Looking for an indoor swing? This might be one of the best purchases you can make for your home, clinic or school. When I travel to my clients for therapy sessions, I bring a swing bar and several swing options for sensory and balance needs. But how and where you hang your swing can make all the difference! For optimal security, safety and functionality, you have three options for hanging an indoor swing - from the doorway, ceiling or a frame.
Doorway
A Support Bar in the doorway is the simplest to install and remove. Use it to suspend most 2-point suspension swings and still have functional use of the door. Easily switch the swings using a couple of carabiners. The support bar can be moved to different doorways as needed, and is easy to take on the road.
Be sure the swing is not wider than your doorway and leave 2 feet of clearance from the floor to the bottom of the swing. Simply measure the height of the swing, and then measure from the suspension bar down to the floor. The swing needs to be 2 feet shorter than your bar-to-floor measurement. Net swings and mesh swings, or even small platform swings work great in a doorway, and some are height-adjustable. Ensure full clearance around the floor perimeter – see tip below for how to measure this.
Ceiling Suspension
If you want to use a single point/rotational swing, consider installing ceiling suspension. For a school or institution with a steel beam, use an Eye-bolt. For home use, purchase a 2 x 6 Ceiling Beam Swing Suspension Kit, a Multi-Point Ceiling Suspension Kit™ or ceiling swing hooks. It's imperative to install these safely, so make sure to hire a professional. Exposed ceiling beams in a basement or under a porch, as well as hidden beams above a ceiling, are all potential installation points – see video. Once installed, hang rotational swings or 2-point swings, if supported by your device.
Frames
In general, frames work best in institutions, although some families prefer frames instead of ceiling installations. You have several choices for that are easy to set up. A 3-point frame can support just about any swing, and a 2-point frame can hold a 2-point swing.
Kid-Friendly Activities for Mindfulness
Be sure you have 2 feet of clearance from the floor to the bottom of the swing, and full clearance around the floor perimeter. Quick tip: Add 2 feet to the height of your swing and double that number for your footprint. So if your frame is 6' high, be sure you have a 16 square foot perimeter for clearance.
Always check your suspension equipment and swings for wear and tear. Replace as needed. And don't forget the all-important safety matting! Now you can swing anytime!
Check out our range of sensory swings.
This post was originally posted on 06/5/2017 by . It was updated by Rivkie Berger OTR/L for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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