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"Parents should make arrangements to be sure the equipment is age-appropriate for all children, or that children use different parts of the equipment that match their age." If they are too heavy for a swing set feature, it could collapse," Schwebel says. "If a child can’t reach a bar, they might fall.
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Six feet of open space on all sides is recommended for plenty of room to play.īefore purchasing, consider the age of the children that will be playing on the swing set to determine if the set is safe and entertaining for them, both now and as they age.
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By staying within these limits, your swing set will last longer and your kiddos will be safe while they play.Īdditionally, swing sets should be placed in locations free of overhead obstacles like power lines, tree limbs, or roof overhangs. Along with overall weight capacity, you'll also want to take note of the number of children that can be on it at a time. Most swing sets have a weight limit and some may need to be installed by a professional. They can be dangerous if they aren’t installed correctly, and it's important to follow all safety guidelines. Swing sets can be loads of fun, but they also need to be safe. Schwebel, PhD, the author of "Raising Kids Who Choose Safety" and the director of the Youth Safety Lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, about swing set safety. Additionally, we considered design features such as the number of swings and other attachments. To select the best swing sets for kids, we researched dozens of options on the market, taking safety, age-appropriateness, and durability into account. Key Specs: Dimensions: 25.6 x 25 feet | Weight: 432 pounds | Number of Swings: 2 swings and 1 trapeze | Material: Wooden set with plastic, rubber, and vinyl materials | Age Recommendation: 36 months to 11 years old | Weight Limit: 800 pounds The website includes a list of all of the tools needed for assembly. It’s delivered ready to assemble and will require an estimated 5 to 7 hours of construction time. The set is big and with the 6 feet of clearance space needed, check that your yard can fit something this size. While the swing set is an investment, it’s highly rated. Children can swing, climb, slide, and play on this big set that includes two swings, a trapeze, a built-in sandbox, a rope ladder and climbing wall, a wavy plastic slide, and so much more. The Gorilla Playsets Outing Wood Swing Set isn't just large and in charge, it earned our top pick because it's made for years of fun and can hold lots of kids. While reviewing products, we carefully considered design, value, assembly instructions, safety, product weight, and other features.Ī board-certified family physician on our Review Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding the safety and age-appropriateness of swing sets. Since it is an investment, you'll want to make sure you are choosing one that will meet the needs of your family right now and in the future. If you have the space for a swing set (always make sure to measure your yard before buying one!), your kids can enjoy it for years to come.
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As they get older, supervision can be less intense, but caregivers should still keep an eye on them to make sure they're playing safely. Kids should always be supervised when playing, particularly younger kiddos, our experts say. When considering purchasing a swing set, make sure you're keeping your child's safety in mind. Plus, by pumping their legs on the swings, your little one can stay active, improve cognitive function, use their gross motor skills, and even burn off some steam before dinner time. There's not always enough time in the day to load up the car or stroller and take a trip to the playground, so it's convenient to have your own playset that your family can enjoy from the comfort of the backyard. From swings to rock walls to monkey bars, swing sets are so much fun for kids of all ages.
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