Our family recently embarked on a project to switch up our living room play space, switching out our well-loved but bulky Avenlur Magnolia Play Gym to install sensory swings and Swedish ladder in our Singapore HDB flat. We sought to transform our play area into an open and movement-friendly space.
This decision stemmed from our desire to create a setup that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing while also supporting our children's gross motor and sensory needs. Here’s how we went about it.
Why We Chose Marlowe & Co Sensory Swings
We decided on Marlowe & Co’s sensory swings, primarily because they are made from a fabric blend with high cotton content—95% Cotton + 5% Spandex—providing a breathable and gentle fabric for sensitive skin, and I like that the daisy chain is adjustable in length, allowing for the swing to grow with our children's changing heights.
It was a bonus that the swings come in beautiful, earthy tones that perfectly complement our living room’s aesthetic. Our chosen color was Desert Sage, which blends seamlessly with our wood floors, neutral curtains, and even our khaki sofa.
Weight capacity was another critical factor in our decision. These swings support up to 200 lbs (90 kg), ensuring they are sturdy and long-lasting for both children (and adults) to enjoy.
Redesigning Our Play Area
Our 6-year-old, M, had exposure to aerial yoga, and that planted the idea of integrating movement-based play into our home. Our play area was previously occupied by Avenlur Magnolia Play Gym, which featured a slide, climbing ramp, and a swing. While the wooden play gym served us well especially for playdates at our home, it took up a lot of space, and we couldn't get to cleaning the rug beneath as frequently as we would have liked.
Thus, we re-designed the space to make way for more floor space, installing a wall-anchored Swedish ladder along with a pair of ceiling-anchored sensory swings, allowing both our children to swing simultaneously.
Safety Measures & Boundaries
When my children attempt higher-risk aerial yoga moves, we have a Lorena Canals washable rug and cushioned rug pad beneath the swings. When the rug is being washed, my children would keep to lower-risk uses of the sensory swings.
Swinging indoors requires children to observe safety boundaries. We established these rules with the children:
- No swinging toward each other
- No eating or having anything in the mouth while swinging (to avoid choking risk)
- Keep loose items away from the swings
- No wrapping anything around the neck (to avoid suffocation risk)
- Always use responsible hands when playing with each other on the swings
We had our children draw these rules out, and we displayed them near the swings as a visual reminder.
Trial and Error: Finding the Right Space
Positioning the swings required some adjustments. Initially, we had play shelves flushed to the wall, but as we tested the space, we realized more clearance was needed. Eventually, we removed the shelves entirely to create an unobstructed swinging area.
Since the swings are near windows, we took additional precautions by ensuring that the windows are always shut tight and child-proofed while the swings are in use.
Installation Process
We first attempted to drill the ceiling anchor points ourselves, even borrowing my father-in-law’s expansive toolkit. However, we struggled to find the right drill bit size. Eventually, we sought professional help, engaging our renovation contractor’s handyman to complete the drilling and mounting.
Because we are the first occupiers of our flat, we didn’t have to worry about ceiling structural integrity. However, for homeowners in resale flats with false ceilings, a professional assessment on whether the ceilings are suitable for installing sensory swings would be necessary.
If we were to ever sell this HDB unit, we would engage our contractor to patch up the drilled ceiling holes before the unit changes hands.
Installation Instructions (Based on Product Guide)
- Package includes: One fabric swing, a 360-degree swivel ceiling mount with 4 bolts (for wood and concrete), one carabiner clip, and one 40-inch daisy chain strap for easy height adjustment.
- Tools needed: Stud finder, drill, drill bit, and a socket wrench.
- Find a suitable location: Use a stud finder to locate a ceiling joist or beam. Mark the two spots where the bolts will be drilled.
- Drill & install the mount: Pre-drill two holes in the joist or beam, ensuring the drill bit is smaller than the bolt. Install the ceiling mount using the appropriate bolts and tighten them securely.
- Attach the swing: Hook the metal carabiner clip to the ceiling mount and adjust the daisy chain strap to the desired height.
- Secure and test: Screw the carabiner clip closed and test the swing to ensure it is securely mounted before use.
The ideal ceiling height for installation is 6-9 ft (1.82-2.74m), with a recommended 6 ft (1.82m) clearance from walls or objects for safety.
Using Sensory Swings for Movement and Relaxation
The swings serve as a great gross motor workout—especially for our younger child, who has heat intolerance during eczema flare-ups. Exercising in an air-conditioned home keeps discomfort at bay while still allowing movement.
For our elder child, the swings became a go-to decompression spot after school, helping with sensory regulation and relaxation.
Sensory Benefits of Swings
Sensory swings offer multiple benefits:
- Vestibular input (balance and coordination)
- Proprioceptive input (body awareness)
- Calming effects, especially for children who need help with self-regulation
- Strength and flexibility building
Vestibular swings promote coordination and balance, strengthen muscles, and improve motor skills. The compression of the swing helps children feel secure, similar to getting a hug, which promotes feelings of relaxation while also offering sensory input.
Care & Safety Information
- Care Instructions: Spot clean, or machine wash cold on a delicate cycle and hang to dry.
- Age Recommendation: Intended for ages 3 years and up. Adult supervision is required at all times.
- Usage Limit: Only one person at a time should use the swing to prevent injury.
- Regular Inspection: Check the daisy chain strap occasionally to prevent breaks and reposition the fabric periodically to prevent excessive wear.
Note that Marlowe & Co Brand LLC assumes no liability for injury sustained through the use of this product.
Final Thoughts
By integrating these swings into our home, we have created a safe, engaging, and movement-rich environment for our children to enjoy daily.
Looking back, this was one of the most rewarding home improvement projects we’ve done as a family!
Product Links
Sensory swing (in vintage rose color)
mine is desert sage color, which seems to be currently oos
GoodevasKids Swedish ladder
update: no longer ships from USA to Singapore :(
