How to Install a DreamGYM Doorway Swing: Full Guide for Parents

May 01, 2025

The image is showing a man is holding a drill installing doorway bar brackets.

Creating a sensory-friendly space at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With a DreamGYM Doorway Swing, you can bring movement, comfort, and therapeutic benefits into your child’s routine all from a doorway in your home. This step-by-step guide walks you through the installation process safely and simply, so you can feel confident and your child can swing happily.

Components

Before you begin, make sure you’ve got everything ready:

1 Extra heavy-duty, chrome-plated steel bar
2 Mounting brackets
10 Screws
2 Webbing straps with metal O-rings
2 Snap link

DreamGYM Doorway Swing Support Bar with straps

Tools

You’ll need to grab these basic tools before you get started:

Ruler or measuring tape
Pencil Phillips head screwdriver
Level
1/8” drill bit

Illustration of tools needed for doorway bar installation, including a ruler, pencil, Phillips head screwdriver, level, power drill, and a 1/8-inch drill bit, all neatly arranged in a row

Installation Instructions

Step 1: Choose the Right Doorway

Pick a doorway that’s between 26” and 36” wide (65–90 cm) and has a flat, wooden door jamb with at least 2-1/4” (6 cm) of flat space.

Important: You do not need to remove the door – you’ll still be able to open and close it after the swing is installed.

Do not install into metal doorframes or drywall. The included screws are not designed for those materials.

Doorway bar installation, the image is showing that the doorway frame should be between 26" and 36", and the distance between the top of the door frame and the bar should be less than 3.5" or more 9" to avoid head and neck entrapment.

Step 2: Mark the installation height

Measure and mark both sides of the doorframe with a pencil either less than 5 inches (12.5 cm) or more than 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) down from the top of the frame. These marks will indicate the bottom edge of the bracket. This placement is critical for safety. To prevent head or neck entrapment, the distance between the top of the doorframe and the bar must be less than 3.5 inches (9 cm) or more than 9 inches (23 cm).

Illustration is showing installation for a bracket for doorway swing bar.

Important: Brackets require minimum 2 ¼“ of flat space on the door frame.

If you don’t have enough space, consider the following solutions:

Install the brackets in a 2” space with part of the bracket protruding over the door frame
Add a piece of plywood or wooden board to create an even space with the middle part of the door frame

Step 3: Attach the Brackets

Place the bottom of each bracket on the pencil line. Using your 1/8" drill bit, pre-drill pilot holes through the bracket holes into the wood. Then use all 5 screws per bracket to firmly attach them to the doorframe.

Step 4: Prepare the Bar

Thread the two webbing straps with metal O-rings onto the steel bar. These will be used later to connect the swing accessories.

Step 5: Install the Bar

Flip the metal locks on each bracket outward. Extend the bar to fit the doorway width and slide it into both brackets at the same time. Once inserted, flip the locks inward and gently twist the bar back and forth to ensure it’s secure.

An image is showing closing flaps on doorway bar brackets.

Step 6: Safety Check

Before your child uses the swing, an adult should hang from the bar to confirm it’s securely installed. This quick check offers peace of mind and ensures the swing is ready for play.

Important: Make sure the clear rubber ring between the two parts of the bar is properly in place. This prevents unnecessary wear on the straps.

The image is showing a placement of clear plastic ring on doorway swing support bar to prevent wear and tear of straps.

Step 7: Attach the Swing

Using the snap links, connect the swing’s attachments to the O-rings on the webbing straps. Make sure everything is tightly secured before inviting your child to try it out.

An image is showing a swing attached to a doorway swing bar

Safety Considerations

Installation Safety:

Must be installed by a qualified adult.
Only use on strong wooden doorframes.
Never allow children to use the swing until it has been fully and properly assembled.

Operating Safety:

Max weight: 220 lbs (100 kg).
Not for children under 3 years old.
Adult supervision is required at all times.
Keep the area free from sharp objects or obstacles.
Use appropriate protective flooring underneath.

Maintenance:

Check monthly for wear or loosening.
Save your instruction manual.
If you pass the swing along, be sure to pass on the instructions, too.

Final Thoughts

Installing a DreamGYM Doorway Swing creates a safe, calming space where your child can recharge and let their imagination go wild. Whether it’s for sensory relief, movement breaks, or just pure fun, your swing setup brings something special into your home. Need help picking the right swing accessory or want expert tips for sensory play? We’re here to help. Contact us at info@kidsdreamgym.com

0 comments

Very nice but makes an odd noise

My children love their new swing. The seat and ropes are very sturdy. My only complaint is that the straps which wrap around the metal pole make a loud sound when the swing is in motion with a heavier child. In my case my 46lb and 70lb children. I put some felt in between the strap and metal to ease the rubbing and it stopped the noise completely.

Great design, lots of fun

Kids love it; easy install and sturdy enough to hold an adult. Thank you.

Just what we needed

I have 3 kids with different sensory seeking/avoiding needs and they all use the swing. The only problem we have now is deciding how to take turns:)

Amazing play value!

We got the swing and bar and rings for my six year old daughter for Christmas and she loves it. She is a very active child who needs movement in order to regulate and she goes upstairs to play on her swing independently, rather than climbing upside down on the living room furniture! Her friends have been coming over to practice tricks on the swing and she also uses it in the evening to calm down before bed.

Excellent quality

As a teacher who specializes in sensory equipment I have to say the quality of this swing is exceptional. I bought it from my home for my two-year-old daughter who is an active child and who loves swings she has thoroughly enjoyed the sensory swing and the red big girls swing thank you so much for such an incredible product highly recommend.