If you know that your child needs additional sensory stimulation in order to make sure that he or she is able to activate his or her neural system and develop, then you might want to consider getting a platform swing. Platform swings are excellent for doing this because they provide an area where children can prop themselves up on their elbows while lying on their stomachs. When the swing moves, your child will be able to experience that sensation and focus him or herself. While you are saving up the money to purchase a professional platform swing, here are some steps that you can take to make your own.
1. Purchase Your Materials
Go to a hardware store and purchase zip ties, rope, a bath mat, and a staple gun. You are also going to need to purchase the board to create the platform. If your child is an average size, using a board that is 30 inches by 21 inches will be more than large enough. Purchase another, smaller board that is 8 inches by 8 inches and see if the hardware store would be willing to cut the board in roughly a circle for you. Many hardware stores will be willing to accommodate.
Go online and purchase a doorway swing support bar. You want to make sure that you purchase this piece, rather than make it, because it will help make sure that your child is safe. This bar will come with hooks that you can use to hang the swing. Have this bar professionally installed.
2. Drill the Holes
Use a drill with a drill bit that is large enough to accommodate the rope that you purchase. Drill a hole in each corner of the board. Draw lines on the circular board that go through the center of the board and are perpendicular to each other. Drill a hole at the ends of each of these lines, near the edge of the circular board using the same drill bit.
3. Thread the Rope
Cut the rope so that you have 4 equal pieces that run from the top of the support bar to a few inches above the ground. Thread one piece of rope through the board and tie it in a knot at the end. Use a zip tie to secure the knot in place. Do this for each corner of the board. Then, thread each piece of rope through a different hole in the circular board. Try to keep the rope from getting twisted. This circular board keeps the ropes from collapsing inwards on the child. Place a zip tie underneath the circular board so that the board stays a few inches from the door frame. Tie all of the end pieces of the rope together in a knot and secure them with a zip tie.
4. Add the Mat
Finally, use your staple gun to add the mat to the board, cutting holes where appropriate so that the mat fits. This will make the board more comfortable for your child.
Once everything is ready, you can hang the swing from the knot at the top.
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