Welcome to Part 4/4 of sensory-friendly ideas that won’t break the budget. If you are looking for sensory solutions for your family or children’s program, you are in the right place!
The word “sensory” (much like the words “art,” or “therapy”), has a funny way of increasing the price tag of any item it’s attached to. So, one of the best ways to save money on sensory items, is to avoid packages that say “sensory” on them! Many everyday items can be repurposed for sensory needs.
People with proprioceptive sensory needs crave deep pressure and stimulation of their muscles. They are always climbing, jumping, and crashing! People with vestibular sensory needs, enjoy having their balance challenged, and gravitate toward spinning and swinging activities. Proprioceptive and vestibular sensory-seekers will be more calm, content, and alert after their needs have been met, which means that including active play into your day before any quiet listening or focus is required, will help them succeed!
Playgrounds
If you have a vestibular or proprioceptive sensory-seeker in your home or classroom, the playground is your best friend! Thankfully, most schools and public parks can be accessed for free to meet this need for physical play.
Children with vestibular needs will feel more calm, alert, and safe after several minutes on the swing or merry-go-round. Children with proprioceptive needs will feel the same after an intense workout of running, jumping, and climbing, or playing a sport.
Homemade Obstacle Courses
If you cannot get to a playground, building a temporary one in your classroom or living room is always an option! Creating homemade obstacle courses out of couch cushions, blankets, buckets, books, chairs, upside-down tote bins, and whatever else you have on hand, can really help a sensory-seeker regulate their body.
DIY Crash Pads
A therapeutic “crash pad” is a common item used by sensory-seekers to run into, or jump/flop onto. These pads are often made of thick fabric filled with foam, and the price begins in the hundreds of dollars. But do you know what else is filled with foam and is readily available? A mattress.
Put your child’s mattress on the floor for a jump/dance party. Or, repurpose their old crib mattress as a permanent crash pad in the corner. (A second-hand crib mattress may also be available on your local buy/sell/trade page at a greatly reduced cost.)
You can also improvise a crash pad with couch cushions and blankets.
Blanket Swings
Therapy swings are another helpful item that can sometimes carry a hefty price tag. If you have a dysregulated kid who needs to swing, and getting to the park isn’t an option, try calming them with a blanket swing.
Two adults holding the corners of a thick blanket can create a temporary swing to rock and soothe a small child in a cocoon-like embrace. You may find that this becomes a part of your regular bedtime routine!
Rocking Chairs
Grandma had it right! Rocking chairs are magic when it comes to calming a baby, and calming anyone with vestibular sensory needs. So, wrap them up tight in a blanket, and hop into the nursery chair when your child needs soothing. (You may find it makes your feel a lot better too!)
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