Doesn’t it sometimes feel like the things that are good for your kid are the things they want to do the least?
Day after day, getting them to eat their vegetables, do their homework, or settle down for an early night doesn’t seem to get any easier. Meanwhile, persuading them to eat chocolate or make a mess of your living room would be a walk in the park.
But we have exciting news: not only is swinging a fun activity that children love, it’s also really good for them!
Playing on a garden swing can benefit your child's physical, social, emotional, and mental development. So next time they ask for ‘five more minutes’, you might just be tempted to give in!
8 benefits of swings for kids
Swinging might seem like just another fun playground activity, but its benefits go far beyond the joy of soaring through the air.
In fact, swinging can keep your child healthy, teach them valuable skills, and help them get acquainted with the way their body moves. “How?” you might be wondering. We’re glad you asked!
Let’s explore why swings are so good for kids.
1 - It’s a form of exercise
Put down those kettlebells and power off the treadmill—there’s a new workout in town (and it's much more fun!)! Exercise is anything that gets your heart pumping or strengthens your muscles. So yes, it counts!
Swinging is an excellent form of exercise for kids because:
- It strengthens their core muscles
- It boosts cardiovascular health
- It tests their balance
- It involves moving all parts of the body at once
- It improves joint health
- It’s an effective low-impact exercise
- It promotes flexibility and coordination
Physical activity is hugely important for kids, so make sure to read our tips for encouraging physical activity in children next (spoiler alert: providing outdoor toys like swings is one!)
2 - It supports sensory development
Sensory development is how children use their senses to interact with the world around them. We all know about the five core senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, but swinging is hugely beneficial for developing the two lesser-known senses: the vestibular (movement and balance) and proprioception (bodily awareness).
As children swing, they experience changes in speed, direction, and height, all of which provide valuable sensory input. This helps to improve their balance, coordination, gross motor skills, and ability to navigate their environment.
Swinging is just one of many ways we can nurture our kids’ sensory journeys. For a deeper dive into the world of sensory development, check out our what is sensory play? guide, and read our 12 sensory outdoor activities for kids for more ideas.
3 - It teaches independence
Swinging is a unique movement because it can’t really be taught. Kids have to act independently and teach themselves how to control the swing.
Through trial and error, kids will learn how to get the swing to move, how to swing higher and lower, how to slow down, and how to stop. This process helps them develop problem-solving skills and resilience, and as they master their new skill, they’ll gain a sense of independence and self-confidence.
4 - It develops social skills
As with many other playground activities, playing on swings is often a social activity. Children naturally engage in social interactions whilst playing on a swing set: politely taking turns, working together to push each other, and creating collaborative games.
Through these activities, kids get to practice essential communication skills like speaking and listening, build relationships, and develop a sense of empathy. As a result, swinging can be an excellent medium for enhancing social development.
5 - It encourages outdoor play
If you’ve read our full guide, you’ll know that the benefits of outdoor play for children are countless! Outdoor play is important for kids’ physical, cognitive, and emotional development and well-being, so finding ways to draw them outside is essential.
Investing in a swing set for your garden or taking a trip to use one at your local park is an excellent way to get your child to explore the natural world and benefit from a breath of fresh air.
6 - It’s relaxing
Much like the relaxing movement of being rocked as a baby or rocking on a chair, the rhythmic back-and-forth motion of swinging can be extremely soothing, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
Children usually struggle to identify when they are feeling stressed and lack the tools to manage it effectively. Even if they aren’t aware of why it feels good, swinging can offer a natural way to unwind and calm down. The gentle rocking motion has a calming effect on the nervous system, making it an excellent activity for children prone to anxiousness.
7 - It keeps them off screens
Parenting in the age of technology is no easy feat. Making sure children don’t get too much screen time is among the primary concerns of today’s parents. Luckily, our guide on how to reduce screen time for kids offers plenty of practical advice.
Unlike passive screen time, swinging is an active, immersive experience that draws children away from their devices and into the great outdoors. Parents can help reduce screen time and promote healthier digital habits by encouraging kids to spend more time swinging.
Encouraging outdoor play on swings in your garden or a playground is an excellent solution for keeping kids off screens. How could the digital world possibly compare to the rush of flying through the sky?
8 - It’s fun!
And last, but by no means least, an important benefit is that swinging is that it’s fun! That weightless feeling of flying through the air is magical for kids of all ages. Swinging guarantees smiles and laughter every time.
Better yet, when children have fun, they’re more likely to engage in the activity again and again. This means that the more they swing, the more they’ll continue reaping the physical, social, and mental benefits of swinging.
How swings can benefit kids with disabilities
Whilst all kids can benefit from swinging, the activity is especially advantageous for children with disabilities.
For children with sensory processing disorders, such as autism, the vestibular stimulation provided by swinging can be incredibly calming. The rhythmic motion helps regulate sensory input, which can reduce anxiety and help children feel more centred and in control. Kids with sensory issues can also experience improved balance, coordination, and spatial awareness as a result of swinging.
Children with physical disabilities can also benefit from swinging. Net swings are a great alternative for children who don’t have the ability or coordination to hold themselves up on swings. The act of swinging independently can boost self-confidence and the relaxation element is something that all kids can enjoy.
Swing into action with Outdoor Toys
Here at Outdoor Toys, we have an unbeatable range of swing sets to suit every garden and child. Choose from metal swings and wooden swings, net swings and toddler swings, and single, double, and triple swing sets for families of all sizes.
The fun doesn’t have to stop with swinging; our swing sets with monkey bars, swings with slides, and swings with climbing frames are perfect for the most adventurous little tikes!
With 48-hour delivery, your kids can be soaring high in no time. Plus, we offer 0% finance on orders over £99, so there’s never been a better time to get into the swing of it!
FAQs about swinging
Is swinging good exercise for kids?
As a full-body activity that strengthens various muscle groups and boosts cardiovascular health, swinging is a surprisingly effective workout.
Children will engage their core muscles to maintain balance, their leg muscles to generate momentum, and their arm muscles to hold on and steer the swing. This combination of movements helps to improve overall strength. Moreover, the continuous movement increases heart rate and circulation, providing a cardiovascular workout to develop stamina and endurance.
When can a baby go in a swing?
As all babies develop at different rates, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, most babies would be ready to go in a swing aged between six and eight months.
Make sure to choose an appropriate swing based on your child’s age, weight, and height. For a more detailed explanation, refer to our helpful guide: when can a baby go in a swing?
Is swinging good exercise for adults?
Swinging isn’t just for kids; it can be a fun and effective exercise for adults as well. It targets many important muscle groups and provides a gentle cardiovascular workout. Combined with other activities like walking and strength training, swinging can form part of a healthy lifestyle for adults. It’s also a great way to relieve stress and bring some childlike fun into your routine!
What different types of swings are available?
When it comes to swings, there’s no shortage of options. You could opt for metal swings, wooden swings, rubber swings; single, double, and triple swing sets; or unique styles like tyre swings and hammock swings.
Different swings are better suited to certain age ranges and abilities. Our baby swing seats are ideal for introducing your baby to swinging, and our 3-in-1 swing seat is perfect as a toy that grows with your child. For toddlers, choose a growable seat or toddler swing, and for children who aren’t able to hold onto the ropes, opt for a net swing.
How can I keep my kid safe on swings?
Your number one priority as a parent will always be keeping your child safe. To keep your kid safe on swings, make sure to choose a high-quality swing set, assemble and maintain it properly, and teach swing safety rules.
Don’t forget to read our comprehensive guide Swing safety 101: how to keep kids safe on swings.