
Letting your little one play on equipment that's for older kids can be dangerous, but luckily, many sets offer years of exciting play. As the baby grows, they will enjoy graduating to climbing a ladder or sliding down a slide. For a family with a younger child, Oledzka recommends investing in a toddler swing set that can fit a baby 6 months or older. Resist the urge to purchase a set that your child will "grow into" and opt for something that's designed to be safe to play with now and in the future. Make sure the swing set you buy is designed for your child's age and stage. Choose a swing set in the correct age range for your child.Check that your swing set has no small spaces that children can get stuck inside, and keep an eye out for exposed chains with pinching hazards. Ensure your swing set meets ASTM International safety standards.Industry standards specify a clearance of at least six feet in all directions from the perimeter of your swing set, and up to nine feet for higher areas. But most importantly, measure your space to ensure you'll have enough clearance around the swing set.

If you're planning to grow your family or host playdates, consider a set that accommodates multiple children.

✔️ S ize : Most swing sets last between seven and 10 years, so pick something that your child can grow with.

Some sets are constructed so you can add features over time, but others don't allow for modifications. If you have a large backyard, a swing set with a slide, rock climbing wall and/or ladder allows exploration, says Oledzka, while monkey bars, chain ladders and rings are more challenging and ideal for older kids. ✔️ Features : By definition, every swing set needs a swing, but many sets have great add-ons that encourage different kinds of movement and play. Oledzka adds that all swings "should be made of plastic or soft rubber for comfort and protection in case of a small child walking into a swing and hitting their head." Plastic also eliminates the risk of splinters and reduces the risk of burns but is less likely to maintain vivid coloring after sun exposure over time. Plastic swing sets tend to hold less weight than wood or metal, so these can be good starter swing sets for younger children.If you do notice rust on your metal swing set, remove it as soon as possible according to the manufacturer's instructions. Since metals aren't inherently corrosion-resistant, our experts recommend using a preventive product like Rust-Oleum Clear Enamel Spray Paint, as long as the manufacturer hasn't already applied a treatment and the maintenance instructions recommend applying a coating. Oledzka also notes that rust may become a problem. Look for a metal with a protective coating to keep kids safe.

Heat can also be an issue, with metal causing burns on hot days.
