The Ultimate Sensory Kid's Valentine's Day Gift: A Sensory-Friendly Room!

Does your kiddo have a Sensory Processing Disorder? Sensory-seekers and sensory-avoiders are quite common conditions in children, especially if they have Autism, ADHD, or other attention and sensory issues. In order to properly focus at school or at home, stay calm, and stay happy, their sensory needs need to be fulfilled. This can include anything ranging from fidget toys to headphones to weighted blankets and everything in between. If you have a sensory kid, one of the best gifts you can give them is a Sensory Friendly Room! Keep reading to learn more about sensory-friendly rooms and a list of things you can grab to get started on one today.

What is a Sensory Friendly Room?

Children with sensory processing difficulties often need a safe space to escape when they are feeling overwhelmed. In order to properly focus on sleep, studies, and social situations, a sensory room can help keep them feeling calm and safe. Every child who deals with sensory processing issues is different. Some may need darkness and quiet, while others love lights and music. The most fun part is getting your child involved to make sure you include everything they will absolutely love!

Does My Child Need a Sensory Room?

Wondering if your child might be dealing with sensory processing issues? Check out this list of symptoms: (source: https://childdevelopment.com.au/areas-of-concern/...)

• Show heightened reactivity to sound, touch or movement.
• Be under-reactive to certain sensations (e.g. not noticing their name being called, being touched, high pain threshold).
• Appear lethargic/disinterested, appearing to mostly be in their ‘own world’.
• Have difficulty regulating their own behavioral and emotional responses, increased tantrums, emotionally reactive, need for control, impulsive behaviors, easily frustrated or overly compliant.
• Be easily distracted, and show poor attention and concentration.
• Have poor motor skills; appears clumsy, has immature coordination, balance, and motor planning skills, and/or poor handwriting skills.
• Have poor sleep patterns.
• Display restricted eating habits or is a picky eater.
• Become distressed during self-care tasks (e.g. hair-brushing, hair-washing, nail cutting, dressing, tying shoe laces, self-feeding).
• Love movement; seeks out intense pressure (e.g. constant spinning, running around, jumping, crashing in objects/people).
• Avoid movement-based equipment (e.g. swings, slides etc).
• Appear floppy or have ‘low muscle tone’, tire easily and is often slumped in postures.
• Performs tasks with too much force, has big movements, moves too fast, writes too light or too hard.
• Have delayed communication and social skills, is hard to engage in two-way interactions.
• Prefer to play on their own or has difficulty in knowing how to play with other children.
• Have difficulty accepting changes in routine or transitioning between tasks.
• Have difficulty engaging with peers and sustaining friendships.

Sensory Friendly Room Essentials

Ready to get your sensory room started? Here are a few great items to check out and hit Add to Cart!

Milo & Gabby Charcoal Foam Bead Playtime Pillow

The Milo & Gabby Charcoal Foam Bead Pillow Insert features a soft breathable material that will help keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The pillowcase is made from high-quality Tencel material, which is hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial, ideal for children with allergies. The flexible pillow design moves and curves with the shape of your child’s head, as well as making for some fun sensory play! This pillow is also great for babies and preventing flat head syndrome, otherwise known as plagiocephaly.

Innobaby Packin' SMART Stackables

It’s easy to find large storage bins for toys, but what about all those little objects? For crafts, Legos, hair pins, and more, our stackable containers are great for keeping small stuff neat and organized. Fill it with liquid (it’s leakproof!), beads, and other sensory material for a fun sensory shaking toy.

They work with a patented click system to ensure they’re all together. If you need one, take one. If you need five, take five! You get to customize exactly what you need for the day in whatever fun color or design you’d like. They’re perfect for the diaper bag, snacks, and dispensing formula, too!

Sensory Toys

Need some sensory toys for your sensory-friendly room? Look no further! Our entire line of SPIKE fidget toys is perfect for sensory kids! They are quiet, discreet, and perfect for home or the classroom. They are also all made of food-grade silicone, which means they are free of toxins, naturally antibacterial, odor-free, and super easy to clean and sanitize after a long day of fidget play.

Dont Forget Bath Time!

Sensory processing issues don’t stop at the bathroom door during bathtime. For many kids, bathtime can be an overwhelming experience. That’s why we created an entire line of sensory-friendly bath scrubs to use in the bath! They are not only great for tactile & sensory relief during bathtime, but they all work up a great lather for a deep cleaning experience. In fish, duck, and circle shapes, they are so fun to squish, press, peel, and touch. Trust us, once you get your hands on them, you won’t want to let go!

For more great sensory-friendly products, things to get your kiddo for Valentine’s Day, and a ton more fun parenting ideas, check us out at innobaby.com!