This week, we are focusing on Sensory Kids! It can be difficult to find toys that will keep children with Sensory Processing Disorder busy, comfortable and stimulated. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for all the best squishy, spiky, foamy and fidgety gifts for the little ones in your life!
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorders are difficulties with organizing and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Kids with these issues may be over sensitive to sensory input, under sensitive, or both, according to understood.org. Kids with these disorders have difficulty processing information that is gathered through the senses, and will in turn impact their lives greatly if left ignored or untreated. While it is not classified as a learning disability, these issues can have a major impact on how children learn and grow in their early years. Some sensory issues may include: The taste and textures of certain foods Loud or sudden noises or music Bright or flickering lights, or total darkness Clothing that scratches or folds on the body in particular ways, and certain fabrics Depending on the child’s sensory issues, they may be overly stimulated by the above symptoms and want to avoid them at all costs. It can make them extremely uncomfortable and upset when in contact with them. Alternatively, other children are under stimulated and will seek these sensations. They may have difficulty feeling, hearing, tasting or seeing some things. Some children may feel both, and the symptoms differ from environment to environment and from day to day. Some sensations may be over stimulating while others are under stimulating, and these can flip flop. Some behaviors that may indicate a child has Sensory Processing Disorder, according to the Child Mind Institute, may include: Screaming if their faces get wet Throwing tantrums when you try to get them dressed Having an unusually high or low pain threshold Crashing into walls, and even people Putting inedible things, including rocks and paint, into their mouths
Gifts for sensory kids
Finding toys and gifts for children with Sensory Processing Disorders can be difficult. You’re never quite sure what may trigger the “fight or flight” response for the child, or what could be too difficult for them to handle. It can be difficult for the child to receive an awesome toy, only to find they are unable to withstand the sensory stimulation. If it is not our own child and a gift for another, it can be especially difficult to determine what may be appropriate for them. We rounded up some of our products that have shown to be great, quiet options for children in the classroom or other public places.
Silicone Fidget Tactile Pencil Topper & Grip Combo Pack - $7.99
Fidget tools are super effective in relieving stress and anxiety in children, so why not stick one right on the tool they use most? It’s just as soothing as the Spike Fij-it, but much smaller and better for classroom use. Especially effective for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Focusing issues, ADD, ADHD, Sensory Processing disorders and other attention issues, this fidget tool can be kept discreet in the palm of their hand to give personal comfort in stressful situations. The grip adds girth to make it easier for little hands to hold, and the top adds some weight to help strengthen fingers while writing. For children whose senses might be under stimulated, this tool will be allow them to feel the pencil and grip it great. With 8 different color combinations, any child - with sensory issues or not - is sure to love this squishy, squeezy tool!
School and homework can be stressful on little ones, especially when they have problems paying attention in school. Does your little one finally need some quiet, mess-free anxiety relief? Our Spike Fij-It is the perfect way for kids to relieve stress, and can even be used in the classroom. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it - with a dual texture design, it features soft and durable silicone spikes on one side, and a smooth surface on the other. Our product testers couldn’t put them down! For even more tactile fun, squeeze two Fij-it toys together and enjoy the satisfaction of peeling them apart. Fidget toys are clinically proven to help calm children, so give them something that can help soothe them rather than just some more screen time. And hey - you might want to even order an extra one for yourself!
Bathin’ Smart Silicone Fish Antimicrobial Bath Scrub for Babies and Toddlers - $9.99
Time to toss away your stinky washcloth! Our Award Winning Bathin’ Smart Silicone Bath Scrub may be the perfect bath time replacement for some sensory sensitive kids. It’s dual textured - One side has soft, short bristles and the other has longer and even softer bristles to provide two different cleaning and sensory experiences. This double-sided feature will give sensory kids two different sensations to feel and play with quietly in their hands. It’s naturally mold and mildew resistant, creates a super soothing lather and can even be used by moms to massage sore breasts from breastfeeding. It’s won tons of awards, comes in 4 adorable color combinations and can be used by older children in the bath alone or as a fidget toy. Super durable, grows along with your little one AND can be used as a sensory toy - what more could a mom want from a bath scrub?
Teethin’ Smart EZ Grip Fruit Teether - $6.99
Teething is a horrible experience all around. Especially for the baby, but let’s be honest, it’s horrible for parents as well. Our Award Winning teether is not only adorable, but was also designed as a training teether. This means it not only soothes baby’s teething pain, but it also helps stimulate the muscles of the lips, tongue, and cheeks to improve oral motor skills. That aids in nursing, eating solid foods, drinking from cups, and speech development - but it doesn’t end there. Children with Sensory Processing issues who are sensitive different textures and tastes will enjoy these shapes and textures! Some are smooth and some are bumpy, so there is something for everyone! The light and easy to grip handle also improves hand-eye coordination and is easy to hold for children who may have gripping issues stemming from a Sensory Processing Disorder. It comes in four different fruit shapes, and you can rest assured that your little one is safe using it. This teether uses the highest quality TPE available, is freezer safe, BPA-, phthalate-, PVC-, latex- and lead- free. They will love the bright colors and will know just what to do with it when they see it!
Charcoal Foam Bed Baby Pillow Insert for Flat Head Syndrome, Tencel Pillow Cover - $36
The Milo & Gabby Charcoal Foam Bead Pillow Insert features a soft, breathable material that will help keep your baby warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It helps regulate your little one’s body temperature, which is perfect for kiddos with Sensory Processing Disorder. The pillow case is made from high-quality Tencel material, which is hypoallergenic and antibacterial, ideal for children with allergies. It’s also extremely soft - made of 320 thread count 100% cotton sateen! The 10" X 13" flexible pillow design moves and curves with the shape of your baby's head to help prevent your baby from developing flat head syndrome, otherwise known as plagiocephaly. Pro Tip: Do not leave your baby unattended while using this pillow. We also have a whole line of Milo & Gabby Original Animal Pillow Case covers that are custom sized to fit this pillow, below! This Charcoal Bead Pillow is super easy to clean, just toss it in the washing machine on the gentle cycle in cold water, remove promptly and line dry. Do not Bleach.
The Original Milo & Gabby Animal Baby Pillowcase for Babies, Toddlers and Kids - $22
The original Milo & Gabby’s animal-shaped pillow cases are sure to capture your little one’s heart and imagination! Made with ultra-soft 320-thread count sateen cotton, it’s perfect for little ones with Sensory Processing Disorder. Not to mention your baby will have sweet dreams with this pillow friend by their side! Sized just right for your growing baby, our pillowcase measures 10" x 13" and is compatible with our 3D Mesh or Charcoal Foam Bead Pillow insert (sold separately). Easy to clean- simply unzip, remove the pillow, and toss the pillowcase in the washing machine. Recommended for ages 3 months and up, these pillowcases are made of 100% cotton!
Let us know!
Do you know a child with Sensory Processing Disorder who would love any of these products? What are your tips and tricks for managing this disorder? Tell us in the comments below! Happy shopping!