The best sensory swings

This fabric swing is made from super-stretchy lycra, designed to feel like you’re being hugged as you swing. The fabric softly molds around your body, making your child feel safe and cosy as they swing. It’s ideal for calm, relaxing play, or fun sensory movement. Comes with all the hardware you need to correctly install it indoors. Your little one will also be able to improve their strength, coordination, and balance. Also, it helps foster an increased body and spatial awareness, boosting overall physical and sensory development.

The UFO den and metal frame is the perfect toy for your little one to create their own adventures, with a mesh den door and window so they can turn it into whatever their imagination creates, or just use it for some chill time. Perfect for smaller gardens, this set has a relatively small footprint but absolutely tonnes of play value. One buyer said: "Sturdy, good quality and my children absolutely love it. Good option for quiet time, when we manage to get it! Would certainly recommend.", while another said: "Amazing den for my 5yr old, great reading pod. Lovely chill place for quiet times in the garden."

This wobbly toy is a great first step towards a sensory swing. The recommended age use is newborn to 4 years, but make sure to never leave your baby unattended in the swing. Gently rocking a child back and to in a mini top can have a calming and soothing effect, whilst as children get older, they can take control and even play with friends for double the fun.

Fi Star-Stone says: “For the adventurous toddler, the Gonge Mini Top invites young children to teeter, swing and spin around – at first with the help of an adult and subsequently on their own. It encourages motor activities which are important to a child’s early development, sense of balance and motor control.”

All the fun of the playground in your garden - A giant 1.2m Nest Swing. Perfect for one or two children to sit down, lie down and swing all day long. Fits selected TP swing frames. One grandparent said: "One product review said: "We replaced 2 normal swings with this basket swing and the kids have hardly been off it since. A little fiddly to set up - two people would be ideal - but it's very sturdy and safe-feeling."

Fi Star-Stone says: “Nest or platform swings are great for supporting your little one’s motor balance, core strengthening and body awareness. This style of sensory swings help with sensory processing as they provide vestibular input. Great for outdoors these can be used for laying flat, kneeling and standing with supervision.”

The Disc Swing from Smyths is a popular choice for many kids because it offers a fun and unique way to play outside. It allows kids to swing in different directions compared to traditional swings. This variety can make swinging more exciting and dynamic. It can be used in various ways, such as sitting, lying down, or even standing, which can keep playtime interesting and engaging. It also provides a way for kids to enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air while being active.

Best suited for kids age 4 and above, The Skateboard Swing platform has sturdy rungs attached to adjustable ropes with handles children can hold on to for extra support. It's a great way to work out the wiggles, and many kids find the motion to be calming. Swing front-to-back and side-to-side to support sensory integration and improve balance, body awareness, coordination and motor planning. Use while sitting, kneeling or prone on this foam covered wooden swing. Great addition to a school sensory gym, home or therapy clinic. "Absolutely love this swing. It is used almost every day by my 4 year old and his 5 year old cousin. Highly recommend!", said a mummy of two.

Available in a range of colours, the Cacoon is a great addition to the garden. There are three sizes, Bonsai which fits two children, Double which is large enough for two adults, and the Single - listed below - which fits one adult and one child comfortably. With a range of accessories including a tripod stand, tree loop, bug net and cover, this is ideal for outside. One tester said: "It’s a great hanging pod which holds a large adult quite happily. I’ve not yet been in it but the rest of my family from aged 30+ and down love it. Comes with all the bits for hanging it from a tree. Lovely colour too, we've got the orange one.". And, impress with its sturdiness, one buyer said: "The assembly is a little tricky but it's very sturdy once set up. It's pricier than some options but it's a well known brand and this is our third Cacoon over the years so we're clearly fans! It's so lovely for the kids to have somewhere they can escape to, it's their little den and safe space. We prefer it to a Wendy house as we can use it to relax in the garden as well - when the kids let us anyway! It's grown with the family too, so our older ones and younger ones can use it."