When can a baby use the playground?

cupcakesforbreakfast · April 2016

Okay, sorry if this is a dumb question. I've seen lots of people using the "baby" swings for their actual babies at the park, even though the swings say they're designed for kids ages 2 and up. Is it okay for a 6 month old? Also, I'm of the mind that my kiddo shouldn't go down a slide--even those little indoor plastic ones--until he can walk. My MIL thinks he will like using the slide before he can walk. What do you guys think?

helsbels222 · April 2016

I don't think swings or slides are appropriate for 6 mo babies. They need very good upper body control for both. Maybe closer to 12 mo. I also don't think it's necessary for LO to walk in order to go down the slide. Someone will just need to catch him at the bottom.

jdal1206 · April 2016

I think it depends on your comfort level, my LO is almost 6months and he has been in the baby swing already and he loved it! I stayed right with him the whole time and kept a hand on him just in case but he has really great head/neck control and a pretty strong core so I felt comfortable with it. I think if I were to have him try the slide I'd only do it with me holding him and going down with him.

rachswi · April 2016

It depends on your baby's head/body control. If your LO is sitting up well and supporting himself then you could try the swing. But you would definitely want to watch out for really even the slightest loss of head control when swinging (like his head leaning back) because that means he isn't ready.

As for the slide, I'd be comfortable with the little slides as long as someone was right there with him

cdepperschmidt · April 2016

LO goes in the swing at daycare. However, it is one of those ones that fully supports the head/neck on her backyard playground. I've put DS in the baby swing at the park too and pushed him very slowly. He enjoyed it! I think it's up to you. The important thing is that you are right with the baby.

AmoLovesAud · April 2016

I'd only take my LO down a slide if I held her the whole way down, right now. Swings are a matter of their neck and back strength. I think the suggestion to wait till 2 is a CYA thing, but not sure a 5-7 month old should be in one of those swings, or a guardian should hold on to it the entire time and 'swing' very gently.

VexedMommy · April 2016

I think if a child is able to sit on their own and their parent is right there with them swinging them very gently it's not a problem. Your child can probably also use the slide when they're sitting as long as someone is "guiding" them and holding onto them the whole time. I took my daughter on a slide for the first time at 3 months. She was in my lap and we went down together.

Just use common sense. If you try it and think it's not right, remove your baby. If you try it and think he's fine then keep doing it as long as it makes you all happy.

MoRay05 · April 2016

I took DD around 6 mo to the park and would swing. I would put a blanket rolled up around her waist for added support. I also took her down slides with her in my lap.

loverofnaps · April 2016

Grayson loved his first time in the swing

cdepperschmidt · April 2016

DS in the swing at the park during daycare. He can sit unassisted for a few seconds.

Kanne0729 · May 2016

I think it depends on your baby. We have already put my 6 month old in the swing at the playground. He sits unsupported so I felt that it was safe for him, he loved it too.

bellie1223 · May 2016

After reading this thread we took the bebe to the park and did the swing and my husband took her down a slide. She wasn't upset, but just looked super confused about what was happening, I guess we'll wait another month or so and see if she's into it then. Fun idea though!

Want a personalized experience?

When can a baby use the playground?

Best Answers

Re: When can a baby use the playground?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards