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Sensory Tools to Help Your Child

By Sharla Kostelyk

(This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosure policy.)

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When it comes to sensory processing and even emotional regulation, the right sensory tools can make all the difference. blonde boy upside down on top image, mother and daughter reading together on bottom image. Text "Sensory Tools for your child"

Sensory Tools to Help Your Child:

Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets serve many purposes. Here are some of the potential benefits for adults and children:

  • firm, gentle pressure provides proprioceptive sensory feedback
  • eases insomnia
  • produces a calming effect for some who have sensory processing disorder
  • lowers stress
  • reduces anxiety
  • improves focus in those with ADHD
  • better overall quality of sleep
  • helps with emotional regulation and mood
  • can be used for other physical and mental health concerns such as restless leg syndrome, PTSD, autism, OCD, and fibromyalgia

A good night’s sleep is so important for us to function the next day, not to mention our overall physical and mental health. Using a weighted blanket can help you fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and wake up feeling more rested.

Weighted blankets are scientifically proven to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety. 

It accomplishes all of these impressive things through something called deep touch pressure stimulation therapy. smiling boy in bed on colourful sheets under a blue blanket

What is deep touch pressure stimulation therapy?

Deep touch pressure stimulation therapy is firm but gentle pressure applied through squeezing, hugs, or holding techniques that relax the nervous system. This produces a calming, soothing effect that can lower anxiety.

This pressure can be applied with an actual hug or through the hands such as a massage or through tools or products such as weighted blankets, neck wraps, compression sheets, or specialized clothing. 

Deep touch pressure stimulation increases serotonin and dopamine, the “feel good” neurotransmitters and lowers cortisol, the stress hormone.  

The pressure of a weighted blanket in some ways recreates the feeling of a hug. Now more than ever, that is so needed. This can be so reassuring for kids who may feel anxious at night without their parent. 

When it comes to weighted sensory tools, it’s important that you get the right weight. Weighted blankets should not be used with infants and toddlers or those with certain health conditions. Consult your doctor before beginning to use a weighted blanket for yourself or your child.

Compression Sheets

Compression sheets work in much the same way as weighted blankets do. They provide firm, constant pressure in a gentle way. 

They also offer essentially the same benefits because they provide deep touch pressure stimulation.

It’s a bit like swaddling a baby. Of course, it isn’t safe to use these sheets with infants or toddlers. You want to ensure that your child can safely crawl out of the sheet themselves. 

 While the obvious benefits are improved sleep, lowered anxiety, and sensory needs being met, these can also be used during the day to calm your child if you sense that a sensory meltdown is coming on.

The Huggaroo Pouch compression sheet fits your child’s bed like a sock, open on both top and bottom but snug around. It’s smooth and stretchy, offering tactile and proprioceptive sensory feedback. boy in bed under a stretchy blue sheet with a teddy bearIt’s a great alternative to a weighted blanket for those that don’t want the heavy weight or heat of a weighted blanket.

Neck Wraps

The benefits of weighted neck wraps are again similar to those of weighted blankets. One of the nice things about neck wraps is that they are more portable, and can therefore be used at home, in school, or in other settings.

Some of my kids with sensory processing disorder have found that neck wraps help them when they need focus and concentration such as when they are writing an exam. a boy clutches a blue blanket while wearing a blue neck wrapWeighted neck wraps can be particularly beneficial for those with sensory processing disorder, autism, or ADHD. They can help reduce excessive movement and provide more focus and calming. 

I like the Huggaroo Weighted Neck Wraps. They are microwavable so they can be warmed. The combination of the proprioceptive pressure and the warmth is particularly soothing.

These are available in unscented or a subtle lavender scent which adds to the calming effect.  

You can also set them in your child’s lap so they can double as a lap pad!

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Filed Under: Sensory, Special Needs Parenting

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeannie says

    December 3, 2020 at 4:41 am

    My son loves hugs and when I rub his back.

  2. Rose Stephens says

    December 3, 2020 at 5:57 am

    My favorite sensory tool are sensory bottles. They’re fun to make with kids and even have a soothing effect on adults. 🙂

  3. Stephanie says

    December 3, 2020 at 6:12 am

    One of my students has a weighted lap mat that works very well for them.

  4. Rachel says

    December 3, 2020 at 6:14 am

    As a teacher, I love wiggle seats for my students.

  5. Joy says

    December 3, 2020 at 6:26 am

    The weighted neck wrap

  6. elizabeth miller says

    December 3, 2020 at 6:34 am

    I actually love the shoulder wrap. This could be so beneficial for the elderly as well as they tend to get chills through the shoulder area. I also love the microwaveable heating pads.

  7. Lynda says

    December 3, 2020 at 7:13 am

    This stuff looks awesome! Thank you for providing such great items for sensory uses.

  8. Debra Miller says

    December 3, 2020 at 7:21 am

    This is awesome! My 2 year old grandson has sensory processing. This would be a great gift for him. Thank you for sharing

  9. Kristina says

    December 3, 2020 at 7:29 am

    I have severe anxieties when it comes to dentists and having a weighted blanket during the procedure helps a lot!

  10. Anna W says

    December 3, 2020 at 7:49 am

    I am a special education teacher and love the use of weighted blankets, fidgets, and alternative forms of seating to help them feel calm and more focused!

  11. Pat Goudreau says

    December 3, 2020 at 7:55 am

    The neck wrap would be a great tool for some of the kids in my class who have sensory processing needs. Most weighted blankets are too large to really work well in our classroom setting, but the neck wrap would be just the right size. Thanks for the inspiration!

  12. MacKenzie Stahl says

    December 3, 2020 at 7:56 am

    My students crave a lot of sensory input and it is so difficult and expensive to be able to supply my caseload with everything they need. I try inexpensive things like weighing down a child’s backpack and having them run an “errand” for me or unstacking and stacking chairs. Now virtually it makes it even more difficult. These items would all be so useful!!

  13. Bonnie Kuhlmann says

    December 3, 2020 at 8:36 am

    My favorite sensory tools are sensory bottles.

  14. Theresa says

    December 3, 2020 at 8:53 am

    I love my weighted blanket at home! I love the wiggle seats for my kids and the sand!

  15. Kelsey James says

    December 3, 2020 at 8:54 am

    I love weighted blankets or pillows for my students laps

    • Jen says

      December 3, 2020 at 9:09 am

      We are learning so much about sensory processing. One of my kids is very sensitive (and has Adhd) and it is a constant learning curve to help him with tasks he finds physically uncomfortable especially when transitions are already difficult.

  16. michelle bradshaw says

    December 3, 2020 at 9:41 am

    These look so cozy. My students love their weighted blankets but this would be good for sitting at the desks as well

  17. Jill says

    December 3, 2020 at 9:54 am

    Love the idea of a weighted neck wrap. Other items on the website look equally interesting–puppy or lamb weighted lap pad for kids and eye compress for those horrible migraines.

  18. Lindsey says

    December 3, 2020 at 10:06 am

    I love having sensory bottles and having sensory toys that use other senses too – I currently have sound eggs in my sensory area in my preschool classroom! My students have to shake the eggs and find the matching sounds!

  19. Ali L. says

    December 3, 2020 at 10:17 am

    My favorite tools are weighted blankets and body socks. This is an awesome package that you are giving away.

  20. Shiloh says

    December 3, 2020 at 10:29 am

    Huggaroo has a cute weighted puppy I think we’ll have to get!! Wonderful tools!

  21. Stephanie says

    December 3, 2020 at 10:45 am

    So interesting! My daughter wears her baby blanket around her neck all day during virtual school. I thought it was just because it’s cozy but I’ve long maintained that she has some small sensory issues. My sister is also gifted and they both have the same responses to certain textures.

  22. Brittany Drish says

    December 3, 2020 at 11:08 am

    Sensory tools are a game changer in the classroom! So far my favorite sensory tool in the classroom has been a tall bubble coloring changing lamp light (goodness I have no idea what they are called). All of my sensory seekers cling to that during break time.

  23. SHIRLEY GREEN says

    December 3, 2020 at 11:31 am

    Thank you for providing such great items for sensory uses.

  24. Annette says

    December 3, 2020 at 11:37 am

    My favorite is the weighted blanket. I use one, myself.

  25. Angie Cox says

    December 3, 2020 at 1:21 pm

    So many options to help the kiddos we work with and their families…including my niece

  26. jackie says

    December 3, 2020 at 2:02 pm

    I love sensory bins and play dough and slime, mindless and calming. Feel calm at the end.

  27. Beth says

    December 3, 2020 at 2:43 pm

    A current student if mine benefits from a weighted vest. We’ve been experimenting with anything from sand bins to ice to chewing gum to find what fits our students.

  28. Cherie Brack says

    December 3, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    I love the weighted lap blankets and use them at my circle time for ‘focus tools’. We also use sensory bottles of different sizes in our calm down chair. Sometimes I ask my big wigglers to bring me the bigger bottles as a heavy load to carry. Then they feel like a helper and receive sensory input.

  29. marlene says

    December 3, 2020 at 6:07 pm

    This is right up my alley and so needed right now. Two people I had who would sew for me both have broken machines right now- what horrible timing! I soooo need this!

  30. Cindy Cline says

    December 3, 2020 at 7:18 pm

    I have 2 grandchildren that love their weighted blankets. One of my grandchildren likes it when she is awake but says it is to hot at night. I love the huggaroo pouch option. Thanks for sharing this.

  31. bn100 says

    December 3, 2020 at 7:26 pm

    legos

  32. Shannon says

    December 3, 2020 at 9:41 pm

    I’ve learned so much from you about how to help my kids with their sensory needs!! Thank you

  33. jaxie says

    December 4, 2020 at 8:36 am

    Water is my favorite sensory tool. There are so many ways to manipulate it and most children love the feel of it, as well as the opportunity to get wet!

  34. Anna says

    December 4, 2020 at 10:14 am

    Playdough!

  35. Kristina L says

    December 4, 2020 at 5:53 pm

    love this. I have 2 sensory kids and I have never tried the neck wrap. This would be amazing.

  36. Cathy B says

    December 4, 2020 at 11:08 pm

    Love the weighted blanket, the eye cover, the shoulder wrap that can be heated and the wonderful nobby small throw…

  37. adina says

    December 5, 2020 at 9:49 pm

    i love sensory bins. I also love using lycra body socks

  38. Jackie Jenkins says

    December 5, 2020 at 10:53 pm

    This is such an amazing give away! My students love our sensory items and we can never have enough!!!

  39. Heather F says

    December 6, 2020 at 2:54 pm

    I have a shoulder wrap – love it!

  40. maria says

    December 6, 2020 at 4:46 pm

    would be incredible for my son who has anxiety.

  41. Katie says

    December 6, 2020 at 6:02 pm

    I have always wanted to try a weighted blanket for myself!

  42. Jane Maritz says

    December 6, 2020 at 11:39 pm

    Squishy toys, monkey noodles

  43. Natalie Wahl says

    December 7, 2020 at 2:29 am

    I think we have tried most of them! My son seemed to prefer weighted blankets or any blanket he can wrap up tight in, fidgets to keep his hands busy, anything you can chew on and a bar that he could kick quietly that attached to his desk. He is currently a huge fan a foot pedal that he can use while playing games or studying.

  44. Shana Johnson says

    December 7, 2020 at 6:35 am

    This would be a great tool for my son, who is struggling with understanding his emotions.

  45. Mary Ann Loreng says

    December 7, 2020 at 9:18 am

    My favorite sensory tools are shaving cream, kinetic sand and water beads to help children with self-regulation.

  46. Erin says

    December 7, 2020 at 9:53 am

    I have so many kids on my caseload with sensory needs and not nearly enough supplies to go around. One year I got all my teachers to make weighted snake neck wraps so each classroom had at least two.

  47. Michelle J. says

    December 7, 2020 at 1:38 pm

    I like using pom poms!

  48. Yvonne Scott says

    December 7, 2020 at 8:36 pm

    Wow great giveaway items! We all need to use sensory tools of some sort, some of us more than others. Our students love these items.

  49. Amanda D. says

    December 9, 2020 at 11:06 am

    I have used weighted neck wraps and weighted bags for laps. They help so much. Now that I have a son (diagnosed ADHD) weighted/sensory has become a must.

  50. Briannon Leming says

    December 10, 2020 at 9:59 am

    We are new to exploring sensory tools but we have bought silicone chew necklaces for our children.

  51. Catie Barker says

    December 10, 2020 at 11:26 am

    weighted neck wraps!!!! I never even thought about that, this would be great for my middle school remote learners who have high anxiety being on camera.

  52. Laura A says

    December 12, 2020 at 9:57 am

    I would love to share these items with the students I serve.

  53. Karen says

    December 12, 2020 at 10:20 am

    Love a little weighted blanket/wrap

  54. Beth Steese says

    December 12, 2020 at 12:59 pm

    Love Hugaroo

  55. Dynal Roberson says

    December 12, 2020 at 3:02 pm

    I love Weighted Blankets. They are a life saver.

  56. Ginger Holley says

    December 12, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    I love weighted blankets and lap pads.

  57. Melanie Hawk says

    December 12, 2020 at 6:51 pm

    Noise cancellation head phones, sensory chewies necklace, silly putty (all these in combination work great for long drives, doctor appointments, dentist appointments — minus the necklace), maze books or I spy books with crayons or color pencils, light bright, legos, hot wheels, bubbles.

  58. Wendy Browne says

    December 12, 2020 at 7:09 pm

    My 4 year old likes sand and tiny trucks. These compression sheets are intriguing.

  59. Lisa says

    December 12, 2020 at 7:58 pm

    I would love to have this kit as a way to help my students, allowing them to try it before their parents buy it.

  60. Christa McComas says

    December 12, 2020 at 9:49 pm

    Weighted blankets are great sensory tools.

  61. Heidi DAVIS says

    December 13, 2020 at 12:35 am

    These products look amazing!

  62. Carla Myers says

    December 13, 2020 at 10:09 am

    I’m an OT and I’m always looking for great sensory materials to add the classrooms! You’re ideas are always great!

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