There is a reason babies instantly calm down when you rock them. The rhythmic motion mimics the sensation of being in the womb, and as they get older, that same motion helps develop their vestibular system.
Outdoor baby swings are the perfect way to combine this sensory development with fresh air. However, you need gear that withstands the elements while keeping your infant secure.
We tested, installed, and pushed the best outdoor baby swings on the market to see which ones are worth hanging in your backyard.
- Comes with fitted ropes fitted
- Adjustable angle
- Recyclable material
- Comes with attached carabiners
- Roomy enough for bigger kids
- Easy to clean
- Can be hung anywhere
- Easy to adjust
- Has built-in toys
- Wide age range
- Adult & child compatible
- High weight limit
- Deep bucket
- Commercial quality
- No assembly required
- Made from natural materials
- Easy to wipe clean
- Can be used indoors
- Easy to use indoors & out
- Has a cute design
- Sits low to the ground
When Can a Baby Use an Outdoor Swing?
Most experts recommend waiting until your baby can sit up unsupported before using a standard bucket swing. This milestone usually happens around six months of age.
Even if your baby is an early bloomer, check the manufacturer’s age guidelines. Some swings offer reclining modes for younger infants, while others require full head and neck control.
What to Look For
The market is flooded with plastic buckets and canvas seats. Here is what matters when picking the right one for your yard.
Product Reviews
We found the safest, most durable options for your backyard setup.
Little Tikes Grow With Me Swing
Best Budget Outdoor Baby Swing
The Little Tikes 2-in-1 Grow With Me Swing takes the top spot because it balances durability, safety, and price better than the competition.
What sets this apart is the convertible T-bar. For younger babies, the T-bar locks down to secure them in place alongside the shoulder straps. As your child gains confidence and size, the T-bar rotates out of the way, converting the seat into a standard toddler swing.
The molded plastic holds up incredibly well against rain and sun. While older versions had issues with cracking, Little Tikes updated the plastic formulation to resolve this. It is a true “set it and forget it” piece of backyard equipment.
The only minor downside is the rope length. It is a bit short if you have a very high branch, but replacing the rope is an inexpensive fix.
Pros
- Pre-assembled: The ropes come fitted to the seat.
- Weatherproof: Can stay outside year-round without damage.
- Adaptable: Adjusts from infant mode to toddler mode easily.
- Eco-friendly: The plastic body is recyclable.
Cons
- No hardware: You must purchase hanging anchors separately.
Product Specs
| Age range | 9 months to 4 years |
| Weight limit | Up to 50 pounds |
| Seat material | High-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene |
| Suspension material | Nylon rope |
Our Ratings
Step2 Infant To Toddler Swing Seat
Best Bucket Outdoor Swing
If your baby has chunky thighs or just needs more wiggle room, the Step2 Infant to Toddler Swing is the answer.
Standard bucket swings can feel tight, but Step2 designed this with a generous leg opening and a deeper seat. This makes getting your child in and out much smoother, preventing that awkward shoe-stuck struggle.
The restraint system is straightforward. It uses a T-bar and straps that tuck comfortably behind a toddler once they outgrow the need for chest support. The ropes are weather-resistant and come with carabiners attached, so hooking it onto a playset or tree strap is instant.
Assembly is minimal, but you will need to ensure you have a solid beam or branch ready, as the anchors aren’t included.
Pros
- Hardware included: Carabiners come attached to the ropes.
- Spacious: Wider leg openings fit larger babies comfortably.
- Low maintenance: Plastic wipes clean with a hose.
Cons
- Anchors needed: Does not include the mounting hooks for your beam.
Product Specs
| Age range | 9 months to 3 years |
| Weight limit | 50 pounds |
| Seat material | Polyethylene and polypropylene |
| Suspension material | Nylon rope |
Our Ratings
Monkey & Mouse Canvas Swing
Best Portable Outdoor Baby Swing
The Monkey & Mouse Canvas Swing wins for aesthetics and portability, making it perfect for families who want a swing that looks good inside and outside.
Unlike rigid plastic buckets, this swing uses heavy-duty canvas and beech wood. It molds to your baby’s body like a hammock, providing superior comfort. The included cushion adds support for smaller infants, which you can remove as they grow.
Installation is versatile. It works on a tree branch, a patio beam, or an indoor doorway. The setup is fast, which is helpful because you should bring this swing inside after use.
While the canvas is high quality, it is not weatherproof. Leaving it out in the rain or humidity will lead to mold, so treat it like a piece of furniture rather than a permanent fixture.
Pros
- Complete kit: Includes cushion, ropes, and carabiners.
- Easy adjustment: Simple to change height or location.
- Sensory details: Includes built-in wooden toys on the ropes.
Cons
- Not weatherproof: Must be stored indoors to prevent deterioration.
Product Specs
| Age range | 6 months to 4 years |
| Weight limit | 110 pounds |
| Seat material | UV-protected cotton canvas and beech wood |
| Suspension material | Cotton rope |
Our Ratings
Swing-N-Slide 40” Nest Swing
Best Outdoor Toddler Swing
The Swing-N-Slide Nest Swing is a fantastic upgrade for older toddlers who have outgrown the bucket seat.
This “saucer” style swing features a steel frame wrapped in padded fabric. The design allows a child to lie down, sit cross-legged, or even swing with a sibling or parent (up to the weight limit). It offers a different sensory experience than a standard back-and-forth swing.
Suspension is handled by heavy-duty chains coated in plastic to prevent pinching, connecting to durable nylon ropes.
Note that this swing does not have a harness. It is designed for children who can hold on and understand body balance. Do not use this for infants or unsupervised toddlers.
Pros
- Longevity: Suitable for toddlers up to older kids.
- Social play: Large enough for multiple children (within weight limits).
- Heavy duty: High weight capacity and steel construction.
Cons
- No restraint: Requires active supervision; not for babies.
- Space hog: Needs a wide clearance zone to swing safely.
Product Specs
| Age range | 36 months to 10 years |
| Weight limit | 200 pounds |
| Seat material | Steel frame, nylon cover |
| Suspension material | Nylon rope and steel chain |
Our Ratings
Eastern Jungle Gym High-Back Swing
Safest Outdoor Baby Swing
If you want the exact swing you see at the local park, the Eastern Jungle Gym High-Back Swing is it.
This is a commercial-grade bucket swing suspended entirely by heavy chains rather than rope. The chains are coated in soft plastisol for the bottom 30 inches, ensuring little fingers don’t get pinched and hair doesn’t get snagged.
The bucket itself is made of high-quality, flexible copolymer plastic. It features a high back for extra support, which prevents toddlers from leaning backward dangerously.
Because it uses chains, it is virtually indestructible against weather. However, the leg holes are quite large, so very small or skinny infants might need a blanket tucked around them for stability until they grow into it.
Pros
- High back: Prevents tipping and supports posture.
- Park quality: Built to withstand heavy use and weather.
- Ready to hang: Fully assembled chains attached to the seat.
Cons
- Gap size: Leg holes may be too large for petite infants.
- Mounts not included: You need your own S-hooks or clips.
Product Specs
| Age range | 6 months to 4 years |
| Weight limit | 150 pounds |
| Seat material | Polyethylene |
| Suspension material | Galvanized steel coated in plastisol |
Our Ratings
Wooden Horse Toddler Swing
Best Non-Toxic Outdoor Baby Swing
For those trying to avoid plastic entirely, the Wooden Horse Toddler Swing from Dilimi is a charming alternative.
Shaped like a carousel horse, this swing functions as both a toy and a seat. It is sanded smooth and ready for assembly. We like that it comes with all necessary tools, including a wrench, so you aren’t hunting for equipment.
However, there is a catch: the wood is unfinished. While this ensures no toxic varnishes touch your child’s skin, it also means the wood is vulnerable. If you plan to use this outside, you must apply a non-toxic sealant or bring it indoors after every use.
The rope length is generous (57 inches), making it versatile for tall branches or high ceilings.
Pros
- Natural materials: No plastics or harsh chemicals.
- Aesthetic: Looks beautiful in a nursery or garden.
- Versatile: Works indoors or outdoors (with care).
Cons
- DIY required: Ships flat-packed and needs assembly.
- Unfinished: Requires sealing for long-term outdoor use.
Product Specs
| Age range | 6 months to 3 years |
| Weight limit | 220 pounds |
| Seat material | Wood |
| Suspension material | Wear-resistant rope |
Our Ratings
Sportspower My First Toddler Swing
Best Versatile Outdoor Baby Swing
The Sportspower My First Toddler Swing is the best solution for renters or families without large trees.
Unlike the other picks on this list, this is a full set that includes a metal A-frame. It folds flat for storage, meaning you can set it up in the backyard for a BBQ and then move it into the living room on a rainy day.
Assembly takes about 15 minutes. The seat sits relatively low to the ground, which is a great safety feature for enthusiastic swingers.
Be aware of the footprint. Even though it folds, you need a 55-inch square area to use it safely. It is perfect for small patios, but it might dominate a small living room.
Pros
- All-in-one: Includes the frame, so no tree is needed.
- Portable: Folds flat for storage or travel.
- Safety first: Low center of gravity prevents dangerous falls.
Cons
- Large footprint: Takes up significant floor space.
- Durability: Straps may wear out faster than plastic components.
Product Specs
| Age range | 9 months to 3 years |
| Weight limit | 55 pounds |
| Seat material | Polypropylene with nylon panels |
| Suspension material | Nylon rope on powder-coated steel frame |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Age range | Weight limit | Seat material | Suspension material |
| Little Tikes Grow With Me | Budget Pick | 9 months to 4 years | Up to 50 lbs | Plastic | Nylon rope |
| Step2 Infant To Toddler Swing | Bucket | 9 months to 3 years | 50 lbs | Plastic | Nylon rope |
| Monkey & Mouse Swing | Portable | 6 months to 4 years | 110 lbs | Wood & canvas | Cotton rope |
| Swing-N-Slide Nest Swing | Toddler | 36 months to 10 years | 200 lbs | Steel & nylon cover | Nylon rope & steel chain |
| Eastern Jungle Gym High-Back | Safest | 6 months to 4 years | 150 lbs | Plastic | Galvanized steel coated in plastisol |
| Wooden Horse Toddler Swing | Non-Toxic | 6 months to 3 years | 220 lbs | Wood | Wear-resistant rope |
| Sportspower My First Swing | Versatile | 9 months to 3 years | 55 lbs | Plastic | Nylon rope on powder-coated steel frame |
How Do You Make an Outdoor Baby Swing?
If you are handy with a sewing machine and a drill, making a DIY swing allows for total customization of fabric and size.
For a classic fabric bucket style, check out the tutorials on A Beautiful Mess or A Kiwi Country Girl.
If you prefer visual instructions, Owlipop DIY offers a clear step-by-step video guide below.
FAQs
Safe, Secure, Fun
An outdoor baby swing is more than just a toy; it is a tool for development and a break for parents. Whether you have a massive oak tree or a small apartment patio, there is a swing that fits your space.
Safety is the priority. Always double-check your anchors, keep the swing over a soft surface, and stay within arm’s reach of your baby. Once the safety check is done, sit back and enjoy the giggles.






















