Calming Strategies for Toddlers with Sensory Needs

It’s 2:00 on a Saturday at Walmart. Just as you start to reach for a gallon of milk, you hear the shrill cries of a toddler losing his patience in a shopping cart. We’ve all heard a toddler or two throwing a tantrum at the grocery store. Maybe he’s tired, maybe he’s hungry or maybe he’s experiencing sensory-overload. You immediately sympathize with both the parent and the child (or at least I know I do). 

As a mother of a boy with various sensory needs, I get it. And I have a few strategies you might try to incorporate into your daily routine to help minimize these stressful moments.

Sensory bins

A speech-language pathologist introduced this idea to us, and I’m absolutely obsessed. The one she first brought to a therapy session contained dry beans. My son would bury his hands in it and even dip his feet in. The end result was a calmer, more focused kid. When he’s feeling extra antsy or anxious, I just pull one of these out at his little table.

I tried making one (slightly messier) bin with cornmeal and some tiny tractors and dump trucks we had on hand. I filled an old Rubbermaid DVD container with coffee beans, old-fashioned oats, rocks, dinosaur figurines and other random little toys. Kinetic sand works great, too.

Water play

I try to give my 4-year-old a bath once or twice a day, usually with Lavender-scented bubble bath. If he's not up for a bath, I move his step stool in front of the sink and fill it with water and add bubbles. He splashes toys around in it while watching himself babble or sing in front of the mirror. Water seems to have a relaxing and calming effect on him.

Play-Doh

I’ve actually started carrying Play-Doh in my purse or backpack. I get it out at restaurants, in the car or in waiting rooms when my son gets antsy.

Tents, Tunnels and Trampolines

We received a retractable tunnel one year for my son's birthday, and the next year he got a couple of tepee-style tents. They became an everyday essential as well. When he felt overwhelmed, he’d retreat to his tent or tunnel and, once he felt at ease, he crawled back out. Sometimes he took his favorite books or toys inside.

Trampoline time became an asset to our days. Letting off some steam by jumping around for a few minutes while listening to music released all of that toddler energy.

Compression shirt

This was another idea from our SLP. We ordered something called a compression shirt, which is stretchy like a tube top and fits under your kid’s clothes give extra comfort and feel like a constant hug. I’ve tried putting it on him before outings where he seems to get most overwhelmed and overstimulated, like the mall, grocery store or library story time. I’d label it a successful tool so far. Weighted vests and weighted blankets seem to have the same effect.

The great outdoors

Lastly, just being outside for a few minutes is great for your toddler's senses. At least 30 minutes a day of outside time can make a positive impact on your child's mood. Go to the park, the walking trail, or even sit in your driveway and blow bubbles.

Incorporating these activities into your child’s day won’t eliminate meltdowns altogether but should significantly reduce them. I guarantee you’ll notice a calmer kid if you try one of these suggestions when overwhelmed overload begins.

Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, 4-year-old son and two dogs.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.