**Please note all ideas shared in this blog post are to be done at your own risk or discretion. It’s recommended to have an engineer or contractor assess your ceiling structure to determine whether it is safe and sturdy.
During OT sessions, parents often want ideas they can replicate at home, especially activities their kids really enjoy. Swinging often falls in this category.
Part of classical sensory integration therapy includes using suspended equipment and therapeutic swings.Although there are lots of other effective and fun ways for children to get movement input without swings, swings are an option for the home.
The following are some ideas of how to install a swing for your child at home:
1) CEILING
This is where an engineer or contractor will help to check your ceiling beams and ensure it is secure to install a swing.
This blog post is written by a parent describing the process:
http://meandwee.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/swings.html?m=1
2) DOORWAY
This is a good alternative if you can’t access a ceiling for swings, especially if you happen to have a double doorway. Prior to my current clinic space, I used the Rainy Indoor Playground Support Bar which fits into an ordinary doorway. Gorilla Gym is another option where the bar suctions to the sides of the doorway and does not require any screws to fix in place.
Here’s how this parent made a platform swing for their doorway:
http://lovingamiracle.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/how-do-you-make-platform-swing.html?m=1
I can personally recommend the Rainy Indoor Playground Support Bar. It’s so easy to install and if you move or rent homes, the holes from the screws can very easily be patched up. This used to be available for purchase from Sensory Direct, however, I don’t see it there anymore.
Instead, search Amazon with words ‘rainy day indoor playground swing’ and options will come up.
Many parents have also installed a pull-up bar in their doorway from which they’ve attached a swing or trapeze.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pztf9b0hYdw
http://hoytfamilyhappenings.blogspot.ca/2013/08/810-sensory-swing.html?m=1
Also, search Gorilla Gym swing to see if you can find that near you. This is the one that suctions to the side of the door without needing any screws.
3) LOFT BED
I made this for my son and he loved it.
Here’s instructions for making a layered hammock swing under a loft bed:
https://youtu.be/5p0wdZwrDX8?si=Shz9rJPGkT3BhG75
4) A STRONG TREE!
My neighbors are so lucky to have a great tree from which they’ve hung a cool IKEA swing for their kids. If you do too, consider attaching swings there.
Here’s a tree swing kit on Amazon.
For all of the above ideas, be sure to put down an old mattress, crash pad or gym mat under and around the swing for safety.
Happy Swinging!
-Munira
