Best Toddler Swing on the Market
Written: Apr 23 '01
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Pros: In my opinion this is the roomiest, easiest to use swing on the market.
Cons: Length of straps not adjustable, not same quality as those in playgrounds.
The Bottom Line: This swing fell short of my expectations... but those expectations may have been too high. A good swing to own.
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| sgentile's Full Review: Little Tikes High Back Toddler Swing |
In a nutshell, Little Tikes High Back Toddler Swing fell short of my expectations. I was hoping it’s unique bucket shape and design would match up to those wonderful, deep “bucket” swings found at most playgrounds. What I found instead was a not quite so “rugged” unit that was not as deep as I had wished for. When I purchase a Little Tikes product, I expect it to be constructed of that THICK Little Tikes’ plastic found in all its other products. It’s true this swing DOES have many good attributes…. And this swing is an improvement over the straight back version where the bar in front lifts and lowers itself, locking in. The High Back Toddler Swing bucket is functional. It is easier to place your child in it and to take them out. The bucket itself is not likely to break. It is an attractive teal green color that will appeal to everyone and not clash with the rest of your swing set. This swing is also easy to wipe clean, and waterproof.
USEFUL TIP: I recommend that you turn The Little Tikes High Back Toddler Swing upside down when not in use. This will eliminate the puddle of water that collects when it rains AND keep it from being a target for the birds in your neighborhood.
The High Back Toddler Swing does have an adjustable seatbelt, although I’m not too sure how effective it would be if the swing were to tip over with your child in it. (NOTE: Please don’t ever leave your child alone while in this swing, even for a minute.) The bucket is a lot more roomy and comfortable looking than the stiff, narrow seat found in other baby swings. I do like the general shape of the swing, although it is not as deep as the playground baby swings. The sides do seem comfortable, but the leg holes seem less comfortable as they are made no thicker than the rest of this swing… the plastic is very thin; less than half an inch thick. The leg openings are wide, but again with this thin, hard plastic material. I’m not sure how comfortable that is for your baby’s leg to be pressed against. My kids have never complained, but then again they are having fun in their swing. I’m just grateful there is a thick plastic barrier between leg holes.
Another major complaint I have with this swing (and most other swings) is that you can NOT adjust the length of the tethers that the swing hangs from. The swing attaches easily to your swing set, however, in order to make our swings hang high enough so my daughter’s legs don’t touch the ground we have had to wrap the tethers around the swing set pole twice. This is also necessary in order for parents to push the swing without crouching down.
One of the reasons I am so fond of those playground baby swings is that the bucket is deep enough that if your baby sways with the swing their movement is really quite minimalized. With the High Back Toddler Swing the bucket allows far more room for your baby to sway back and forth in. It is a wide bucket; deeper than most, but not as deep as I would like it.
I also own one of those Little Tike swings with the straight back and the bar that slides up & down, locking into place. I do think this high back toddler swing is a step up from that one. I just wish Little Tykes would create a swing that resembles the playground baby swings (keeping the seatbelt found in this one). I want a swing that’s made out of thick plastic that is deep enough that my baby/toddler won’t fall out of it. And I want to be able to adjust the height that it hangs at.
I recommend this swing only because it seems to be the best swing available on the market at this time. It is also durable, easy to clean and the ropes are weather-resistant. At $16 this swing is definitely worth its cost. The swing is 20.5" x 15.75" x 13.75". It is recommended for ages 9-36 months. I agree with this age target, however at almost 30 months (2 & a half) my daughter certainly fills it out; she is about 30 pounds, long and slender.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
sgentile
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Location: New England, United States
Reviews written: 249
Trusted by: 476 members
About Me:
I'm a mother who focuses on safety, fun, & value. I write from experience.
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