What Makes Plum Play Swing Sets Safe for Babies?

baby in wooden plum swing with family

What makes a baby swing safe? Should we make all swings from wood? Can you put a baby swing set in your backyard? These are questions that many parents ask when they are looking for the perfect way for their baby to play. Swings are a great way for babies to get exercise, and they can provide hours of fun! In this blog post, we will discuss the different factors that go into making a Plum Play baby swing set safe. With a Plum Play baby swing set, parents can have peace of mind. Their children are riding a quality swing set, with safety standards at the centre of its design.

happy baby in metal plum swing

What Material Should Baby Swings Be?

The material we make baby swings from is the most important factor when it comes to safety. It is best to choose a wooden swing set, as this material is reliable, safe, and durable. Plum Play has a range of wooden swing sets to suit your needs. We even stock a baby swing set that grows with your child! We also have our 2-in-1 metal swing set. This is made from powder coated steel, which ensures full protection against rust.

At Plum Play, we test all our products against the relevant European Safety Standards. Our products follow or exceed EN71-1, 2, 3 and 8. They also meet or exceed REACH chemical standards. REACH is a European regulatory body. Its full name is Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. What does complying with these standards and regulations mean in layman’s terms? We make our products from materials that are, at minimum, non-toxic and non-flammable. We also use FSC certified, sustainable sources of timber. You can rest assured your new products are environmentally conscious as well as safe.

close up of wooden grow baby swing

What Makes A Baby Swing Safe To Use?

A good baby swing will have a safe seat for the child. A high back and harness is essential. We design our baby swing seats with a T-bar front, so your infant has something to hold on to while they’re having fun. Our wooden growing swing set also has an adjustable lap belt. This has a clip fastening, which doesn’t only make your baby safer. It also makes it easier to get them in and out of the swing!

swing silver extension legs

How Can I Make My Baby Swing Safer?

It is important to make sure that you concrete your swing set into the ground. This will help prevent it from tipping over if someone pushes or swings too hard. Plum Play recommends that new owners concrete all our swing sets into the ground. This is necessary to follow Australian safety standards. All Plum Play baby swing sets come with the hardware and ground anchors to secure your set with ease.

happy baby looking at parent in plum swing

How Do I Choose The Right Baby Swing Set?

It is important to choose a swing set that is appropriate for your baby’s age and size. We design sets for children of all ages. Some are for babies as young as six months old, while we intend for toddlers and older children to use others. Be sure to read the product description before clicking ‘buy’! Our product descriptions list appropriate age and weight ranges for each swing set

happy baby on plum metal swing

Where Can I Buy Baby Swings?

Do you need more help selecting the right baby swing set for you? Check out our range, then get in touch with our helpful team. We’ve been in this business for over thirty years, so we are leaders in the field. We’re more than happy to give you the benefit of our expertise. Ensuring that you and your child have fun with their new toys is our top priority!

At Plum Play, we understand the importance of safe play. To this end, your child’s well-being is at the forefront of our design process. We pride ourselves on creating toys and play equipment for childhood development. Our mission is to encourage healthy, active outdoor playtime.

As parents, we dedicate ourselves to ensuring all our products encourage safe play. We design affordable, innovative and fun products for all ages. We refuse to compromise on safety or quality.

How Do You Anchor Metal Swings?

children playing on nest swing

Playing on metal swings is some of the most fun you can have as a child. That’s why we ensure our swing sets are extra safe! Anchoring your swing set is crucial. Read on for our guide to securing your swings with ease. With these tips, you’ll be able to ensure the safety and enjoyment of your kids for years to come! 

As a parent, your main concern is that your backyard swing set is safe. Anchoring the legs in concrete is a simple and effective way to make sure of that. Grass is a nice padded surface to land on should you fall or jump from the swing. It doesn’t provide ideal stability though. Swinging will give the set momentum, especially if there is more than one child playing at once. If it rocks back and forth too much, the set might tip. This is why we recommend concreting. 

Anchor kit

What Do I Need to Anchor My Metal Swing Set?

Plum Play metal swing sets come with all the necessary materials for anchoring. These include anchoring plates, stakes, screws, nuts, bolts, and bolt covers. Always use the manufacturer’s recommended ground anchors. If circumstances prevent you from doing so, use replacement anchors from Plum Play.

Make sure that you have all the tools needed before assembling. You won’t need much except for a wrench, hammer, shovel, and drill. You will need to buy some concrete, and it’s useful to have a post hole digger. Your shovel will suffice if you don’t have one, though. You might also need a tape measure.

shovel with soil on

How Do I Anchor My Metal Swing Set?

Begin this process by marking the position of your swing set legs. An easy way to do this is to tap stakes into the ground where you intend for each of the swing set legs to go. This is most useful if you’re using a post hole digger. If you’re not, any other method of marking will suffice.

Next, dig a hole about 20cm deep and 25cm wide. You should position these holes so that they’ll be on the inside of each of your swing set’s legs. If you’re using a post hole digger, put it over the stakes you’ve inserted into the ground. Take a handle in each hand, lift it up, and slam it down into the ground. Pull out the handles and the blades of the digger will collect dirt. Wrench the digger out of the ground, then release the handles to dispose of the dirt. Repeat this until you have the right amount of holes to match the number of swing set poles. 

If you’re using a shovel, dig the holes the traditional way. Make sure they’re somewhat uniform in size, so the finished product looks nice.

Now you need to fill these holes with concrete. Take a 20kg bag and pour it into a wheelbarrow, or another suitable container. Add the amount of water recommended by the manufacturer and stir with a shovel. Make sure there are no dry bits left over. Shovel concrete into each of the holes you’ve dug and smooth it over with a trowel.

At this point, you can take the ground anchors provided and insert them into the concrete. Push them in at a 45° angle to their corresponding swing set legs. Once they’re secured in place, you can leave the concrete to set overnight. If you roughed the wet concrete up while inserting the ground anchors, smooth it over.

The next day, you can attach your ground anchors to your swing set’s legs. You can do this with chains, straps, rope, or the hardware provided with your Plum Play metal swing set. Once you’ve done this, your swing set is ready to enjoy! The combination of ground anchor, secure strap, and concrete will keep your kids safe.

Happy child on swing

Where Can I Buy Metal Swing Sets in Australia?

Plum Play stocks a great range of metal swing sets. This includes single swings, double swings, nest swings, and more! Check out our 5-Unit Metal Swing with Slide for a premium play experience.

Each one of our swing sets comes with the necessary materials for anchoring. We make a commitment to keeping playtime as fun and safe as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about the safety of Plum Play products, we are always happy to help.

3 Tips To Position Your Australian Trampoline

Child happy jumping on trampoline

Trampolines are the best way to guarantee hours of fun and garden play for your child. A staple in childrens’ toys, they’re a great investment for aiding the development and adventurous streak of your child, while allowing parents and the whole family to join in on the fun.

But what are the considerations for parents when purchasing and setting up their child’s new trampoline? Keep reading to find out.

trampoline safety next closure

1. Choose Safe Australian Trampolines

There are a number of things to consider when purchasing a trampoline for your child. For one, the safety features included. This is super important to any parent wanting to ensure the safety of their child when playing with outdoor equipment. To us, safety isn’t child’s play, it involves the best quality, ethically sourced materials, made to protect little hands and feet. 

At Plum Play, we value the safety and enjoyment of your child above all else. This is why we are committed to going above and beyond to deliver the highest quality. Engineered to deliver the best bounce, and the greatest level of fun, our trampolines are designed using Springsafe® technology to facilitate your little one’s bounce-time in the safest manner possible. 

Plum trampolines are secured with extra safety measures so that your bundle-of-joy can bounce while you sit back and relax. These features include additional padding around the frame of trampolines, shorter springs for a more controlled bounce, soft-grip handles for tiny hands, and netting to keep them from falling and tumbling, making sure they’re nestled in the cocoon-like barrier between them and the trampoline.

The second thing to consider when choosing your child’s first trampoline is the maximum weight it holds. For older children, you want to go for the largest weight option. For toddlers and small children, a smaller weight capacity is preferable. 

Lastly, you want to go for the trampoline best suited to the age range of your child, and pay close attention to the minimum user age in the description. When it comes to Plum Play products, toddlers may require the Junior Bouncer Trampoline, made with children 18+ months in mind. 

Tweens and young teens desire a greater challenge to their smaller counterparts, and we may have just the thing you’re looking for. Accessories are the best way to customise your trampoline so it can continue to grow with your kids. We recommend the Trampoline Accessory Kit, Bowl Freebound Trampoline and the 14ft SpaceZone Springsafe® Trampoline, for bigger kids, looking to up their bounce game, while still maintaining a sense of safety. 

trampoline safety pads

2. Find Safe Trampoline Positions

Concrete is a big no-no when positioning your child’s new trampoline in the backyard. A concrete surface under their trampoline means that with every bounce, their precious feet and legs will graze the cement. This doesn’t only cause a racket and put your child at risk, but it can compromise the lifespan of your trampoline. If you are going to go with the concrete ground, make sure there’s something soft your kid has to land on if they are to fall out of the netting. 

You may decide to position the trampoline on wood instead, but this still isn’t ideal. Prevent any scrapes and bruises by adding some extra cushioning to the legs, outside the entrance, such as rubber. Trampolines like the 4.5FT Junior Trampoline & Enclosure – Stardust come with padded safety pads that shield the springs and frame.

Direct ground is good, but just be aware of chemicals in the soil that could spur on the rusting process in the trampolines’ legs. Luckily, our trampolines are made with durable materials designed to withstand most weather conditions and prevent premature rusting. 

child jumping on trampoline with parent watching

3. Place The Kids’ Trampoline Wisely 

All parents know that, at times, kids can have a seemingly endless supply of energy. And we, as parents, can sometimes struggle to keep up. But it’s important we stay on top of any possible hard objects in the garden, before our little ones can find the time to charge into them. Make sure their trampoline is a reasonable distance from bricks, rose bushes, tools, wires and branches. Sloping ground is another obstacle to look out for, and overhead surfaces can pose another problem, so make sure to measure the clearance space above the trampoline. 

Now that you’ve got your checklist for childrens’ trampoline safety, your kid can go out and jump to their heart’s content. 

One of the leading providers of quality, ethical and sustainable toys for over 30 years, Plum Play products are made with care in the UK. For a full range of kids’ trampolines, covering all ages, abilities and play preferences, you can’t go wrong with this treasured company. Shop the trampoline collection today.

5 Accessories That Can Be Added to Your Swing Sets

Child playing on swing

Bring the park to your back garden with Plum Play. Swings are the ultimate outdoor toy for fun in the sun and reaching for the sky, so they can swing into life with confidence. They’re suitable for kids of all ages from babies to pre teens, as you can purchase different swing sets specific to their age range and size. Let their imaginations roam free while honing their coordination skills, balance and strategic thinking. They’ll be rewarded for the extra effort they put into each swing by going higher, and they can control the height they reach by adjusting the momentum to what feels comfortable and safe to them. Swinging also allows young ones to coordinate their movements and practice a physical activity. 

baby in plum 2-in-1 swing

1. A Growing Baby Swing Set

They’ll be ecstatic and giggling all afternoon in the 2-IN-1 Baby swing seat. This delightfully colourful outdoor swing set is the perfect starter swing, to get your baby or toddler swinging with ease. Everyday is an outdoor adventure with this sturdy swing, which grows with your little one as it can easily convert from a toy suitable for babies, to toddlers, to children. Suitable for 12 months and up, it sports chunky polyhemp ropes which are soft and kind on tiny hands. All the better to play with! Even better, the growing swing seat has a comfortable back rest and t-bar front support adjustable lap seat belt for additional snugness and security. 

Get them on their way with this durable baby-friendly swing, made with safety and comfort in mind, and they’ll be swinging up, up and away! Allow them to engage in self directed play, with peace of mind, as this cleverly-designed outdoor play set instinctively inspires children to be active. Plus, you can increase the fun factor with the Plum range of swing accessories that are perfect for creating fun new combinations of outdoor activities. Swings can be exchanged with rope ladders, or swap baby swing seats for a glider; adding extra hours of use and energy-burning fun to playtime. This particular swing is compatible with wooden swing sets, Lookout Tower with Swings and Climbing Pyramid with Swings.

2. Childrens’ Climbing Frames

Climbing, like many things in life, can be broken up into two categories: physical and mental. A climbing frame will help children develop both; however, they tend to focus more on the physical element. Climbing requires your child to use muscles such as those in their arms, legs and even core (in some cases). It’s a great way to help strengthen their muscles so they grow up to be strong adults. 

These activities can also improve your child’s coordination. That sounds simple, but the ability to coordinate the right movements at the right time takes practice. It can take several years for babies and young children to master this skill, and encouraging safe climbing practices (with the right equipment and supervision) encourages them to climb and play more. Plum Play swing sets can become even greater with climbing frame accessories to customise your swing set to really make your kids’ climbing frame unique and their own adventure!

protective mat

3. Swing, Climbing Frame and Trampoline Mat 

While we want our little ones to be able to play independently, we also want to ensure our garden remains intact. A Plum Play protektamat does just that, adding that extra padding in the area under your swings, climbing frames and trampolines, gives safety and protection at all times. Get one or get a couple, depending on the space you’re trying to cover.

adjustable 2-seat glider

4.  2-Seat Glider

Double up on the fun with this Double Glider. With adjustable height capabilities, comfortable moulded plastic seats, foot grips and handlebars for little hands to grip on, the 2-Seat Glider is the ideal swing accessory. Made with galvanised steel, this outdoor accessory play set can withstand rainy days and high temperatures. It’s compatible with round pole swing sets, which you can also find on the Plum website.

child playing on rope ladder

5. 3-Sided Rope Ladder

Have you got a future mountain climber on your hands? Introducing the 3-Sided Rope Ladder with lime hanger. The Jumbo Rope Ladder will provide a whole new challenge for your adventure seeking child. This rope ladder swings from side to side and features  solid wooden rungs and super soft polyhemp ropes, designed to help little hands get a grip on things. 

Girl playing on swing set

Outdoor Swing Set Australia

Whether you’re after a swing for toddlers, children’s swing set, metal swing set, wooden swing set or swing accessories, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Plum Play.

How Children’s Trampolines Can Keep Kids Active Over The School Holidays

child jumping on trampoline

The Benefits Of Kids’ Trampolines

Trampolines are one of the best ways to get your little one energised and bouncing for joy. While many parents may have concerns about the safety of trampolines for younger children, at Plum Play, we design our equipment with safety in mind. Our Junior Trampolines are perfect for energy burning fun, encouraging physical development and outdoor play, whilst parents take a break.

girl on plum trampoline

Children’s Trampoline

The Plum Play 7ft Junior Trampoline with Enclosure Net is a great option for primary-school-aged children, as it uses patented Springsafe technology and a lower height to allow for hours of fun spent bouncing to the moon. Smaller trampolines leave less distance to fall, preventing scrapes, bruises and tears, promoting more laughter between you, your kids and their friends. The Springsafe netting enclosure is a huge bonus too, it creates a barrier between them and the trampoline springs and frame, so they’ll be held in tight. In fact, they’ll be bouncing off the walls instead!

4.5ft plum trampoline with enclosure

Toddler Trampoline 

Meanwhile, our 4.5FT Junior Trampoline and Enclosure means toddlers can join in on the fun too. This trampoline is an ideal height for kids aged 3-6, specifically designed for young children, the lower height frame provides a shorter fall if your bundle-of-energy takes a tumble. There are a number of other incredible features that are sure to make any parent happy, such as the enclosure net, zips and clips and shorter springs for a controlled bounce, all incorporated into the design so that excited kids can stay safe and sound. 

There are so many amazing options in our Junior Trampoline collection, there’s bound to be a model for every child, at every age and ability level. Not to mention, a range of colours they have to choose from, whether they’re obsessed with pink, enchanted by blue, or fun animal prints, our trampolines come in vibrant shades that kids love.

Trampolines are a wonderful way to promote active outdoor play and adventure in young minds. Your child can build confidence and shoot for the stars, free to play as parents watch on with peace of mind.

Parents can rest assured knowing our trampolines are safe and provide an enticing alternative to the playground for after school activities.

Younger kids deserve to have all the outdoor fun that their bigger friends and siblings have access to. This is the easiest way to get them started and introduce them to the world of trampoline play.

Your kiddly-winks will adore the extra time spent in the garden and sunshine, and you’ll relish a bit of time to yourself. Trust us, we’ve been in the game for decades.

Children’s outdoor toys aren’t all fun and games, and we recognise the responsibility we have to provide children and families with the best possible product. At Plum Play, we don’t take that duty lightly, and we want all our customers to know they can depend on us as their store of choice, throughout the span of their child’s development. 

We know the toy business isn’t child’s play (mind the pun), and we offer our Plum Promise, that the materials used in this equipment are ethically sourced, sustainably built and made to last for years. Not only that but our trampolines, swings and all of our toys are made with care, to provide your family with joy and laughter for years to come.

child jumping on plum trampoline

Their First Trampoline

Searching for your little boy or girl’s first trampoline? Look no further than Plum Play, for all your outdoor adventure supplies.

A leading provider of children’s toys for over 30 years, you can count on us to put a smile on your toddler or child’s face. The Plum Play bouncer is the best product to jump off from, allowing toddlers to practice their motor skills in a safe and easy environment. The soft-grip handle offers that added security you want in a first trampoline; it’s also spring-free, with extra padding around the corners with woven elastic cords for a softer bounce.

With the safety tick of approval and the fun tick of approval, what’s not to love?
Here at Plum Play, all our products are easy to assemble and come with simple instructions, our materials are ethically sourced and safety is at the forefront of our products. Shop now to jump off their journey with our dream collection of Junior Trampolines.

4 Trampoline Games To Play This Summer

close up of plum trampoline

High energy trampoline games are a wonderful way for children to get outdoors, stay active and make use of the garden. We all know kids can be full of endless playtime enthusiasm, so why not reward that with some trampoline accessories and equipment to aid the fun? These trampoline based activities will have you set for school holidays, play dates and weekends. Some games they can engage with independently and some are great for parents to get involved with. You can ensure the safety of your child parkating in these games by investing in a good quality kids trampoline with net or safe trampoline with additional safety features. Plum Play has a range of Junior Trampolines and Premium Trampolines built with tons of safety details for added precaution. 

Australian Trampoline

You can find plenty of trampolines with nets and enclosures on our website. The Bowl Freebound Trampoline is a fantastic option for outdoor games and one of the best 14 ft trampolines on the market. With its curved shape designed to maximise functionality and form, this is the ultimate thrill-seeking experience. The freebound traditional flatbed trampoline is still there, but the bowl trampoline is revolutionised with the curved track. Not only will they be bouncing off the walls, but your little one will remain secured inside at the same time. If it’s been approved by an Olympian athlete, then you can be assured that it’s got to be good! The 8ft SpaceZone Springsafe Trampoline is also an incredible option that makes for bouncing heaven. Complete with Springsafe™ technology, they can play any game they want without tripping or hurting themselves. Now let’s jump right into the games.

child playing with football

1. Catch and Bounce 

Got a tennis ball lying around? Perfect! That’s all you need to increase the bounce level in your backyard. A ball-based game, it requires youngsters to time their bounce so that they catch the ball in the air. A 2 person game, it requires one person to stand outside the trampoline and one to be the catcher inside, meaning it’s a great opportunity for parents to get involved as the thrower. Your child can accumulate points for each catch won out of 10.

8ft trampoline

2. Piggy in the Middle

The fun doesn’t stop there! A throwback on a classic childhood game with a twitst, this fun-filled activity requires three players: one being the piggy in the middle of the trampoline, and the two others positioned on either side of the trampoline from outside. The players outside of the trampoline then take turns passing the ball between one another, as the child inside attempts to catch the ball.

10ft trampoline

3. Bounce to The Beat

This is a game of timing, coordination and expertly refined jumping skills! Plug in your device to some speakers or crank up your phone on loudspeaker and play some of your favourite tunes. This bouncing version of the capture the treasure game we played as kids, it makes for an exciting party game. Children can jog about the perimeter of the trampoline while music plays and when the parent yells “bounce”, they must bounce to the beat of the song. Anybody who is still standing when the music stops or the song changes is ‘out’, and those left standing are the winners. 

basketball in air

4. Trampoline Basketball

Just like it sounds, a basketball net for your trampoline will allow your little basketball start to shoot hoops while bouncing up a storm. Take a look at our Basketball Hoops and Accessories, such as the Trampoline Accessory Kit and Trampoline Basketball Kit. A trampoline with basketball hoop is your ideal year-round trampoline game and is great for slightly bigger kids aged 6 years and older. Find out which family member is the sharpest shooter, with this trampoline basketball hoop designed to be enjoyed by the whole family. Compatible with Plum Spacezone and Magnitude Trampolines, it works with the trampolines between 8ft – 14ft. Your kids can flex their bounce and ball skills with this amazing accessory. Not only does it provide hours of energetic fun, but it is super safe too! Built with soft EVA foam to cover hard edges. Parents can relax because your sportstar won’t come into contact with any hard edges. 

Plum trampoline child jumping on trampoline

Trampolines Australia

At Plum Play we sell kids trampoline, trampolines for toddlers and trampoline accessories, so bounce on over to our website to browse the collection. Shop now!

Discover A Little More About Our World Of Outdoor PLAY!

A family business since 1988.

From launching our first toy over 30 years ago to now, it’s been quite a journey. At Plum Play, we’re passionate about designing and manufacturing toys that look great, are super safe and have that all important fun factor.

Ethical Manufacturing

We are extremely proud to sustainably source and manufacture each element of our products. Our commitment to be kind to the environment goes all the way back to our beginnings; we are now celebrating over 30 years of sustainable trading.

Sustainable Play Vision

Plum cares about the environment and takes an ethical and responsible approach to the products we create. Responsible production and harvesting of forested products is important to us, therefore we ensure that all of our timber based products are sourced from FSC certified or sustainably managed forests.

Over 1 million trampolines sold wordwide

Our unique Springsafe technology ensures that users are out of reach from trampoline springs and frame parts at all times. Our commitment to safety also means that all products are tested and comply with, or exceed all relevant European safety standards. EN71-1, 2, 3 and 8.

5 family activities that will improve health and wellbeing at home

Family life around the world rapidly changed in 2020. With the impact of Covid, families are finding new ways to get through lock downs, juggling homeschooling and full-time jobs. To help overcome these changes, many of us have focused on finding health and well-being in a time of uncertainty. Parents are now seeking the right tools to support their children and to create a rounded home environment that includes a winning combination of learning, safe playtime and relaxation.

With this in mind, here are 5 activities you can incorporate into your daily plans to encourage more feelings of well-being in your family life.

1. Eat Meals Together

Photo by Jimmy Dean on Unsplash

Sitting down together at meal times without distractions is a great way for your family to catch up about the day. This environment helps your little ones get things off their chest as the group listens and offers advice. This can also be a great environment for both parents and children to unwind and relax into the evening.

Here is what the experts say…

‘Regular mealtimes which are shared provide a sense of rhythm and regularity in lives. They offer a sense of containment and familiarity, and can evoke deep feelings of contentment and security. Humans need structure and routine.’

-Mental Health Foundation 2021

2. Help Others

Photo by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash

We all know that helping others feels good, but during these times it can feel more difficult due to social distancing and being advised to stay home, however there are still lots of ways you can lend a helping hand. Why not offer to do an elderly neighbours shopping or on your daily exercise you and your little ones could do some litter picking in the local community.

How does volunteering impact on our well-being?

‘Acts of kindness have the potential to make the world a happier place. An act of kindness can boost feelings of confidence, being in control, happiness and optimism.’ -Mental Health Foundation 2021

3. Hold on to Family Memories

Photo by Laura Fuhrman on Unsplash

Family memories are a part of our identity and help children to understand more about who they are and why they are here. Telling stories from the past and sharing photos with our families gives us a great sense of wellbeing. The stories you tell can be happy, informative and interesting; these stories help the past live on into the future.

What are the benefits of sharing family memories?

‘They can increase well-being, reduce anxiety and depression, reinforce feelings of closeness among family members, and build resilience for navigating life’s normal ups and downs.’

-Frances Lefkowitz 2013

4. Get Active As A Family

Photo by Alberto Casetta on Unsplash

Getting active as a family does not have to involve relentless workouts or mountain climbing; a trip to the park or a little boogie to your favourite playlist is still getting active and let’s face it… a lot more fun! Take the pressure off of yourself to become a personal trainer or class instructor (parenting and teaching are enough!). Getting active as a family can be fun and a great way to get little ones outdoors.

How is being more active as a family good for your health and well-being?

‘Physical activity keeps the body strong and healthy and can improve mental health by decreasing symptoms of depression, anxiety, pain and loneliness. Physical activity can also improve focus, school performance, sleep and energy levels.’

-About Kids Health 2020

5. Create Positive Relationships

Photo by Victoria Rodriguez on Unsplash

We often tell little ones to treat others the way you would like to be treat. Maintaining positive friendships with family and friends helps your children to grow in confidence and self-esteem. Maintaining positive relationships is difficult, especially as we get older. Sharing the challenges of friendships with children helps them learn problem solving skills, which will help them throughout their lives.

How do positive relationships effect our well-being?

‘The benefits of social connections and good mental health are numerous. Proven links include lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, greater empathy, and more trusting and cooperative relationships.’

-Better Health 2017

We put these few suggestions together, like volunteering or family meal times to inspire your family on their health and well-being journey. It is important to remember this is a challenging time for families; not every day will go smoothly. You won’t be able to get outside or get everyone around the dinner table every day. We just wanted to give you a little bit of inspiration, so that if you do have time one of the days you can do a small activity.

Our Plum outdoor toys and Discovery range has been developed with family well-being at its heart. Our collection encourages learning through play in your backyard (ideal for homeschooling). Encourage your little ones to get into the fresh air for hours of fun, helping them to burn off some energy and enjoy some screen free play.

Plum Play 2020 Christmas Gift Guide

This year outdoor spaces have become more valuable than ever before, making outdoor toys this year’s must-have products. We have put together our own gift guide, to help you find the best outdoor toys to surprise your little ones with this Christmas.

Gifts for 12+ Months

Our Little Plum picks will create a magical first Christmas for you and your baby, from their very first swing, creating hours of laughter and play all the way to their brave first climb. Watch your child grown and develop through active play, with our specialised items, perfect for outdoor adventures.

Gifts for 3+ Years

As your little ones grow more and more energetic than ever before, we have selected four of our favourite products for your inquisitive adventurer, that will inspire their imagination and put their increasing energy into hours of playtime.

Combining sand, water and storage with outdoor eating and drawing, what could be better for social play with a friend.

The Plum® Tamarin Wooden Swing Set will inspire hours of outdoor fun and active play. For a little fun and adventure, the Plum® Tamarin Natural Wood Swing Set is the perfect play platform. Swing to the sky and swoop down the slide!

Gifts for 6+ Years

At 6+ years your child is an independent explorer. They want to create their own world and set out on new adventures each day. Adventure play will build your little ones confidence as they push their boundaries and reach new heights while developing new skills.

The Plum® Free Standing Wooden Monkey Bars are perfect for monkeying around. Watch as they burn off energy and conquer swinging across from bar to bar.

Plum’s Space Zone Trampolines with Spring Safe® technology promise an even safer, springier bounce. These trampolines are perfect for the whole family, and built for long-lasting outdoor fun!

Bring the trampoline park to your own backyard

The ultimate fun for the whole family imagine their faces when they wake up and see the Plum Freebound Bowl Trampoline® in the backyard!

The Benefits of Climbing Frames for Kids

From learning to walk to climbing trees, kids are always looking for ways to pull themselves up and explore. Climbing frames allow little ones to use their imaginations and safely challenge themselves whilst developing important physical skills such as balance, co-ordination and agility.

Encourage Self Directed Play

Free play on a climbing frame in a well-designed outdoor play area naturally inspires children to be active. It also allows kids to entertain themselves and helps them to think independently and develop important decision making skills.

Coordinate Movements

Swinging allows children to develop and practice coordinated movements. Climbing can also help a child’s cognitive development through problem solving, memory and the feelings of fear and motivation often experienced through climbing also have great benefits to children.

Build Balance

Through sliding, children learn to keep their torsos balanced as gravity pulls them down the slide. Climbing to the top of the ladder also helps with leg strength.

@tanna__tribe enjoying their Plum Wooden Climbing Pyramid

“Pretty sure we won’t ever need to leave the house for park visits again! These girls are loving their new Plum Play Climbing Pyramid with swings, rockwall and a slide. It also offers a fun little hideout under the fort. Hours of play are sure to be had with this neat little set up!”

Plum Wooden Climbing Pyramid

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Plum Wooden Climbing Cube

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Plum Tamarin Swing Sets

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