No doubt, swinging is a lot of fun, especially with our Swüng It® Sensory Swing. Here are some examples as inspiration for activities that can be done with the sensory swing.
Turning & Rotating
The child lies on their stomach in the therapy swing, allowing the head, shoulders, and arms to hang out. The child can then push themselves off the floor and turn in various directions. Alternatively, someone else can provide the initial push, but pay attention to the child to ensure it's not too much, and they may need a break.
Exercise focus: Body Awareness
Coordination Games
The child lies flat on their stomach in the therapy swing, surrounded by objects and a container (basket, box, etc.) placed on the floor. The child can independently move towards the objects, picking them up and placing them in the container. This activity encourages the child to turn or move in different directions, promoting spatial awareness and motor skills. Alternatively, someone else can provide a gentle push, ensuring to monitor the child for comfort and the need for breaks.
Exercise focus: Coordination and Balance
Ball Games
The child lies in the swing on their stomach as described in #1 and #2. Another person takes some distance from the therapy swing and rolls a ball towards the child. The child then rolls the ball back. The position from where the ball comes can vary in this activity.
Exercise focus: Strengthening Muscles
Push Away From Wall
The child should be lying entirely within the therapy swing during this exercise.
Ensure the child is enveloped by the fabric, with only the feet and lower legs protruding. The child can then repeatedly push off from the wall using their feet.
An alternative is to do the same exercise in a prone position (stomach flat position) using the hands. It's crucial to have enough arm strength to prevent the head from hitting the wall.
Exercise focus: Proprioception
Important! Exercise caution. Vigilant adult supervision is necessary.
Swinging
The child sits in the therapy swing and rocks back and forth, similar to a regular swing.
Exercise focus: Balance + Muscle Strengthening + Vestibular Stimulation
The Bridge
The child lies on their back, and the fabric of the therapy swing is gathered more or less in the middle as needed. The upper body slowly moves backward until the feet and hands are on the ground.
Exercise focus: Stretching
Relaxation
The child lies completely inside the therapy swing and is surrounded by the fabric. It doesn't have to do much at all, just feel the gentle swings and the light pressure of the fabric.
Exercise focus: Body Awareness + Body Regulation + Vestibular Stimulation
Summary
Every child is different, and for some, the therapy swing may initially feel unfamiliar and intimidating. Here are some tips on how to introduce your children to the therapy swing:
- Lead by Example: Get into the therapy swing yourself and demonstrate the various positions available.
- Add Cushions or Mats: Place mats or cushions under the therapy swing to provide a sense of security.
- Adjust the Height: Lower the therapy swing if needed.
- Bring Comfort Objects: Allow the child to place stuffed animals or comfort objects in the therapy swing and gently push them.
- Respect Their Limits: If a child wants to exit the therapy swing, don't force them to stay inside.
Author: Insa M. Physical Therapist - Co-Founder of Swüng It®
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