Sensory swings are an incredible tool for sensory integrations for children with special needs.
Not only do sensory swings provide a sense of calmness, but they help develop balance, back and core strength.
Swings provide more to children then just entertainment.
They help develop larger senses like vestibular input to improve motor functions and reaction time.
But what sensory swing is right for your child?
That’s a difficult question to answer as every child is different and therefore may like different sensory swing types.
With this sensory swing guide, you can find the perfect sensory swing for your child and your home!
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How To Secure An Indoor Sensory Swing
When securing a sensory swing indoors, you have three options, hard mount, stand, and the door frame.
Hard Mount
This is a more permanent option for hanging a sensory swing.
Hard mounting a sensory swing requires certain hardware that comes with the sensory swing to allow you to secure it to a ceiling beam.
Hard mounting a sensory swing is also known as ceiling suspension. You can find many ceiling suspension kits online HERE!
The biggest benefits of a ceiling mount sensory swing is the increased weight load it can hold and the freedom of movement it can give a child.
Be advised though that you do have to have ceilings with some height to them.
Stand
If you don’t want to permanently mount a sensory swing from the ceiling then a sensory swing stand is your next best option!
A sensory stand can be moved throughout the home and even placed outside in good weather.
While this is a great option for sensory swings, you need to make sure to read and follow the weight capacity guidelines.
Sensory swing stands are also limited with the amount of movement the swing can have.
Doorway
If you have a small house and still want to have a sensory swing for your child it’s easy with a doorway frame.
Doorway frames allow your child to swing back and forth and still experience the great benefits of a sensory swing.
Unfortunately, the doorway kits for sensory swings have less of a weight capacity compared to sensory swings and ceiling mounts.
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The Benefits Of Sensory Swings
With a sensory swing your child can receive the following amazing benefits:
- Increased balance and coordination
- Helps develop body awareness and where our body is in space (vestibular input)
- Develops stronger muscles like core and back strength
- Aids visual processing (tracking and seeing objects while moving)
- Promotes self-regulation
The Best Sensory Swings For Children With Special Needs
Hanging Hammock Chair
This hanging hammock chair provides a comfortable place to sit and read or to involve movement such as back and forth, and side-to-side movement.
These hammock type chairs are perfect for spinning to help develop visual processing and are wonderful for helping to calm down your child and help them self-regulate.
Snuggle Hammock
If you’re wanting a sensory swing that gives your child deep pressure stimulation, than this is the perfect hammock.
I would highly recommend this swing for any child with autism as I can help with calming the sensory system and aid with self regulation.
However, this sensory swing does require a great deal of core and back strength along with balance to use it properly.
Your child needs these things before using this swing!
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Doorway Sensory Swing
This swing is made for those of you with limited space in your house!
The doorway sensory swing uses tension to support children up to 200 pounds and is suitable for children as young as 3 years old.
Although spinning and side-to-side movements are limited, your child can still swing back and forth and receive deep pressure stimulation with a mix of stretchy cotton and lycra material.
Tree Tent Swing
Don’t be fooled by the title, this tree tent sensory swing is perfect for use inside the home.
With a cushioned bottom and LED lights on the inside, your child can escape into his or her own little world to calm down and take a mental break.
Best of all- This sensory swing is suitable for multiple children as the weight capacity is 440 pounds!
Hanging Net Sensory Swing
Net style sensory swings offer a unique feel to the skin and allow for all areas of movement (back and forth, spinning, and side-to-side).
However, some children do feel that the net sensory swings are not “stable” enough and don’t give them the amount of security they need for a sensory swing.
If your child is adapted already to a sensory swing, then a net style swing works well for introducing a new style of swing.
Saucer Swing
Would your child like to lay back and relax will still receiving vestibular input?
This swing is great for lounging and is best suited for heavier children and adults as this saucer swing can hold up to 700 pounds!
Frog Pod Swing
Do you have a child with limited mobility? With the Frog Pod swing your child can sit comfortably upright and hold on tight for added stability when rocking back and forth.
While this sensory swing is limited in the movement it can do, this is great for children who have not yet acquired a good sense of balance.
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Final Thoughts
Sensory swings are incredible for developing a child’s vestibular system as well as helping a child learn how to self regulate their emotions.
Anytime your child is feeling overwhelmed or displaying behavioral issues, try introducing a sensory swing break into their routine.
You will be amazed at how well a swing can calm your child and prevent future meltdowns!