Sensory Tools We Love
Every child has a unique sensory profile, even us as adults do! This means that each of us have sensory inputs we need to feel regulated or sensory sensitivities that we try and avoid. Many children have a mixed sensory profile, which means that they are a sensory seeker and sensory avoider. For example, my son has a very high sensory threshold. He is a sensory seeker who needs big bear hugs, enjoys loud noises, and his body appears like it’s driven by a motor. He is also a sensory avoider when it comes to tactile input such as tags in clothes and thick socks. He will not wear them, or meltdown if his socks are not quite right.
Working with his sensory needs, we have found a few favorite tools that help him regulate his nervous system. You know your child the best, so if it seems as if your child is seeking out a certain input, get curious and see how you can support them! Here is a list of our favorite sensory tools that we use in our home.
Zenimals: Amazing for any child who is working with emotions!
This social emotional tool is so helpful for children who crave auditory input, are easily angered, becomes anxious, or feels restless during daily life. Zenimals comes with 9 meditation audios such as sleep, stillness, feelings, breath, etc. The audios are made for kids so they are easy to listen to and guide children through each meditation. My favorite part of the meditations is that at the end of each one, the speaker announces, “You are a good kid.”
If your child is struggling with falling or staying asleep, is hyperactive, or needs physical touch to calm down, a weighted blanket could be very helpful for your child. Weighted blankets put our nervous systems into rest mode, which means our heart rate lowers and our breathing becomes more regulated. It can also help reduce nighttime restlessness.
Tag-less Clothes from Lark Adventurewear
One of our favorite brands creates lightweight clothing that does not have tags! Made from bamboo, their clothing is so breathable and soft. My boys are sensitive to clothing brands, and seek their Lark clothing items out of the dirty clothes basket regularly.
These socks have a Goldilocks effect. Not too tight, not too baggy, and not too thick. In fact, they are very thin. They do have a small seam at the toes, so if your child is more bothered by any amount of seam rather than how to overall sock feels, it might not be the best sock for your child.
If your child struggles during rest time, or holding still in general, a Warmies could be very beneficial! They are adorably soft animals that are weighted and can be heated up in the microwave or put in the freezer. The weight and the heat are amazing for sensory seekers to calm down their bodies and mind.
From sitting at the table for dinner, or sitting on the floor to play a board game, we often use this wobble cushion! It also give a little height, which is helpful for kids who are not at the optimal height for sitting at a table. Along with all these tools, don’t forget to set boundaries and rules when it comes to using tools as resources.
I hope this list helps your child! Let me know what you try and if you have any questions. Don’t forget that tools without rules and boundaries just become toys, so set yourself and your child up for success before you hand these items over!
Some items on this post are affiliate links. This means that I make a small percentage of sales, and all opinions are my own.
