Little Tikes Swing Along Castle - Should You Buy It?

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Little Tikes Swing Along Castle - What's In It For Your Toddler?

The Little Tikes Swing Along Castle comes in two parts - one is the slide and the other is the swing. Not many climbers come with a swing set attached like this one. Therefore, it offers your toddler more variety of play as he can sit on the swing and go down the slide besides crawling around the whole structure.

The slide itself has a gentle slope and it is not too high to pose a danger to toddlers who may still be learning how to walk and balance. The ramp to go up the platform is in the form of a rock wall instead of steps. This provides your toddler with a bit of a challenge as he learns how to climb and maneuver himself up the deck. As toddlers love to climb, the rock wall helps them to develop their skills and physical strength.

On the platform, there is a telescope that swivels as well as a steering wheel. Both will stimulate your child's imagination and provide a little more fun as he looks through the telescope or turns the wheel. The latter can also help in developing your toddler's dexterity as he moves the wheel round and round.

The swing comes with a 3-point safety belt to prevent any falls. It has limited motion for safety reasons. Combining it with a slide just increases the play options for your toddler as he gets to experience the different type of fun that each can provide. Thus, the Little Tikes Swing Along Castle is an attractive toy if you are looking for different types of play rolled into one item. Any toddler would love a slide and a swing and being able to offer your kid both would certainly makes things more interesting for him!

Little Tikes Swing Along Castle - Check The Price

The Little Tikes Swing Along Castle often get mixed reviews from parents. Not that it is of poor quality, but most complained that it is too quickly outgrown. Nevertheless, it is a great toy for a toddler, if what you want is something that your kid can fully enjoy right now and is appropriate for his young age. This item is normally attractively priced at Amazon as it ships for free with its super saver shipping. Click here for the latest offer, if you don't want to miss out on any deals!

Little Tikes Swing Along Castle

Amazon Price: $169.00 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $149.99

Little Tikes Swing Along Castle Is Suitable For...

little tikes swing along castleThe recommended age for the Little Tikes Swing Along Castle is 1 to 4 years old. However, if you look closely at the swing, you will see that it is too low for a 4-year-old. The swing is also a little rigid to give an older child some level of excitment. The slide may also be too short to offer any real fun.

Having said that, one must not forget that what is appropriate for a toddler may not be so for a 4-year-old. I would think that this slide and swing set would be perfect for a 9-month-old baby to a 2-year-old pre-schooler. A slide that is too high is not going to be safe for a toddler although it will not be so quickly outgrown. You have to bear in mind that if your toddler is still learning how to balance, a fall off a high slide is going to risk serious injury. And your toddler will find no fun in a slide that he won't be able to climb and slide down by himself until he is much older.

Similarly, you don't need a swing that can go high up for a toddler. Not only it would be scary for your young child, it would also be dangerous if he tries to wriggle out when it is in motion.

Therefore, if you want to get the Little Tikes Swing Along Castle, consider the age of your child first. If he is already walking steadily on his own, then you may not be able to get as much value out of this toy. On the other hand, if he is still a baby but has mastered the ability to sit upright, you can probably put him on the swing and see him grin as you push it gently. Then, he can also slowly grow into the toy as he learns how to stand and climb. Yes, this toy will be outgrown, but it is an age-appropriate one for those touching a year old and needs a place to climb and have fun.

Besides The Little Tikes Swing Along Castle - Shopping Options

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Alternatives To The Little Tikes Swing Along Castle

little tikes fold away climberIf you still feel that the Little Tikes Swing Along Castle will be too quickly outgrown, then there are still plenty of options out there. One is the Little Tikes Fold Away Climber. It is in the same price range of the slide and swing set, but it comes with a basketball and soccer net instead. That means as your toddler grows older, he will still find it fun with different types of ball play.

If you can do without a swing, then you can also consider the Step 2 Big Folding Slide. It is cheaper than the Swing Along Castle, but the slide would be able to accommodate your child until he is 6 or 7, unlike those toddler slides that usually come with a climber. However, your toddler probably won't enjoy this until he is at least 2 or be able to climb steps with confidence.

Lastly, if you don't mind spending a bit more, you can opt for the Woodland Climber, also by Step 2. It will cost you slightly more than $100 extra, but your kid will still enjoy it long after he has grown out of toddlerhood. It has a platform that is over 2 feet high and your toddler won't be able to get up there all by himself to slide down. But there is a fort underneath that can double up as a playhouse which your toddler can climb into. Once your toddler grows older, then he will have much more fun with the high platform and longer slide than the Little Tikes Swing Along Castle.

The Little Tikes Swing Along Castle Too Quickly Outgrown?

Consider the Woodland Climber!

Step2 Naturally Playful Woodland Climber

Amazon Price: $301.48 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $299.99

If you want something that can last a little longer than the Little Tikes Swing Along Castle, then you might like the Woodland Climber. Higher and with a longer slide, at least it can attract even an 8-year-old to play on it. It caters to a wider age range and you don't have to worry that your toddler will outgrow it so quickly that it is actually not worth the price that you pay for it. At time time of writing, this item also ships for free with Amazon super saver shipping. Check out their latest offer by clicking on the product link. You will never know if you can get a good bargain for it!

A Toddler's Fun On The Little Tikes Swing Along Castle

The Little Tikes Swing Along Castle is certainly well-designed for a toddler. Watch this cute little girl playing on it. Your toddler can also have the same fun. Get the Swing Along Castle today and capture your kid's delight. It will make you smile watching him coming down the slide.
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by

audreylai

This mom to a 4-year-old is a big fan of Step 2 and Little Tikes products. Safe, durable and fun, her kid loves them all! more »

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