If you’ve not heard of a sensory swing before, they can help your child become more in tune with their body and their senses, regulating their sensory system by providing sensory input into their body. A bit like a baby swing, they help to relax children (and adults!)
The magic of a sensory swing is in their movement. They move in a rotational action, meaning in all directions - up and down, as well as back and forth, and side to side. This provides sensory pleasure all over. Plus, they’re lots of fun. With a sensory swing, your child can enjoy bouncing, swinging, spinning, or simply lying down and enjoying the sensation of movement.
So, if you're looking for a new toy that will not only bring entertainment but also sensory development for your little one here are some recommendations.
What types of sensory swing are there?
• Stretchy, fabric swings
• Platform swings
• Pod swings
• Hammock swings
• Bolster/log swings
• Disc swing
• Skateboard swing
• Saucer swings
• Mesh swing
Benefits of sensory swings
In Britain, with our unpredictable and often rainy climate, it can be difficult to give our children enough movement and play if the weather is rubbish, even if we buy outdoor toys in the hope of some un. A sensory swing is a great alternative as you can set them up as an indoor swing, and allow your little one to enjoy the fun of movement without muddy puddles and the inevitable three changes of wet clothing.
A sensory swing will help develop your child’s movement, vestibular senses, and sense of fun; as well as their physical development, and learning about risk and safe play. Using a crash mat alongside your sensory swing is a good idea when the play turns into leaping and bouncing.
They’re a great toy not just for fun, but also for calm, quiet play.
The best sensory swings to buy today
We’ve taken a look at the best sensory swings on the market that you can buy today, whether you're looking for one to hang in your child's bedroom, or one that can be attached to their existing garden swing set.
Best fabric sensory swing
www.cheapdisabilityaids.co.uk
This fabric swing is made from super-stretchy lycra, designed to feel like you’re being hugged as you swing. The fabric softly molds around your body, making your child feel safe and cosy as they swing. It’s ideal for calm, relaxing play, or fun sensory movement. Comes with all the hardware you need to correctly install it indoors.
The best pod swing
This pod swing can be used indoor or outdoors, and acts not only like a comfy cocoon in which your little one can relax, but also like a fun place to play and hide. You might find yourself curling up with a book inside it once the children are asleep.
Review: "This was a great gift! It is a lot sturdier than we thought it would be. I was a tad dubious about how an inflatable cushion inside would hold up but it is made of a very thick plastic/vinyl and has held up great. It goes inside a thick cloth 'casing', attached to the swing, so kids never touch the plastic/vinyl bag.
"One thing to note, it is more sized to a four/five year old. It can get a bit too cosy for double-digit kids or adults. But for younger kids, it is very durable and makes the perfect nook to read, swing, or snooze in."
Best platform swing
This heavy duty platform swing can hold up to 700lb (317kg), meaning you can swing on it with your child or children and not have to worry about there being too many people on it. It comes with all the installation equipment you need, whether you are setting this up outdoors with a tree or playset, or indoors - follow the instructions carefully to make sure it’s fitted correctly. There are two ways of hanging the swing, from one or two points, which will change the way the platform swings.
One review said: "We upgraded from a basic swing to this platform one for our autistic grandson. He absolutely loves the swing, and every time he comes over. He spends most time on it."
Another tester said: "This is so fun! Not only can my kids, grandkids and myself pile on this because the weight limit is so high, it's also perfect place for me to take an afternoon nap."
Best den swing
www.tptoys.com
The UFO den and metal frame is the perfect toy for your little one to create their own adventures, with a mesh den door and window so they can turn it into whatever their imagination creates, or just use it for some chill time. Perfect for smaller gardens, this set has a relatively small footprint but absolutely tonnes of play value.
Fi Star-Stone says: “Cocoon swings are brilliant. They’re great in particular for children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders because of their calming effect and light-blocking fabric.”
This is aimed at ages two and above.
One review mentioned: "Sturdy, good quality and my children absolutely love it. Good option for quiet time, when we manage to get it! Would certainly recommend."
Another said: "Amazing den for my 5yr old, great reading pod. Lovely chill place for quiet times in the garden."
Best swing for toddlers
www.littlehelper.co.uk
This wobbly toy is a great first step towards a sensory swing. The recommended age use is newborn to 4 years, but make sure to never leave your baby unattended in the swing. Gently rocking a child back and to in a mini top can have a calming and soothing effect, whilst as children get older, they can take control and even play with friends for double the fun.
Fi Star-Stone says: “For the adventurous toddler, the Gonge Mini Top invites young children to teeter, swing and spin around – at first with the help of an adult and subsequently on their own. It encourages motor activities which are important to a child’s early development, sense of balance and motor control.”
Best nest swing
www.tptoys.com
All the fun of the playground in your garden - A giant 1.2m Nest Swing. Perfect for one or two children to sit down, lie down and swing all day long. Fits selected TP swing frames.
Fi Star-Stone says: “Nest or platform swings are great for supporting your little one’s motor balance, core strengthening and body awareness. This style of sensory swings help with sensory processing as they provide vestibular input. Great for outdoors these can be used for laying flat, kneeling and standing with supervision.”
One product review said: "We replaced 2 normal swings with this basket swing and the kids have hardly been off it since. A little fiddly to set up - two people would be ideal - but it's very sturdy and safe-feeling."
7.
Disc swing
Best simple swing
www.smythstoys.com
Best hammock swing seat
redirect.viglink.com
Ideal for families as this can be used by adults and children alike, and if you’re interested in your garden’s asthetics, this looks like a normal hammock chair rather than a children’s toy. This is a great option if your child likes to be able to see their surroundings (rather than the enclosed, cocoon-like swings). It’s also easy to climb in and out of, if your little one has mobility concerns. Hardware isn’t included with this seat, so do research how you will attach this to your chosen fixture.
Best for sensory integration and improving balance
funandfunction.com
Best suited for kids age 4 and above, The Skateboard Swing platform has sturdy rungs attached to adjustable ropes with handles children can hold on to for extra support. It's a great way to work out the wiggles, and many kids find the motion to be calming. Swing front-to-back and side-to-side to support sensory integration and improve balance, body awareness, coordination and motor planning. Use while sitting, kneeling or prone on this foam covered wooden swing. Great addition to a school sensory gym, home or therapy clinic.
One review said: "Absolutely love this swing. It is used almost every day by my 4 year old and his 5 year old cousin. Highly recommend!"
10.
Cacoon Single
Best sensory swing for the garden
Available in a range of colours, the Cacoon is a great addition to the garden. There are three sizes, Bonsai which fits two children, Double which is large enough for two adults, and the Single - listed below - which fits one adult and one child comfortably. With a range of accessories including a tripod stand, tree loop, bug net and cover, this is ideal for outside.
One tester said: "It’s a great hanging pod which holds a large adult quite happily. I’ve not yet been in it but the rest of my family from aged 30+ and down love it. Comes with all the bits for hanging it from a tree. Lovely colour too, we've got the orange one."
Another said: "The assembly is a little tricky but it's very sturdy once set up. It's pricier than some options but it's a well known brand and this is our third Cacoon over the years so we're clearly fans! It's so lovely for the kids to have somewhere they can escape to, it's their little den and safe space. We prefer it to a Wendy house as we can use it to relax in the garden as well - when the kids let us anyway! It's grown with the family too, so our older ones and younger ones can use it."
Who are sensory swings designed for?
Sensory swings can be enjoyed by everyone, young and old.
However they are particularly helpful for children who have different sensory needs, or need help with self-regulation. They can be a great tool for children with autism, ADHD or other additional needs, helping the child to improve sensory processing. Sensory swings can help your child develop their vestibular sense.
What is the vestibular sense?
We’re all familiar with the five senses - smell, sight, touch, sound, and taste. But often we don’t talk about, or know much about, the vestibular sense. The vestibular sense gives a child information about their body, where it is in space, and how it moves. It’s all related to the inner ear, and balance. Vestibular sense development helps with hand/eye coordination, balance, and muscle tone. A well-developed vestibular sense will help in those vital parts of childhood such as catching and throwing a ball, cutting with scissors, zipping up a coat, and riding a bike.
Things to think about when using a sensory swing
As with any toy that focuses on movement, there are things to bear in mind to ensure play remains fun and safe.
Always make sure the sensory swing is correctly and safely installed and that there is enough room for the swing to be used without crashing into walls or furniture. A crash mat is a great idea. Also beware when using a swing that it doesn’t scare or over-stimulate your child. Start off small and find out what your little one enjoys; the swinging sensation, especially round in circles, could be too much for your child and could cause them to feel sick or indeed vomit. Some children will be very in tune with their vestibular sense and the swing could be too intense, so go at their pace and never force your child to swing if they don’t want to.
We spoke to childcare expert Fi Star-Stone about sensory swings; she said:
“Before shopping in the minefield of sensory swings, it’s important to always check they are safely registered to British safety standards.
"Some may look wonderful, but it’s incredibly important to check they’re safe, practical and age/development appropriate. Baby swings in particular, need to ensure your baby doesn’t fall out or become trapped if they move.”
Sophie Knight is a journalist and mum of two, and previously edited motherandbaby.com before moving on to write about family cars for Parkers.co.uk. Sophie went on to become Commercial Content Editor for M&B, Closer, Heat, Empire, Yours, Garden News, and WhatsTheBest.co.uk before deciding to dedicate more of her time to her family and write freelance.