I have a really dumb question about playground swings

LilyRose28

Okay, we went to a new playground today and went on the swings. This is the kind of swing I am used to:

 

 

This was the kind of swing they had:

 

I assumed his legs would go through the holes and the chain would be at his back. But the way it was set up, it seemed like his butt should be where the holes are and the chain in front. That just didn't seem so safe to me because he could easily flip out over the chain (I mean, I'm right there with him, but you know).

So which way is the right way? Chain in front or back? *embarrassed I even have to ask* 

august06mom

Chain in front, but these just aren't good swings for baby swings. They're kind of in-between swings for older toddlers or younger children. I was bummed because the playground we went to this weekend only had these, so DS2 could only swing sitting on my lap. I actually attempted to put him in one, and he nearly flipped out immediately.

LilyRose28

august06mom:

Chain in front, but these just aren't good swings for baby swings. They're kind of in-between swings for older toddlers or younger children. I was bummed because the playground we went to this weekend only had these, so DS2 could only swing sitting on my lap. I actually attempted to put him in one, and he nearly flipped out immediately.

I know, they suck! I went to a different playground first and their baby swing was broken so we went to this place. I actually put him in with his legs through and the chain in back because he tends to lean forward so I felt he was safer with me behind him where the chain was and the seat to hold him up a bit.

seahorse102410

Well I would have done it wrong too.  Glad you asked!

hopkins5

I've never seen a swing like this, but I would guess the chain goes at the front

Smootchy

...I first saw this/read and was like, how dumb.. the chain in front duh..

um. But can't the kid sorta slip through the chain (under) I think I'd feel more comfy with their legs sorta being held in place from those holes!

LilyRose28

chapski:

...I first saw this/read and was like, how dumb.. the chain in front duh..

um. But can't the kid sorta slip through the chain (under) I think I'd feel more comfy with their legs sorta being held in place from those holes!

That was my thought process at the park. I was like...but there's holes? why would their butt cheeks need holes? they have to be for legs, right?

I was so glad there were no other parents there at the time. haha  I tried both ways and felt more comfortable with the chain in back and me right behind him for now until he's bigger so I'll keep doing that, at least as long as there are no other parents there giving me the side-eye while they post on TB from their phone about the dumb mother they're judging for putting her kid on the swing backwards.

megperk72

We go to the elementary school and they have one of these, no baby swings though. So we have always put the chain at her back. I just assumed it should be this way, otherwise why are there even holes? Do whatever you feel comfortable with, I feel safer having the chain at her back, so she doesn't slide out under it.

Smootchy

LilyRose28:

chapski:

...I first saw this/read and was like, how dumb.. the chain in front duh..

um. But can't the kid sorta slip through the chain (under) I think I'd feel more comfy with their legs sorta being held in place from those holes!

That was my thought process at the park. I was like...but there's holes? why would their butt cheeks need holes? they have to be for legs, right?

I was so glad there were no other parents there at the time. haha  I tried both ways and felt more comfortable with the chain in back and me right behind him for now until he's bigger so I'll keep doing that, at least as long as there are no other parents there giving me the side-eye while they post on TB from their phone about the dumb mother they're judging for putting her kid on the swing backwards.

LOL@ butt checks needing holes

we'll keep a look out. If a mom bumps about some dumb@ss who has her kid on a swing backward, I'll have your back!

myself1nme

I always thought that you put the legs through the holes when the kids are little, then when their older you can turn them around to the chain side until they are big enough for the regular swing.

Wufroggy79

Chain in front, but this type of swing is not meant for kids this age.  It is for kids too big for the bucket and yet not coordinated enough for the standard swing.