7 Activities to Do with Sensory Sensitive Toddlers

7 Activities to Do with Sensory Sensitive Toddlers

Toddlers are their own type of human on their own, but when you add sensory sensitive to the mix, you’ve got your hands overflowing with craziness. Instead of face-palming it every day, here are 7 activities you can do with your sensory sensitive toddler:

Ice Smashing Contest: Because sensory toddlers often use more force than is needed for activities, placing ice in a plastic Ziploc bag and smashing it is a great way to get out frustration, aggression, and strength.

Ball Bouncing: Toddlers with sensory sensitivity often struggle with balance. Bouncing on a big ball helps with balance and restless energy. You could even have a race.

The gel in a Bag: Get colored hair gel and fill a quart of a Ziploc full of gel. Let your sensory toddler play with the gel-filled bag to help with tactile stimulation. This can, also, be used to write letters, numbers, or shapes in the gel.

Make a Texture Book: Go around the house and pick out textures with your child that he/she likes to touch. This will help your child get used to different textures and help you figure out which textures work well. Place the different textures in a book for your toddler to touch, rub, or look at.

Guessing Game: You will want to put different textured items into a bag or in a box. Have your child close their eyes and feel what is in the bag or box. Let them try and guess what it is. For each correct guess offer a small reward to encourage them.

Balloon Toss: Many toddlers with sensory sensitivity struggle with coordination. The slow motion of the balloon floating gives them time to catch and throw the balloon back. This helps with coordination, balance, and confidence.

Rice Sock: Many times toddlers with sensory issues aren’t aware of their body. Fill a tube sock with rice and tie it off. Your toddler can squish and play with it, or place it on their neck or lap for slight pressure and body awareness.

Having a sensory sensitive toddler can be tough, but you can help prepare them for dealing with their senses with these sensory activities. What other sensory activities have you used with your toddler?