| Probably one of the last things on your mind | | | | regularly. If your child is at all likely to play on a |
| when you're trying to choose an outdoor swing | | | | swingset for long periods of time, and to keep |
| set is whether the swings should hang on chains | | | | doing it for several years, treated ropes are |
| or on ropes. Such choices are often left to the | | | | probably *not* the way to go. |
| asthetics of the lawn, or to whatever the | | | | At first glance, chains would seem to be the |
| particular swingset you happen to like, happens to | | | | more dangerous and less pleasant of the options; |
| have. But the question is, in fact, rather more | | | | after all, who hasn't had their hand pinched when |
| important than you might think. Both options have | | | | they were swinging as a child? But in fact, all |
| considerable advantages and disadvantages, and | | | | chains are not created equal. In general, there are |
| it's worth keeping them in mind as you shop for | | | | two sizes of chains; one is the small one that you |
| the perfect swingset. | | | | see on most home swingsets, and the other is |
| Rope swings are undoubtedly the most attractive | | | | the thick, stout, smooth chain which you see on |
| of the two, and they have the advantage of | | | | swingsets at most parks. The first one is |
| being fairly easy on the hands. But ropes can be | | | | stronger and more durable than rope, but a child's |
| damaged by weather conditions, and they have | | | | hand can get pinched in it rather easily. It's not |
| to be replaced regularly--at least once a year--in | | | | fatal or anything, but it does hurt like crazy. Get |
| order to ensure that the swingset continues to be | | | | pinched frequently enough, and it's enough to |
| safe. Some ropes have been treated to make | | | | make you go off the idea of swingsets as a form |
| them weather proof; ask your salesman if the | | | | of recreation. |
| ropes have recieved this treatment. On the one | | | | By far the best of the three choices is the |
| hand, it might sound like a good idea, since ropes | | | | commercial chain such as you find on swingsets |
| will have to be replaced less often, and will be | | | | at parks. The bad news is, it can be difficult to |
| stronger throughout their lifetime, but in fact, | | | | find these for non-commercial, home use; the |
| those ropes have been treated with chemicals, | | | | good news is, it's getting easier, as more and |
| and while they're probably safe in the short term, | | | | more parents realize that these are the most |
| it's unlikely that any long term studies have been | | | | effective and safest form of suspension for |
| done on their effects to children who use them | | | | swingsets anywhere. |