Swings, or hanging seats, are an old-fashioned way to have fun that continues to be popular with infants, children and adults around the world. Swings come in a variety of styles, and may be simple and inexpensive or elegant and elaborate. Although most swings are designed for outdoor use, a number of models may also be used indoors. Outdoor swings can hang from swing sets made from wooden beams or metal poles, or from appropriately sized tree branches and beams. Does this Spark an idea?
Types
Some of the most common types of swings are made from a plank of wood, or a piece of plastic or rubber, suspended from ropes or chains. Outdoor baby or toddler swings are similar but use a bucket style seat. Tire swings use a vertical tire suspended on one side, or a horizontal tire suspended at three points. Tire swings can rotate as well as moving back and forth. Pieces of rope, suspended from a tree branch or beam, may also be used as simple swings. Glider or porch swings are bench style swings suspended from a frame or hung from the roof of a deck. Other porch swings are made from hammock style netting, and some may also be used indoors. Many infant swings are designed for indoor use, and consist of a reclining seat and small frame.
Features
While traditional swings are often basic, with nothing more than a piece of wood or an old tire and a rope, modern swings have a number of features designed for safety and convenience. Swing seats made from flexible rubber are often more comfortable than wooden or plastic planks, and some swings feature plastic coverings over the chains to prevent children from getting their hair or fingers caught in the links. Infant and toddler swing seats help support babies in an upright position, and often have leg holes or straps to help prevent the baby from falling out of the swing. Glider and porch swings may have canopies for shade, cushions and even cup holders. Indoor baby swings often include a battery operated motor, music, and toys such as mobiles, and some come in cradle styles for newborns.
Size
Swings come in many styles, some for children, some for adults. Indoor infant swings are often classified as full size or portable. While full size infant swings often measure 3 feet wide or more, portable or travel swings are usually no wider than 2 feet. Most traditional plank or sling style swings measure about 15 to 18 inches across. The length of the chain may vary depending on the height of the swing set, with commercial or playground swing sets typically being taller than backyard swing sets. Glider and porch swings may be wide enough for one to three adults, and possibly several small children.
Benefits
Many people find the motion of swinging enjoyable and relaxing. Babies are often comforted by gentle swinging, and infant swings, especially motorized ones, can give parents a rest while the baby swings. Some infants even fall asleep during swinging. Toddlers and young children enjoy the interaction of being pushed on a swing, while other children may enjoy learning pump their legs to propel themselves on a swing, and see how high they can go. This can also provide good exercise for the children. Glider and porch swings can allow an entire family to relax together outdoors.
Warning
Children of any age, but especially infants and toddlers, can fall from a swing and must be supervised. Parents should make sure that they type of swing children use is suitable for their age, with appropriate support and restraints for infants and toddlers. They must make sure the swing is hung from an appropriate place that can bear the weight of the swing and occupant, and that the swing can move freely without running into posts, fences or other objects.
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