Purchasing a Swing Set

Hi L.:

My name is A. and I am familiar with the Rainbow Play Systems. They are rated one of the best play systems and are structuraly sound. You can find them online at rainbowplay.com. Check it out and if you have any questions email me. ____@____.com

The swingsets have stuff that is replacable... I'd buy the metal one, then buy a more specialized seat that is safer to hang on it. They sell them separately. Then, as she gets older, you can put the original ones back on.

You might try finding a used one at www.craigslist.com - I would get a wooden one myself.

We got a nice one when the kids were little at Meijer end of summer blow out for 75% off the clearance price. it had a for, slide, 2 swings a glider. They played it to death.

I don't know what your budget is or why your husband wants a metal swingset. If it is his choice instead of wood, please consider the ones by Little Tikes or Step 2. It is very hard to find a metal one that is built tough. Little Tikes or Step 2 will last a very, very long time! They are not as cost prohibitive as the wood either! I have had 2 metal ones and a Step 2 one for my kids and grandkids. It held up the best and was the safest for a 2 yr old.

We wanted a wooden set for our boys, but settled on a metal set for the time being. We are actually very happy with it. When I first researched metal sets last fall, Huffy made the best one I've ever seen, and we thought we'd get it this spring. Well they've stopped making swing sets and for the life of me I couldn't get my hands on one. So when I saw this one and read the reviews, I was pretty pleased...

It is the Manchester II from Toys 'R Us. We actually took off the trapeze bar and added a baby swing for our little guy. It's even been a hit with the older nieces & nephews. We are going to anchor it today, however... The older kids get going pretty high on the swings...

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2982704

If you're looking for smaller and less expensive, this one is made by the same manufacturer and has good reviews, but I have not seen it personally...

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2991693

Kettler also makes outstanding metal sets, but selection is limited and they are VERY pricey...

Good Luck to you!

This is the swing set we have

http://www.step2.com/product.cfm?product_id=1335

My kids that use it are 6, 4 and 3. They all love it. We've had it for a few years and the kids don't seem to have out grown it. We also have the Step 2 pool that fits to the end of the slide. We have many other step 2 products for our yard. We really like them because there is no work to be done to them every year. The metal ones rust and the wood ones have to be sanded and stained yearly. The only thing we do is take the swings off in the winter.

We bought a wood one from Walmart and it works great for my 2 y/o and 1 y/o. It was only $300 and I think it's great!

We have a wooden one with a wave slide, 2 swings (can put up baby swings instead) and the trapeze bar. I bought if for my oldest when he turned 2 and he is now 12 ... obviously we've had it a long time, replaced a couple swings (expected) and it is still going strong. Best of luck in your decision.

I would rec. the wood play structure from costco. It can grow with your child. A metal swing set will only last so long. A wood one with the "fort" on top will entertain them for years to come.

Check out Healthy Toys.com and they have all the toys that have ever been recalled and the reason for the recall