Sensational Sensory Seekers
Sensory Spectrum
Did you know babies can have different levels of sensory needs? Some are sensory seekers and others are sensory avoiders. Sensory seekers look for more sensation while the avoiders are looking for the opposite.
Do you have a sense of where your baby lands on this spectrum?
Sensory seekers may have a harder time with night time sleep because of the lack of sensations. At the same time, sensory avoiders may find some sleep strategies irritating if they get overstimulated.
Here are some quick strategies to try out. Be creative and try out a mixture of these ideas that target the different senses-every baby is different!
Sensory Play and Co-regulation
You can use play time to figure out what your baby responds to. Do they like the sensation of smooth toys or crinkly toys? Do they like to be rolled up like a burrito in a blanket or would they rather be free to move?
Consider spending 15-30 minutes in the evenings doing some form of age appropriate sensory play with your baby before wind down time. For older toddlers and preschoolers big body play (like play wrestling, jumping, dancing) are great ways to get the wiggles out before winding down for bed. The great news is you probably have everything you need at home to try out these ideas.
Here’s a short list:
Babies under 6 months:
tummy time: provide different texture fabrics (like a tag blanket, etc) for them to reach for
high contrast color toys or blankets
bath time: water is its own sensation! Add floating toys
6-12 months:
peek a boo
mix of soft toys and blocks
continue tummy time with additional objects (lots of diy ideas for this out there!)
taste safe sensory bins (use cereal, oats or ground graham crackers) add toys to enhance the experience
playing with/experiencing different food textures
1-2 years:
colorful balls in a tub
animal or car wash bin
playdoh
painting with water on colored paper
obstacle course using pillows
singing songs and dancing, follow the leader
What sensory play ideas have worked for you and your baby? What didn’t work? Feel free to hit reply and let me know, I love hearing from you.
