Nest Swings
A nest swing is a round, open seat that several children can share, or one adult can lie back in. Ours come in two sizes: 100cm with a 100kg capacity, and 150cm with a 140kg capacity, in smooth mat or spider web rope seats.
The 100cm swings have a padded outer ring on a 2.5cm tube, 10mm suspension ropes, and a hanging length that adjusts from 120cm to 160cm with the S-hooks on the ropes. The manufacturer suggests ages 3 and up. The 150cm mat swings are the largest nest swing size in Australia and use eight outer ropes instead of four for stability, so they suit teenagers and adults as well as groups of children. The heavy duty commercial 100cm rope nest swing is a separate design with steel core rope, rated to 500kg.
Every nest swing hangs from two points, which keeps it moving forwards and back rather than spinning, or from one point if you want it to turn. Hanging hardware is sold separately: tree straps for a branch or beam, anchor plate kits for a ceiling, or one of the swing set stands, which are also sold as bundles with the 150cm swings. The manuals say to hang the seat no more than 40cm above a soft surface with 2m clear on either side, and to check the ropes for wear each season.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 100cm and a 150cm nest swing?
Size and capacity. The 100cm swing is rated to 100kg and is mainly for children, with a seat wide enough for two or three to share. The 150cm swing is rated to 140kg, is wide enough for an adult to lie in, and uses eight outer ropes rather than four. Both hang from two points and adjust in height with S-hooks on the ropes. The 150cm size is the largest nest swing available in Australia.
Should I choose a mat seat or a rope seat?
The mat seat is a smooth, tight micro-weave polypropylene, like trampoline matting, so nothing pokes through and it is easy to lie on. The rope seat is a spider web of 5mm rope over the same padded ring, which children like for the texture and for climbing in and out. Both are waterproof and both are rated to 100kg in the 100cm size. Most families choose the mat.
How high should a nest swing hang?
No more than 40cm above the ground, according to the manuals, and over grass, sand, wood chips or a mat rather than concrete. The ropes adjust between 120cm and 160cm on the 100cm swings, so a hanging point around 2m high suits most setups. Leave 2m clear on either side, and hang from a beam, swing set stand or a tree limb at least 25cm thick.
Can a nest swing hang from a stand?
Yes. The large swing set stand is 185cm tall, 260cm wide and 206cm deep and carries the 150cm swings, which we also sell as bundles. The U stand fits the 100cm swings for gentle swinging only, and its manual suggests two hanging points so the seat stays away from the side poles. Stands and swing are packed together in our Brisbane warehouse.
How is a nest swing assembled?
The ring arrives in pieces that slide into the sleeves around the mat or web, then join into a circle. The 150cm swing has eight frame tubes and is designed to be tight, so the manual suggests two people for the final join. The 100cm rope swing has four sockets that push together, then bolts and washers hold the ropes. Each manual is a PDF linked on the product page.
Can adults use a nest swing?
The 150cm mat nest swing is rated to 140kg and is roomy enough for an adult to lie in, which is why it is on our sensory swings for adults page. The 100cm swings are rated to 100kg but are sized for children. The manuals say to sit in the centre when swinging alone and never to stand or jump on the mat.
