High Chair's 5-point harness system with adjustable straps keeps babies and toddlers (ages 6 months-3 years old; up to 33lbs) safe and secure

Parents and caregivers should also make sure their baby does not fall asleep in the swing. “If a baby falls asleep in the swing, he or she should be moved to a flat and firm sleeping surface as soon as possible,” says Lyndsey Garbi, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer of Blueberry Pediatrics and medical review board member at Verywell Family. This is because swings are positioned at an incline, which could cause a baby to position their head in such a way that they can’t breathe. For most people, it is often a matter of aesthetics as to whether they choose wood or steel. Steel frames generally require no maintenance, whereas wooden frames will likely require treating annually with a sealant to stop moisture getting in.

The ultimate young baby set

Volume: Our editors used a decibel reader to determine if the volume was within a range deemed appropriate and safe for young ears. According to our experts, 60-70 decibels is generally considered safe for babies and a good volume to keep them calm. Look over the seat pads or cushion. Stains or fading patterns are fine, but look out for holes where a nimble-fingered baby might pull out foam, as it can be a choking hazard.

Even if a swing seat seems to ‘withstand’ more than its recommended capacity, exceeding the limit can result in wear and damage and should be avoided.

A polyester canopy will offer more protection from sun and rain than a slatted wooden canopy, but may suffer damage in windy conditions. Make sure the high chair has a working harness that's not frayed – ideally a five-point harness with over-the-shoulder straps. It’s quite common for an adult to weigh over 66 kg, so this is something to bear in mind when shopping for garden furniture. However, here’s a run down of some of the different designs and features available, so you can decide what to look for: Number of Seats

Strong winds can damage the fabric shade though, so fitting a protective cover over the top in winter should help avoid this. The wood will also require regular oiling or treating if it is left out all year round. Elizabeth Murray DO, MBA, FAAP, board certified in pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine, associate professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine at the University of Rochester The garden swing seat has a large, balanced frame that offers stability. It’s made from heavy-duty powder-coated steel that can be left outside year round, and it’s also easy to assemble. All parts are clearly labelled, allowing this chair to be put together in around one hour. Of course, a unit with more seats will be larger and more difficult to 1) find space for in the garden, and 2) store away for winter. They can also be more expensive too. But if you have a larger family, or like to entertain, they could be a great option. If you’re looking for a swing that you can put away at the end of the day or when visitors arrive, this Graco swing is a great choice. We found it to be very easy to fold and love that it’s equipped with a handle that makes it convenient to transport. Plus, it weighs just 12.7 pounds, which makes it entirely possible to carry with one hand.

If you’re after something a little different compared to traditional bench swing seats, the Outsunny Garden Swing Chair is a great choice. This swing chair has two individual swinging chairs that are free to move independently of each other. It’s the best garden swing set if you want two individual swinging seats. The best thing about garden swing seats is how relaxing and stylish they can be, and this Kingfisher Hardwood Swinging Garden Benchperforms well on both accounts. In addition to looking nice, this swing felt safe and sturdy when we tested it. It has a five-point harness that feels secure and the mobile is hung far enough away that a baby can’t reach it. This swing is also super quiet; without the music on, it was almost silent, and with the music on, the sound was only 40-50 dBA, which is quieter than the hum of a refrigerator. For two people, look for a garden swing seat between 160 – 170 wide. This will provide comfortable seating for two whilst still being suitable for smaller gardens.