What is a Sensory Kid?
As new moms, we hear new phrases all the time, including “Sensory Kid.” Do you wonder whether you have a sensory kid or if what they’re experiencing is normal in toddlerhood? Do you have a sensory kid and want new, fun ways to encourage their sensory development and give them ways to get the sensory feedback they crave? We’ve got some awesome ideas and products for you! Keep reading to learn more about what it means to be a sensory kid, how you can encourage sensory development with your child, and some awesome sensory toys to help you out!
Understanding Sensory Kids
At first, sensory kids may act in ways that we, as parents, don’t understand. That can be especially confusing for first-time parents, who aren’t sure what is normal toddler behavior versus what a sensory child may be experiencing. Sensory kids are either sensory-seeking or sensory-avoiding and have very different needs than kids who are not.
Here are some common symptoms that your child may be a sensory-seeker:
- Unable to sit still
- Closely observes others
- Picks at fingers
- Takes risks, like jumping off of high places, or comes off as “brave” at the playground
- Needs to touch everything
Symptoms of sensory-avoiders include:
- Does not like affection, hugs, or kisses
- Easily startled
- Does not like bright lights or sounds
- Expresses that their clothes are uncomfortable
- Panics when people are too close
- Focuses on random background noises
Sensory Processing Disorders
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects how your brain processes sensory information (stimuli). Sensory information includes things you see, hear, smell, taste, or touch. SPD can affect all of your senses or just one. SPD usually means you’re overly sensitive to stimuli that other people are not. But the disorder can cause the opposite effect, too. In these cases, it takes more stimuli to impact you. On the other hand, lack of sensory input can impact your social and emotional health. For example, hearing loss has been shown to increase the risk of developing dementia because it causes social isolation and depression. (source: FamilyDoctor.org )
If you suspect your child may have a sensory processing disorder, talk to their doctor. The doctor will likely refer you to an occupational therapist, who will assess your child, observe them in certain situations, and possibly diagnose them.
Treatment for SPD includes therapy, and the earlier your child can get treatment for SPD, the better. They will be able to learn how to manage their sensory processing challenges at a young age so that they can set up positive coping strategies for life. They will also learn how to do things that sensory kids take longer to learn, including using buttons, utensils, and scissors.
How You Can Encourage Sensory Development
Living with a sensory processing disorder can be difficult for both parents and the kids who experience it. Luckily, there are ways you can help encourage sensory development with your child and help them get the sensory feedback they are craving. It includes integrating sensory fidget toys into your daily life, as well as taking part in bubble play.Sensory Fidget Toys
Innobaby has an entire line of fun sensory toys that are perfect for any situation. Whether your child is in the classroom, at home, in a restaurant, in a car, or anywhere in between, our sensory fidget toys are mess-free, noise-free, and can fit in the palm of your hand for a great sensory experience that will not disturb anyone else.SPIKE Fij-it
Spike Fij-it™ features durable and soft spikes that provide tactile stimulation for Kinesthetic learners. One side of the dual-textured design features soft and durable silicone spikes, while the other features a smooth surface. They stick to each other, your desk, the bath walls, and much more!
For even more tactile fun, squeeze two Fij-it toys together and enjoy the satisfaction of peeling them apart. Made from 100% Silicone, SPIKE Fij-it™ toys are hypoallergenic and non-toxic, as well as BPA, phthalate, latex, and odor-free. The naturally antibacterial silicone is easy to clean and can be sterilized for deep cleaning after a long day of sensory fun.
Spike Silicone Fidget Tactile Pencil Topper & Grip
Sensory toys have been proven to help kids pay better attention in class, sit still more easily in their desks, and retain more information in the classroom. This makes SPIKE Silicone Fidget Tactile Pencil Topper and Grip every student's sensory sidekick!
All you have to do is stick SPIKE on your pencil and twirl, squeeze, and squish your studies away. SPIKE can also easily fit in the palm of your hand as a discreet fidget tool.
Everyone, young and old, can enjoy Spike! Especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Focusing issues, ADD, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders, and other attention issues. Perfect for classroom, home, or office, it’s a must-have for every sensory kid’s backpack!
SPIKE Sensory Fidget Ball
These SPIKE Silicone Fidget Balls are going to be your child’s new best friend. Made in an adorable pineapple-like shape and three stimulating colors, kids (and adults!) of all ages won’t be able to put them down.
Easy to fit in the palm of your hand, these balls have tons of textures and ways to enjoy them. Squish, pop, float, toss, or pull—these balls will help keep focus and fulfill sensory needs. There’s even a hole at the bottom to pop on top of a pen or pencil or your finger to give even more sensory feedback fun.
Bubble Play
Bubble play has endless benefits, including sensory development. Your occupational therapist may even have some in their toolbag! It helps with oral motor skills, fine motor skills, eye tracking, cognitive development, and much more.
Spike’s Sensory Bubble Play Skin Happy Botanical Bubbles & Blower Set is easy enough for a toddler to use all on their own, and the botanical solution is mess-free and non-sticky!
This sensory bubble toy gives tons of bubbles without the mess or soapy gooey residue. Perfect for sensory play, learning, bubble therapy, the classroom, birthday parties, special events, and more, this uniquely designed bubble system is non-toxic, calming, and worry-free for parents. Made with plant extracts, coconut oil, and purified water, this bubble toy is easy on sensitive skin.
For more fun parenting tips, hacks, and family-friendly products for sensory kids and beyond, visit us at Innobaby.com!