Every person, no matter how young or old, has sensory preferences. Sometimes our kiddos just need a little bit of help determining what those preferences are and how to meet those needs. Our sensory systems are like banks – we must make deposits to be able to make withdrawals. Withdrawals are inevitable! There are going to be tasks and activities that require a kiddo to focus and be regulated. Some signs that your child’s sensory bank might be empty or running low are meltdowns or frustration, wiggling or fidgeting, or excessive running, climbing, or jumping.
Here are some ideas to help your child fill their sensory bank:
Touch:
Using our touch, or tactile, sense allows us to regulate by getting input through the receptors in our skin. Sensory play with various textures and items is a great way to do this!
- Place trinkets and toys in sand and have your child search for them. You can blend up cheerios or fruit loops to create an option that is safe if your kiddo likes to put items in their mouth!
- Hide small toys in Jello and have your child dig through them to find the treasure.
- Put some whipped cream on the highchair tray or in the bathtub and let your child play and explore.
- Playdough and finger painting are also great tactile options!
Vestibular:
Our vestibular system is the way we take in input when our body and/or head changes direction or positions.
- Bounce your child up and down on a yoga ball or have them lay on their back on the ball and slowly roll them backwards.
- Have a dance party! This creates a lot of changes in body and head position in a fun and creative way.
- Spinning around in an office chair, jumping on a trampoline, or swinging
Proprioceptive:
Proprioception is how we gain input through muscles and joints. This allows us to know how and where our bodies are moving in space.
- Animal walks: bear walk on hands and feet, crab walk, or slither like a snake
- Jump or run and crash into a mattress or pile of pillows
- Push a laundry basket through the house collecting items along the way
Oral:
Engaging in oral input allows us to regulate through the sensory receptors in our lips and mouth.
- Fill a cup or bowl up with water and use a straw to blow bubbles
- Use a toothbrush that vibrates
- Whistle or hum a song
It can be hard to determine what sensory input your child needs or wants. One way to do this is to watch and recognize what their body is doing when they are overwhelmed or dysregulated. Are they running, climbing, and jumping? They may need some proprioceptive or vestibular input! Putting a lot of items in their mouth? Try some oral strategies! Once you notice what their body is searching for, you can try to fill their sensory bank with these experiences before the dysregulation occurs.
By Natalie Rockers, Occupational Therapist, Rainbows’ Sedgwick County Infant Toddler Services
