral support;
• many models have seat belts and soft handles;
• branded swing Tako easily and quickly folds and unfolds.

Plus, the Tako toddler swings are inexpensive and come in a variety of colors. On sale you can find red, orange, pink, green, yellow and other rich designs. The most popular are the Enjoy, Swing and Classic models.

The Babyton swing can boast of excellent quality and charming design. These models are electronic and have the following positive qualities:

• easy to assemble and disassemble;
• convenient in storage and transportation;
• have reliable frame bases;
• equipped with very soft deep seats;
• have adjustable backrests;
• are inexpensive;
• perform pleasant and soothing melodies;
• represented by models of different colors;
• equipped with a strong and secure belt.

The choice of the perfect swing for children must be approached very responsibly. It is worth relying on the following important criteria.

• Manufacturing material. Experts recommend giving preference to stronger metal or wood models. Of course, they have their drawbacks, but they are more reliable than plastic ones. The latter options do not withstand significant loads and cannot be bought for the garden.
• Permitted load. Buy swing models with maximum load capacity. These options are more reliable and last longer.
• Support and fasteners. Be sure to pay due attention to the mountings and supports of the children's swing. These parts must be of good quality and not damaged. Otherwise, the use of the swing may be unsafe.
• Build quality. Pay attention to the build quality of the swing in general. Individual structural elements should not wobble or emit extraneous sounds. If there are any, then it is better to refuse to buy the product.

• Additional features and equipment. Initially, decide what kind of swing you want to purchase for your child. In stores, you can find many thoughtful options with various configurations. The most convenient are electronic copies with musical additions.
• Colour. Choose a swing in a pleasant and positive color. For example, a cute pink model is suitable for a girl, and a blue or purple model for a boy. The designs may contain different images, for example, the sun, clouds, various animals, cartoon characters. In addition, the selected designs should harmoniously fit into the landscape design of a country house or summer cottage.
• The size. When choosing a swing, you need to pay attention to their size. The structures must be comfortable for the child. To do this, take into account his height, age and complexion.
• Manufacturer. If you decide to purchase a high-quality and durable swing, then you should familiarize yourself with the assortment offered by well-known manufacturers.

For information on how to make a mobile collapsible children's swing with your own hands, see the next video.