After you've gathered these items, you need to unzip the cover and stuff it with all the fluffy things you can find in your house. Sew the open side together then you can stuff the crash pad into another duvet. Vibrating teethers– Remember that vibration is one of the strongest types of sensory input? Well, use this teether when your child bites down. Fantastic oral sensory stimulation that can actually help them eat better! Sensory Bins– I’m sort of obsessed with sensory bins, and don’t think that they’re just for young kids, because older kids can still get in on the fun. Besides getting a lot of tactile input, you can also hide puzzle pieces and hidden objects for them to find. Want to make it more challenging, have them close their eyes while searching for buried treasures! Or, gross motor skills like jumping, climbing a ladder, or riding a bike. This stimulation of our senses can even effect how our children read!

Sensor Pads | Turun UK Ltd. Sensor Pads | Turun UK Ltd.

Ride and Push Bug– Ride-ons are popular toys for toddlers, but there’s tons of sensory input to be had too through all the pushing and movement they experience. Whatever you answer yes to is a clue as to what your child will use and get benefit out of. Of course, some kids have sensory sensitivities, and slowly encouraging them to use sensory toys as tools that move, feel different, or make sounds can desensitize them and lead to a better sense of well being and feeling grounded, secure, and regulated. You might wonder what the advantages of a crash pad are. For autistic children, having a crash pad at home has more benefits than you might realize. A crash pad can improve your child's gross motor skills and planning. By jumping into the crash pad, children with autism receive a large amount of sensory support that provides deep pressure on the leg and knee muscles, good for muscle tone and core strength. It develops coordination and fine motor skills in a non-threatening way. I love sensory toys for kids! They are so fun and can help with a lot of different issues. I think sensory toys are a great way to help kids with autism and SPD. Reply Calming sensory toys can be used in a couple of different ways. They can be helpful for kids that are high energy or hyperactivebecause they’re used as tools to help them calm down. Just like when Isaac bounced on the ball before dinner.Second, sensory toys can help give a child the sensations they want. For instance, my son loves to climb up the banister of our stairs, it’s a bit dangerous and I’m not even sure the railing can hold him before it ends up snapping. I can see that he needs to get this physical input, but I can’t allow him to continue. However, a sensory toy can give him those same sensations he’s trying to give himself in a safe way! Ball Pit– Besides being lots of fun, ball pits give lots of that deep pressure input. Remember, for most kids, that equals calm! Climbing pegs– If you have a climber, you may want to consider adding some climbing pegs to your swing set or a wall in your house! Seriously people, do this. How cool would that be? If you just want to give your child the best sensory toys possible to help them develop, then any of these toys would be a great place to start. One warning, though, is to NEVER force your child to use any particular sensory toy. When your child participates in sensory activities, they are learning. It’s critical to their development.

Sensory Cushions | Sensory Wedge Cushions | Sensory Direct

Sensory toys have the potential to be amazing because they do two things. First, they stimulate a child’s senses. That stimulation all goes on inside the brain and is closely related to tons of other skills that your child needs to grow into a fully functional adult. I’m talking about fine motor skills like writing, cutting, and zipping their coat. Platform Swing– This swing actually can help improve sensory processing as it stimulates the brain through specific types of movement. And, if your child’s ever been in occupational therapy, you’ve probably seen one. This budget friendly version can be hung up in your home or from a swing set outside.Heavy work means any activity that pushes or pulls against the body. Children with autism need to do heavy work because it helps them with sensory processing issues. It makes them feel centered. Light Up Spinner Wand– Calling all light lovers! This spinner is portable, so it can easily be thrown in your purse or the car – if it helps your child calm down in the middle of Target. No matter what you do, a crash pad is a fun activity for children with autism. They are a safe landing zone for all children who crave sensory stimulation. It lets the child use his imagination and be creative. Crash pad activities can help calm autistic children, especially if they suffer from anxiety. It will also help the child concentrate in school. It's important to remember that a foam mattress doesn't make a good crash pad since it is from a softer foam. What Kind of Foam Is In a Crash Pad?

Safety Padding - Sense Sensory Safety Padding - Sense Sensory

But, for children with Autism, SPD, or other special needs, these sensory toys could be used on a daily basis. Before we get started, it's important to put the crash pad in a clear space and always have adult supervision.

Sensory Toys for Toddlers and Babies

Sequin Flip Pillow– Have you ever felt sequin flip fabric? It’s addicting and feels incredibly soft. But half the fixation is in the magic of watching it repeatedly change colors. Kids can also hug this while getting lots of tactile and visual stimulation. Or, when my oldest son, covered his bare arms, hands, and belly with finger paints at 13 months old and it helped develop his ability to eat and readily explore different textures in a fun way. As an occupational therapist, I knew this sensory play and the sensory toys were having a big impact on their brain! Many of the sensory toys above can be used for toddlers and babies, but not all. This list is perfect for exploring babies and toddlers: Lava Lamp– If your kid likes to look at lights, this is for them. Staring at the slow moving lava can instantly relax.