Sensory Swings: Best Swings, Benefits, and Beyond

For many, movement and pressure are natural ways to unwind, focus, or even just feel regulated. But for individuals with sensory processing differences, these sensations can be vital tools for navigating their world. This is where the sensory swing comes in – a fantastic therapeutic tool that offers a unique combination of comforting pressure and organizing movement.

What is a Sensory Swing?

At its core, a sensory swing is a therapeutic device, often made from stretchy, durable fabric like Lycra, Spandex, or canvas, designed to provide a deep pressure and contained environment. Unlike traditional playground swings, sensory swings are typically softer, more enveloping, and allow for a greater variety of movement, including swinging, spinning, and gentle bouncing. They often resemble a cocoon, hammock, or fabric pod.

Our Favorite Sensory Swings: Top Picks

1. Harkla Sensory Hammock Swing

2. Heyzoo Brand Sensory Saucer Swings

3. OUTREE Kids Pod Sensory Swing

How Do They Work?

Sensory swings work by effectively engaging two critical sensory systems:

1. The Proprioceptive System: This system provides us with information about our body’s position, movement, and effort. The stretchy fabric of a sensory swing provides deep pressure input all over the body, similar to a firm hug or being swaddled. This deep pressure stimulates the proprioceptors in our muscles and joints, helping the brain to better understand where the body is in space. This input is incredibly organizing and calming for the nervous system.
2. The Vestibular System: Located in the inner ear, the vestibular system is responsible for our sense of balance, movement, and spatial orientation. The swinging, spinning, and rocking motions of a sensory swing provide rich vestibular input. This helps to regulate the vestibular system, which can, in turn, improve balance, coordination, spatial awareness, and even attention and focus.

By providing controlled and consistent input to both these systems, a sensory swing helps to organize the central nervous system. This regulation can lead to a more balanced and calm state, making it easier for an individual to process other sensory information and engage with their environment.

Why We Love Them

There are countless reasons why sensory swings have become a beloved tool in homes, schools, and therapy clinics:

• A Safe Haven: They offer a comforting, enclosed space to retreat from overwhelming sensory environments.
• Instant Calm: The combination of rhythmic movement and deep pressure can quickly soothe an overstimulated nervous system.
• Fun & Playful: Beyond therapy, they are simply a lot of fun, encouraging imaginative play and physical activity.
• Focus & Concentration: For some, the gentle, organizing input can help improve attention span for tasks like reading or quiet play.
• Stress Relief: They provide a healthy outlet for releasing excess energy or managing anxiety.

Sensory Benefits:

The benefits of using a sensory swing are numerous and profound:

• Calming and Regulation: The deep pressure and rhythmic movement can have a profoundly calming effect, helping to reduce anxiety, meltdowns, and overstimulation.
• Improved Body Awareness:Proprioceptive input helps individuals feel more “grounded” and aware of their body’s boundaries and position.
• Enhanced Vestibular Processing:Regular use can help improve balance, coordination, and spatial orientation.
• Increased Focus and Attention: A regulated nervous system is better able to attend to tasks and ignore distractions.
• Emotional Regulation: Provides a safe, contained space for emotional processing and de-escalation.
• Motor Planning and Bilateral Coordination: Activities within the swing can encourage motor planning as users navigate the space and coordinate movements.
• Safe and Contained Space: Offers a comforting “cocoon” that can feel like a secure retreat from an overwhelming world.

Which Kind of Sensory Seekers Would Benefit from a Sensory Swing?

Sensory swings are particularly beneficial for individuals who:

• Are Proprioceptive Seekers:These individuals crave deep pressure, firm hugs, squishing, pushing, pulling, or crashing into things. The tight, hugging fabric of a sensory swing provides the intense proprioceptive input they seek in a safe, contained way.
• Are Vestibular Seekers: These individuals love movement – spinning, swinging, rocking, jumping, and being upside down. A sensory swing allows them to get this much-needed vestibular input without constant supervision on a playground.
• Have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): Especially those with modulation challenges (over- or under-responsiveness). Swings can help modulate sensory input.
• Are on the Autism Spectrum (ASD): Many individuals with ASD find the deep pressure and repetitive movement of a swing to be highly calming and organizing.
• Have ADHD: The movement can help some individuals with ADHD to focus and self-regulate, providing a permissible outlet for excess energy.
• Experience Anxiety: The contained, comforting nature of the swing can be a great tool for anxiety management and providing a sense of security.

It’s important to note that while often sought by “seekers,” the calming, organizing input can also benefit individuals who are easily overstimulated, providing a much-needed retreat and feeling of security.

Types of Sensory Swings:

There’s a variety of sensory swings, each offering slightly different experiences:

• Cocoon/Hammock Swings: These are the most common type, made from stretchy fabric that fully encases the user, providing deep, all-over pressure. They’re excellent for proprioceptive input and creating a comforting “hug.”
• Pod/Pillar Swings: Often more structured than cocoon swings, these allow the user to sit inside a fabric pod or pillar. They offer containment and gentle swinging, good for those who may not want full body compression.
• Platform Swings: These are flat, sturdy platforms (often padded) suspended by ropes or chains. They allow for multiple users or different body positions (lying down, sitting, standing) and are great for balance, motor planning, and co-ordination activities.
• Net Swings/Web Swings: Made from durable rope netting, these offer a less constricting experience than fabric swings but still provide movement and a sense of enclosure.
• Single-Point vs. Two-Point Suspension: Swings can be hung from one point (allowing for spinning and circular motion) or two points (allowing for back-and-forth swinging).

How do I Mount a Sensory Swing in the House?

Mounting a sensory swing in the house may seem like an intimidating task, but using our step by step sensory swing mounting guide can help! See the full guide here.

Choosing the Right Sensory Swing

When selecting a sensory swing, consider the following factors:

1. Age and size of the user: Make sure the swing is appropriate for the age and size of the individual who will be using it.
2. Sensory needs: Consider the specific sensory needs of the individual, such as calming or stimulating input, and choose a swing that best meets those needs.
3. Space and installation: Ensure that you have enough space for the swing and that it can be safely installed in your home or outdoor area.
4. Comfort and support: Look for a swing that provides adequate support and comfort for the user, such as padded seats or adjustable straps.
5. Durability and safety: Choose a swing made from high-quality materials that can withstand regular use and is designed with safety features in mind, such as secure attachment points and sturdy construction.

Sensory swings are powerful tools that can make a significant difference in an individual’s ability to self-regulate, focus, and find calm. As with any sensory tool, it’s often beneficial to consult with an occupational therapist who specializes in sensory integration to determine the best type of swing and how to incorporate it safely and effectively into your routine.

Similar Things People Might Like:

If a sensory swing sounds appealing, you might also find comfort or benefit from these similar sensory tools and experiences:

• Weighted Blankets/Vests/Lap Pads: Provide deep pressure input for calming and regulation.
• Compression Clothing: Offers constant deep pressure input throughout the day.
• Crash Pads/Bean Bags: Provide a safe, soft space to crash, jump, or flop into, offering significant proprioceptive input.
• Balance Boards/Discs: Engage the vestibular system and improve balance and core strength.
• Trampolines: Fantastic for vestibular and proprioceptive input through jumping and bouncing.
• Rocking Chairs: Provide rhythmic, calming vestibular input.
• Therapy Balls (Exercise Balls):Can be used for sitting, bouncing, rolling, and providing deep pressure.
• Fidget Toys: Provide calming and organizing sensory input to hands, helping with focus.
• Deep Pressure Activities: Bear hugs, rolling up in a blanket, pushing against a wall, or engaging in heavy work tasks (like carrying groceries or pushing a wagon).