Sensory swings are a great way to provide sensory stimulation and help your child overcome their developmental delays. There are several different types of sensory swingers out there, so it’s important that you know which one is best for your child. This article will explain what they are, why you should use them, and how you can incorporate them into your home.
What Is a Sensory Swing?
A sensory swing is very similar to a normal playground swing set in that it allows children to move up and down from ground level by using their own body weight. However, the difference between a regular playground swing and a sensory swing is that the latter uses your child’s senses to stimulate their brain.
For instance, when a child is on a standard playground swing, they may just be moving because it feels good. With a sensory swing however, the goal is for the child to actually feel as if they are swinging. They’ll also get an auditory experience since the swing will make sounds while they go up and down. They’ll feel vibrations through the floor or ground beneath them, and they’ll get the sensation of wind blowing through their hair.
The main benefits of using a sensory swing over a regular playground swing include:
– A more immersive experience for the child
– Increased focus and concentration
– Improved coordination
– Decreased anxiety
How Do You Find One?
Finding a sensory swing isn’t difficult at all. Many toy shops sell some type of sensory swing, but if you don’t want to spend money then you can always try to find one online. Some are sold directly through websites like Amazon or Target. You can also check local stores and nurseries.
Types Of Sensory Swings For Kids
There are two main types of sensory swings out there – traditional swings with a seat attached, and traditional swings without a seat. Each has their pros and cons, so it’s important to understand what each one does before making the purchase.
Traditional Swings With a Seat Attached
These swings have a padded seat attached to the swing frame. The child sits on this seat while swinging back and forth. While these swings allow the child to sit, they do not have any harnesses or other safety features attached to them. Therefore, you need to ensure that you supervise your child every step of the way.
Pros:
– Allows the child to sit
– Safety features built in
Cons:
– No harnesses
– No additional padding
– No vibration
Traditionally Swinging Without a Seat
This type of swing doesn’t have a seat attached. Instead, the child stands on the swing platform while swinging back and forth. These swings usually come with harnesses attached to them, so you won’t need to worry about supervision.
Pros:
– More realistic experience
– Harnesses to keep children safe
Cons:
– No cushioning
– No additional padding
– Must be supervised at all times
Benefits Of Using Sensory Swings For Your Child
While using either of these types of swings, your child will benefit greatly. Here are some of the most common ways that you can apply these swings to help your child:
– Helps Your Child Sleep Better at Night
When kids are younger, it’s hard to fall asleep at night. If they aren’t used to sleeping in a bed because they’ve slept on a mattress or soft surface their entire life, then they can become anxious during the transition.
With a sensory swing, they’ll sleep better at night because they’ll feel more comfortable on the swing. This will help them relax and drift off faster. As an added bonus, you won’t even have to put them to bed!
– Improves Coordination
Kids with developmental disorders often struggle with fine motor skills. Because of this, it can be very difficult for them to coordinate their movements together.
With a sensory swing, they’ll be able to strengthen their hand/eye coordination and improve their overall development.
– Can Help With Anxiety
Children who experience anxiety often prefer to remain still instead of moving around. This makes it difficult to learn new things, get in touch with others, and engage in social activities.
Using a sensory swing will help reduce their anxiety levels since they’ll feel more stimulated and engaged.
– Reduces Pain From Joint Problems
Another reason that kids with developmental disorders tend to stay inside is due to joint pain. It’s very common for kids to develop problems with their hips and knees as they reach adulthood. When this happens, they’re unable to walk properly, play basketball, ride bikes, and other fun activities that typically involve movement.
Sensory swings can help alleviate the pain that comes with these issues. By keeping your child active, they’ll be less likely to suffer from joint pain. In fact, some research shows that using a sensory swing can improve your child’s mobility.
If you would rather not expose your child to the risk of being hit by a car, then you might consider buying a sensory swing that doesn’t have a seat.
Is Sensory Swinging Safe For My Child?
Yes, sensory swings are extremely safe. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that they be used regularly and recommended by pediatricians to help treat developmental delays. Here’s what the AAP says:
“In general, children can safely use a sensory swing under close adult supervision if they do not have developmental disorders that limit their ability to move.”
Parents should always supervise their children when swinging. And for those parents who are concerned about safety, you shouldn’t worry too much. The swings are designed to protect your child from getting hurt. They have special mechanisms that prevent the swings from spinning uncontrollably, and they have safety chains that can stop the swing in case something goes wrong.
It’s true that accidents happen, but they’re very rare. Most injuries occur when something goes wrong with the swing mechanism, such as the chain breaking or someone stepping on the platform. These kinds of incidents are easily avoidable.
Other than that, since the swings are made of wood, there’s really no danger involved. The wooden frame and seat cannot break, so you’ll never have to worry about them falling apart.
If you choose to buy a sensory swing for your child, you should definitely take advantage of the many different options available. You can choose the swing based on the height of your child, whether or not they have a disability, and the amount of time they spend in the swing.
Once you’ve decided what you want, you can place an order online and wait to receive it within 2-3 weeks. Once it arrives, you’ll be ready to start using it right away.
If you’re looking for a traditional swing with a seat, then you might want to consider purchasing a bouncer instead. Since you’ll probably already be familiar with it, it’ll be easier for you to figure out where to position it in your house.
A person can plan to add the adult swing in their life. This will help in making the lifestyle of the people effective. In the long run the option will help in reaching the goals. The main motive of the people is to reach the goals and have the relaxation on anxiety. A person can search for the best design of the swing.
You may also want to consider using a sling chair if you want to give your child the option of sitting down. These chairs are designed to support your baby’s head and body while they’re lying down. They’ll help your child calm themselves down after screaming, crying, or having a meltdown.
