Cocoon Swing vs. Hanging Chair: What's the Difference?

Looking for a cocoon swing or hanging chair for kids , but unsure which one to choose? In this comprehensive buying guide, I'll explain the difference between a cocoon swing and a traditional hanging chair, and help you make the right choice for your child.

What is a Cocoon Swing?

A cocoon swing (also called a pod swing or nest swing) is a modern version of the hanging chair, specifically designed for children. It's a soft, enveloping swing that hangs from a single point on the ceiling.

Features of a Cocoon Swing:

• Shape: Cocoon-like, enveloping design
• Material: Soft fabric (often cotton or polyester)
• Mounting: One suspension point on the ceiling
• Use: Sitting, lying, rocking, turning
• Age: From 3 years (depending on model)
• Load capacity: Usually 80-150kg

What is a hanging chair?

A hanging chair is a traditional seating arrangement that hangs from the ceiling or a tripod. There are several types of hanging chairs.

Types of Hanging Chairs:

1. Traditional Hammock Chair:

• Open design
• Often made of rope or macrame
• Sitting position (not lying down)
• For adults and children

2. Egg Chair / Hangei:

• Egg-shaped, half closed
• Often made of rattan or plastic
• Sitting position with cushion
• More for adults

3. Hammock Chair:

• Similar to a hammock but vertical
• Fabric with spreader bar
• Sitting and lying position possible
• For all ages

Cocoon Swing vs Hanging Chair: The Difference

Aspect	Cocoon Swing	Traditional Hanging Chair
Design	Closed, enveloping	Open, airy
Feeling	Safe, protected, cocoon-like	Free, open
Usage	Sitting, lying, turning, rocking	Especially sitting
Target audience	Specially for children	Adults and children
Sensory input	High (proprioceptive, vestibular)	Moderate
Therapeutic	Yes (ADHD, autism, SPD)	Limited
Price	€60-150	€40-200+
Installation	1 suspension point	1-2 suspension points

Benefits of a Cocoon Swing

1. Sensory Stimulation

A cocoon swing provides intense sensory input by:

• Proprioceptive input: Pressure on the body (enveloping sensation)
• Vestibular input: Movement (rocking, turning)
• Tactile input: Soft fabric against the skin

This is especially valuable for children with:

• ADHD
• Autism (ASD)
• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
• Anxiety or stress
• High energy

2. Safe and Protected Feeling

The enveloping design gives children a safe, secure feeling . Perfect for:

• Quiet moment after school
• Reading in a private place
• Calm down from overstimulation
• Sleep (some children fall asleep in it!)

3. Versatile Use

In a cocoon swing your child can:

• Sitting and reading
• Lie down and relax
• Swinging and playing
• Rotate (some models)
• Hiding (hide and seek!)

4. Promotes Development

• Balance: Swinging trains the vestibular system
• Core Muscles: Balancing Strengthens Core
• Self-regulation: Teaches child to calm himself down
• Spatial awareness: Movement in 3D space

Benefits of a Traditional Hanging Chair

1. For All Ages

A hanging chair is suitable for both children and adults . The whole family can enjoy it!

2. Aesthetic

Hanging chairs (especially macrame and rattan) are decorative and fit into any interior.

3. More Space

The open design feels less cramped . Good for children who don't like closed spaces.

4. Variation in Styles

Much more choice in materials, colours and designs.

Disadvantages of a Cocoon Swing

• Less suitable for adults: Too small for most adults
• May feel claustrophobic: Not all children like the closed-in feeling
• Limited Colors: Mostly neutral colors
• Requires a sturdy ceiling: Must be properly secured

Disadvantages of a Traditional Hanging Chair

• Less sensory input: Non-therapeutic
• Less versatile: Mainly sitting, not lying down
• May be uncomfortable: Rope may cut into skin
• Sometimes 2 mounting points required: More difficult to install

Which Child is a Cocoon Swing Suitable for?

A cocoon swing is perfect for:

Children with Sensory Needs:

• ADHD - helps focus and calm down
• Autism - provides predictable sensory input
• SPD - helps regulate sensory system
• Fear - gives a safe, secure feeling

Energetic Children:

• Need exercise
• Can hardly sit still
• Search sensory input

Sensitive Children:

• Get overstimulated quickly
• Need a quiet place
• Love a secure feeling

All Children!

Even children without special needs enjoy a cocoon swing. It's simply fun !

What to look for when purchasing?

1. Material

• Cotton: Breathable, soft, natural (best choice!)
• Polyester: Durable, easy to clean
• Canvas: Sturdy, long lasting

Avoid: Cheap synthetic fabrics that don't breathe

2. Load-bearing capacity

• Minimum 80kg for young children
• 100-150kg for older children and safety
• Always check specifications!

3. Certifications

• OEKO-TEX: No harmful substances
• CE mark: Complies with EU safety standards
• TÜV tested: Extra safety guarantee

4. Mounting system

• Sturdy carabiner (minimum 8mm thick)
• Adjustable rope or chain
• Swivel (rotating mechanism) optional but nice
• Ceiling hook included or sold separately?

5. Dimensions

• Diameter: 70-100cm (larger = more comfortable)
• Height: 150-180cm (including rope)
• Seat height: Adjustable (important!)

6. Maintenance

• Washable? (Ideally: machine washable at 30°C)
• Colourfast?
• Easy to disassemble?

Installation: How to Hang a Cocoon Swing?

Step 1: Find the Right Place

• At least 1.5m of free space around
• Solid ceiling (concrete or wooden beam)
• Not above fragile objects
• Preferably in a child's room or playroom

Step 2: Install Ceiling Hook

• Use a ceiling hook with a screw thread (minimum M8)
• Drill into beam or use molly plug for concrete
• Test with twice your child's weight
• In doubt? Ask a professional!

Step 3: Hang the Swing

• Attach carabiner to ceiling hook
• Adjust height (feet should be able to touch the ground)
• Test without child first
• Let the child get in carefully

Safety tip: Check the confirmation every 3 months!

Cocoon Swing Brands: Which One to Choose?

Bees&Blooms Cocoon Swing

At Benvivo we sell the Bees&Blooms Cocoon Swing in various colors:

• Frosty Mist - Soft mint color
• Graphite Shadow - Cool gray shade

Why Bees&Blooms?

• 100% cotton (OEKO-TEX certified)
• Load capacity 150kg
• Handmade in Europe
• Including mounting material
• Machine washable at 30°C
• Timeless design in neutral colours

Price: How much does a Cocoon Swing cost?

Budget options: €40-70

• Often synthetic materials
• Lower quality
• Shorter lifespan

Mid-range: €70-120 (recommended!)

• Good quality cotton
• Safe and sustainable
• Certifications
• Best price-quality ratio

Premium: €120-200+

• Luxurious materials
• Extra features (cushion, swivel)
• Designer brands

Our recommendation: Invest in the mid-range (€70-120). Good quality without breaking the bank!

Frequently Asked Questions

From what age can my child use a cocoon swing?

Most cocoon swings are suitable for ages 3 and up . Some models are suitable for ages 18 months and up (under supervision). Always check the manufacturer's specifications!

Is a cocoon swing safe?

Yes, provided it is properly installed and used according to the instructions. Check the attachment regularly and do not leave young children unattended.

Can a cocoon swing be used indoors and outdoors?

Most cocoon swings are designed for indoor use . For outdoor use, you'll need a weatherproof version (polyester or treated canvas).

How do I clean a cocoon swing?

Most models are machine washable at 30°C . Always check the label! Let it dry thoroughly before use.

Can my child sleep in it?

Some children doze off in it, but it's not a replacement for a bed . It's fine for short naps (under supervision).

How much space do I need?

At least 1.5m of free space around the swing in all directions.

Conclusion: Cocoon Swing or Hanging Chair?

Choose a Cocoon Swing if:

• Your child has sensory needs (ADHD, autism, SPD)
• Your child is energetic and needs exercise
• You are looking for a therapeutic aid
• Your child likes a safe and secure feeling
• You want something versatile (sitting, lying, turning)

Choose a hanging chair if:

• You want something for the whole family
• Aesthetics is important
• Your child doesn't like closed spaces
• You are looking for a decorative element

Our recommendation: For children, a cocoon swing is the best choice . It offers more advantages, is safer, and is specifically designed for children's needs.

Discover our Bees&Blooms Cocoon Swings and give your child a place to relax, play, and grow!

Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!