You may have seen sensory swings in a pediatric occupational therapy clinic, classroom or even in someone’s home. They can look like traditional swings, hammocks, platforms or stretchy fabric that surrounds the body.
Sensory swings are a common tool in pediatric occupational therapy sessions.
For some children, swinging can be enjoyable, calming or help provide the movement their body is seeking. For others, swinging may feel uncomfortable or overwhelming.
So, what exactly is a sensory swing, and why might an Occupational Therapist use one in therapy sessions?
What is a sensory swing?
A sensory swing is a type of swing that can provide different kinds of movement and body-based sensory input.
Swinging primarily provides vestibular input, which relates to our sense of movement and balance. Depending on how the swing is being used, it may also provide proprioceptive input through the muscles and joints.
There are many different types of sensory swings, including hammock swings, platform swings and cocoon-style swings. Each allows children to experience movement in different ways.
Sensory swings are one of many tools an Occupational Therapist may use when supporting a child’s participation in everyday activities. You can learn more about how Occupational Therapy supports children in our Occupational Therapy for Children: A Parent Guide.
Why do Occupational Therapists use sensory swings?
Every child experiences movement differently.
Movement experiences play an important role in every child’s development.
Some children actively seek movement throughout their day. They might love jumping, climbing, spinning, crashing or being upside down. Other children may be more cautious about movement and prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground.
An Occupational Therapist considers the individual child, their sensory preferences and what they need to participate in everyday activities before deciding whether swinging may be useful.
Importantly, the goal isn’t to stop a child from seeking or avoiding sensory experiences. Instead, we want to understand what their body is communicating and find supportive strategies that work for them.
Our article How Occupational Therapy Can Support Sensory Processing explains more about the different sensory systems and how sensory differences can influence everyday life.
Sensory swings and movement
One of the main reasons sensory swings are used in Occupational Therapy is to provide opportunities for movement. How you use a sensory swing will look different for every child.
Depending on the swing and activity, children may practise changing their body position, balancing, coordinating movements or maintaining their posture while moving.
An Occupational Therapist might incorporate a swing into a play-based activity where a child reaches for objects, throws beanbags at a target or moves between the swing and an obstacle course.
How a sensory swing is used will depend on the individual child, the type of swing and the purpose of the activity. An Occupational Therapist may change the position, direction or type of movement depending on the child’s preferences, responses and therapy goals.
To the child, it might simply feel like play. The Occupational Therapist is considering what skills the activity is supporting and how these relate to the child’s individual goals.
Do Sensory Swings Work for Every Child?
Sensory swings can be helpful for some children, but they do not affect every child in the same way. You might notice that your child loves swinging when they are seeking movement, while another child prefers gentle rocking or avoids swings altogether.
This is because sensory input does not affect every child in the same way. For some children, particular types of movement may help them feel more settled and ready to participate. Other types of movement may make them feel more alert or excited. For some children, swinging may not feel comfortable at all.
Rather than thinking of a sensory swing as something that automatically “calms” a child, it is more helpful to observe how your individual child responds to movement.
This is also why sensory strategies should be individualised rather than assuming that the same activity will work for every child.
Can sensory swings support motor skills?
A swing can also create opportunities to practise motor skills.
Depending on the activity, children may practise maintaining their body position, coordinating different parts of their body, reaching while moving or developing awareness of where their body is in space.
Alongside larger movement skills, play-based activities can also support a child’s fine motor skills.
These skills can also be developed through many other everyday play activities. For more ideas involving body-based movement and play, see our Deep Pressure Activities for Kids: Ideas for Home and Play guide.”
What about sensory swings at home or school?
Some families and schools use swings or other movement equipment as part of a child’s environment. Before introducing a sensory swing, it is worth considering why you are using it and how the child responds.
A child who enjoys movement doesn’t necessarily need a specialised sensory swing. Playground swings, climbing, jumping, dancing and other forms of active play can also provide valuable movement experiences.
If a particular child has significant sensory differences or you are unsure what kinds of movement are appropriate for them, an Occupational Therapist can help you understand their individual needs and identify practical strategies.
Are Sensory Swings Safe?
Sensory swings can involve suspended equipment, so safe installation and supervision are important. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, weight limits and use. The appropriate way to install a swing will depend on the type of swing, its attachment system and where it is being installed.
Children should also have appropriate adult supervision when using a sensory swing, particularly while families are learning how their child responds to different types of movement.
People often ask where to hang a sensory swing, or how to hang one from the ceiling using a hook, bracket or daisy chain — but because the right approach depends on the swing, the attachment system and the structure you’re fixing it to. We don’t recommend relying on general online instructions. If you are unsure how to hang or set up a sensory swing safely, follow the manufacturer’s installation guidance or seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.
Do sensory swings help autistic children?
Autistic children, like all children, have individual sensory preferences.
Some autistic children may seek lots of movement and enjoy swinging, while others may be particularly sensitive to movement and prefer to avoid it.
Rather than recommending sensory swings simply because a child is autistic, the focus should be on understanding the individual child’s sensory experiences, preferences and participation needs.
If sensory differences are making everyday activities harder for your child, an Occupational Therapist may be able to help your family better understand what your child needs.
Understanding your child’s sensory needs
Sensory swings can be an enjoyable and useful tool for some children, but they are only one possible way of providing movement and sensory input.
At Happy Chatter, our Occupational Therapists look at the whole child — their strengths, preferences, routines, environment and the activities they want or need to participate in.
If sensory differences are affecting your child’s participation in everyday activities, our Occupational Therapy team can help you understand their needs and explore practical strategies that support them at home, kinder or school.