How to Make a Bucket Swing for a Toddler

Young children love to play outdoors. They have all that excess energy to burn and the family yard is a wonderful and exciting place to explore. Toddlers enjoy the swing set immensely, but a regular swing isn't always the safest option. Most toddlers are not yet coordinated enough to balance on a flat swing seat while the seat is in motion. Bucket swings are designed to hold and support a toddler's body while they are swinging. Bucket swings can be purchased or made at home.

Things You'll Need

• Wood glue
• Pencil
• Band saw
• Electric drill
• Assorted bits
• Butcher paper
• Driver bits
• Power driver
• 30 1-inch screws
• 30 1-inch wooden plugs
• Solid wood panels (pre-made)
• Wood strips for braces
• Sand paper (heavy grit)

Instructions

1. Measure and mark the 1 x 2 lumber into two 1 ½-foot pieces and two 1-foot pieces. Double check your measurements and then put on your safety goggles. Use the hand saw to cut the lumber where the marks are.

2. Make a square with the four pieces of lumber. Apply wood glue to the four corners and then nail the corners together to secure the square. Wipe off any excess wood glue and allow it to dry.

3. Put a toddler (in a standing position) in the middle of a flat, large piece of the canvas. Mark the spots where the leg holes will need to be cut. Measure the toddler from the outside of the upper thigh to the middle of the rib cage on each side of their body. Cut the leg holes and use the measurements of the toddler to mark and cut the height of the canvas. Use industrial strength thread and thread the needle. Sew a smooth hem on the inside of the leg holes.

4. Attach the lumber square to the inside of the top of the canvas with a staple gun. Fold the excess canvas over the lumber square and sew to the inside. You should now have a "bucket" with the leg holes on the bottom and the lumber square at the top.

5. Cut two small holes (in the canvas, directly below the lumber) on each side of the bucket approximately two inches apart. Attach the metal hole reinforcements on the inside of these holes.

6. Thread four lengths of rope through each hole reinforcement and knot the ends securely. Use the four loose ends to secure the bucket swing to a tree or swing set frame.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use safety goggles when sawing lumber. Use caution when sawing lumber, cutting canvas, hammering nails, using wood glue, operating a staple gun, and sewing. Keep all tools and the wood glue away from small children. Test the strength of the swing and the tree branch or swing set frame before you put a toddler in the bucket swing.

References

• Bucket Swing