Save Money by Making Your Own DIY Sensory Swing

Visit any playground, and the swings are almost always taken. Kids love to swing, with feet reaching new heights, and dreams of shooting to the moon. You may even see those exuberant sensory seekers who spin around on a swing only for it to whirl back into place at a rapid speed. 

Kids experience stimuli at the same speed as those gyrating playground swings. Sometimes, they need help to self-regulate, reduce hyperactivity, and increase focus. Enter sensory swings. With one in six children having sensory processing challenges, sensory swings have made their way into therapeutic clinics to improve balance, coordination, and body awareness, among other things. Sensory swings also have a place in your home to promote calmness or reduce anxiety. 

Save money by making a homemade sensory swing with our instructions and tips.

Tips before making your DIY sensory swing:

• Decide where to hang the swing and ensure it's strong enough to hold your child's weight.
• Make sure there is enough space for swinging.
• Provide a comfy landing area for unexpected falls, such as a mattress or supersized pillow.
• Safety comes first; ask a pro-DIYer for help installing hardware if needed.
• Always supervise your child when swinging.

What material should I use for my DIY sensory swing?

Stretchy fabrics like lycra, elastane, spandex, trilobal, or nylon are suitable for an indoor sensory swing. Measure the space where you'll hang it and double it to know how much fabric to buy. 

Sensory swing tutorial

To start your DIY sensory swing project, you will need:

• Your fabric of choice
• Chain, about 2 feet long
• Metal rings or carabiners
• Stong eye hook or other hanging hardware for your chosen location

Step 1: Select the area for the swing in your home. Install your eye hook according to the instructions. Make sure it's secure.

Step 2: Attach the metal rings or carabiners.

Step 3: Fold your fabric in half, lengthways, and tie the ends into a knot around the chain.

Step 4: Attach the chain to the carabiners.

Step 5: Test for strength and movement ability

Another option is a four- or two-point swing for a wider sensory swing. You'll need two or four hooks in the ceiling or door frame and separate chain links for this. Double or quadruple the hardware for the swing, depending on your preference. 

Swing your way to sensory bliss and savings!

Sensory swings can provide benefits to many adults and children. They benefit those facing sensory processing challenges, such as individuals with autism, ADHD, or other conditions impacting sensory processing.

You may be told that buying an expensive sensory aid is an investment. But the real investment is saving money while still giving your child the ability to manage sensory overload and comfortably interact with their environment. Visit our other blog posts to find tips on how to help your fidgety child or to create calm, stress-reducing environments without fretting over your bank statements. 

For more savings for your household, check our Coupon Book Finder to see whether our book of deals and savings is delivered in your area.