Do you have a toddler who is constantly moving, bouncing off the walls and loves things like big hugs, being tickled and having lots of blankets on top of them? They may be sensory seeking! While sensory seeking (or alternatively sensory avoidance) may lead to a future diagnosis in the realm of Sensory Processing Disorder, most people have sensory needs in some direction! We’ve been learning that G is a definite seeker in many areas, and here are some activities that we do to help fill his sensory “cup”
1. Deep Squeeze Hugs: this is an easy one, pick up your toddler and give them a big, deep, squeezing hug. See how they feel afterwards!
2. Jumping Activities: whether it’s on a trampoline, hopscotch, on bubble wrap or just on the floor, jumping is a fun sensory activity!
3. Deep Pressure Massage: this is one we do for G when he’s settling down for bed or having a rough day, we grab a calming lotion like X or X and use techniques like found in this video https://youtu.be/nb1Cx-15FGo and it really helps G calm down while also fulfilling his sensory needs!
4. Throw Bean Bags: Bean bags are a very versatile toy to have, they are great for counting, stacking, stepping on, banging together to make noise and of course – throwing! We do an activity with G where we set a hula hoop up on the floor and G takes his bean bags and SLAMS them down into the hula hoop! He has so much fun! You could throw them through a hoop, into a basket, use painter’s tape to make shapes on the floor as targets, the possibilities are endless! Here’s a good set of bean bags from Amazon.
5. Doing Pulling Activities: ropes, resistance bands, baskets full of stuff, wagons, or chairs are all perfect for pulling! Get your toddler’s muscles moving!
There you have it! 5 easy activities you can do with your sensory seeking toddler! Do YOU do any sensory activities with your child? Let me know in the comments!
Until next time,
Amanda Diaries 