Best Sensory Swings For Kids

As a mom of three whirlwinds, I’ve discovered the magical world of sensory swings. Let’s dive into this delightful topic and explore the best sensory swings for kids.

Trust me, these swings are not just fun but also a lifesaver for any parent looking to boost their child’s development in a playful way.

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Understanding Sensory Swings

Before we swing into the details, let’s understand what sensory swings are. Sensory swings are more than just play equipment; they’re therapeutic tools that help children with sensory processing disorders, autism, ADHD, and even those just needing a fun way to burn off energy.

These swings aid in developing core strength, balance, coordination, and attention span, all while enhancing sensory processing abilities

Best Sensory Swings for Children of Various Types

Here are different types of swings; outdoor and indoor to consider purchasing. Remember to look at weight limit when considering a swing for your child. as well as different movement patterns that will be best for your child’s individual needs.

Skateboard Swing

The Skateboard Swing is an excellent outdoor alternative that can be hung from a swing set or a tree. This sort of swing will present obstacles that will help the child enhance his or her balance, coordination, motor planning, gross motor skills, and core strength. It is recommended for children’s aged three or older. On this exciting and easy-to-use sensory swing set, your child may pretend to be blasting off into space or surfing on a massive wave!

This is a durable skateboard swing that can hold up to 150lbs.

Pod Swing

The Pod swing hammock swings is a wonderful area for children to climb inside and help their sensory processing issues. Many children’s utilize this as a safe haven when they are overstimulated or need a break.

This swing can be pushed or spun by children, but your child will not be able to lay down in it. Another advantage of purchasing a pod swing is that it can improve engagement by stimulating your children’s creativity alongside the vestibular stimulation. For example, if you get a blue pod swing, your children will be able to envision themselves stepping onboard a large blue whaleboat and embarking on an adventurous trip, exploring the oceans and battling hazardous marine animals. The pod swing could be used both inside and outside.

This pod swing can support 100 lbs and can be used inside or outside.

Saucer Swing

The huge saucer swing is quickly becoming a favorite in many houses. This is because children’s like lying down, seated position, or standing on the swing and getting a lot of sensory input for your child’s needs. This swing could be used indoors, however, it is typically meant to be hung from a tree. This is a great saucer type sensory swing that can help strengthen muscle tone as well.

Hammock Swing

The hammock swing is a low-cost indoor and outdoor alternative that your child will enjoy. This swing is ideal for children’s who want to remain connected to their environment while sitting in the swing but also want some security, which the swing’s sides give. It is ideal for children who enjoy relaxing with moderate sways on stretchy fabric.

This hammock swing can hold up to 500lbs.

Versatile Stretchy Swing

If your child likes huge hugs, tight clothing, and crawling into confined areas, this is the swing for your little sensory seeker. The cloth on this style of swing is flexible, which helps to surround the child.

Your kid will not only be able to swing in it, but he or she will also experience a variety of vestibular sensations as well as soothing proprioceptive sensations from the cloth pressing on the children’s body. The flexible stretchable swing provides a space for the kid to withdraw and escape from overpowering stimuli such as bright lights.

The child can sit, lie down, and stand in the swing. They will also be able to tuck it beneath their arms and away from their hands.

This lycra swing can support up to 240 pounds and comes with the eye hook, carabiner, and chain needed to hang it in your sensory room.

Log Swing

A common occupational therapy swing is the bolster swing. This swing is a little difficult, but you can always urge your children to play on it. Thick mats can be placed on the floor beneath the swing to test children’s core strength and motor planning. To assist the children’s in climbing on the swing, use a step stool and ask the kid to either lie down on their stomach and wrap their body around the log or sit at one end and grab onto the swing’s ropes. Then you may move them back and forth.

This log swing can hold up to 650lbs!

Mesh Swing

The mesh swing or net-style swing gives the childa variety of possibilities. You can either stretch the mesh out slightly so it sits like a seat or totally spread it out so your child can lie down on it. The swing is ideal for kids over the age of three.

This mesh swing can hold up to 220lbs.

Platform Swing

Every child’s occupational therapist facility has a platform swing because it is such a powerful tool. This is due to the existence of the strong support beneath, which helps little infants to lay comfortably on their tummies. A sensory integration therapy approach involves swinging back and forth while the child is in this posture. Based on its size, the platform swing can accommodate numerous children and is best suited for children aged five and up.

Place some plush animals or bean bags on the floor underneath them and urge children to lie down on their stomachs on the platform. Encourage children to reach over and catch the stuffed animals as they swing by, then toss them into a target while still in this posture. This promotes a variety of processing skills in children’s. It may also be quite soothing to kids who are frequently highly busy. However, never push them to do so because some children may feel more safe sitting on the platform at first and can gradually work their way up to lying down.

Swinging a child while they are lying on this swing may also be quite relaxing to children who are always on the go or are classified as “hyper.” Remember to never force anything; some kids will feel comfier sitting on the swing at first, and they can work their way up to laying down to swing.

This platform swing has a 700lb capacity and is quite affordable too.

Disc Swing

The Disc swing is an excellent choice for children aged three and above since it provides a variety of tasks while also improving motor planning, core strength, and grip. This could be placed on any tree or outside swing, and it can even be installed inside your home with little additional hardware. If your kid is sensitive to movement, this swing is not a suitable choice; however, for children’s that enjoy movement and are always seeking for new adventures, this style of swing is ideal.

This disc swing can hold up to 150lbs and can be used indoors and outdoors.

Why Sensory Swings Work To Calm Down Kids

Sensory swings work to calm down kids for several reasons, primarily rooted in their ability to address sensory processing difficulties and provide a soothing, controlled environment. Here are some key factors explaining why sensory swings are effective in helping kids find calm:

1. Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Input: Sensory swings often provide deep pressure input to a child’s body. This pressure helps in regulating the sensory system, making kids feel more grounded and secure. It’s particularly beneficial for children who seek or avoid sensory stimulation.
2. Vestibular Stimulation: The swinging motion of these swings stimulates the vestibular system, which plays a vital role in balance and spatial orientation. This motion is known to have a calming effect, as it can help children focus and reduce anxiety.
3. Sensory Integration: Sensory swings facilitate sensory integration by exposing children to a variety of sensory inputs in a controlled manner. This exposure helps children adapt to and process sensory information more effectively, reducing sensory overload.
4. Emotional Regulation: Swinging can have a soothing effect on a child’s emotions. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and frustration, providing a safe and comforting space where kids can self-regulate.
5. Improved Concentration: The rhythmic movement of swinging has been shown to enhance focus and attention in children. This can be particularly beneficial for kids with attention deficit disorders or hyperactivity.
6. Physical Activity: Sensory swings encourage physical activity and play, which can release endorphins and improve a child’s overall mood and well-being.
7. Safe Space: The enclosed nature of many sensory swings offers a feeling of security and isolation from external distractions. This sense of safety can help reduce anxiety and create a calming atmosphere.
8. Individualized Needs: Sensory swings can be customized to meet the specific needs and preferences of each child. This personalization ensures that the sensory input is tailored to the child’s requirements for optimal calming.

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