Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support
Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

Creating A Sensory Self- Soothing Calming Kit

Children with sensory differences ... painting the world beautiful.  

Creating A Sensory Self- Soothing Calming Kit 

Jeanette Loftus

child with sensory differences feeling calm Creating A Sensory Self- Soothing Calming Kit sensory processing disorder
As parents, we need to fill our children's sensory diet as much as possible to keep them regulated. Being out at events, stores, travelling or at school can be very overwhelming for our kids so bringing a sensory travel kit with them can be very beneficial. Bringing a sensory kit to outings for our children will make things go a lot smoother. Sensory kits make it easier for them and for us parents too.

When you are out travelling or on an outing, it can be very overwhelming to our senses when we have Sensory Processing Disorder.

Smells can be too strong, sounds can be too loud, lights can be too bright and that can make us very anxious and overstimulated.

There are many names for a sensory kit. Everyone calls a sensory kit something different so you may have heard the kits be called other names such as sensory box, sensory toolkit, soothe kit or a comfort box.

Sensory kits are not only great to prevent meltdowns and fill your child's sensory diet but are also used when you are out and in a crisis situation.
Sensory Processing Calm Down Ideas  Blowing bubbles Play with slime Jump on trampoline Scented play dough  Nature walk  Heavy work activities  Breathing activities  Calming music  Yoga poses  Deep pressure  Blow pinwheels

Sensory Processing Calm Down Ideas

Blowing bubbles
Play with slime
Jump on trampoline
Scented play dough
Nature walk
Heavy work activities
Breathing activities
Calming music
Yoga poses
Deep pressure
Blow pinwheels
Coloring
Sensory bottles

It is important to fill your child's sensory box with items that are familiar to your child that you know your child will enjoy. Their sensory kit doesn't just have to be sensory tools but craft supplies are a great idea to add to their kit too.

Why should I Create A Sensory Self- Soothing Travel Kit?

Over time we learn to self-sooth ourselves and accommodate our sensory needs but children are just learning what works for them. A sensory kit with sensory tools to assist them while they are out can be very helpful. Your child requires sensory breaks throughout the day to keep them regulated.

Everyone has different sensory needs so each sensory self- soothing travel kit will be different according to your child's sensory needs.

Benefits To Having a Sensory Self- Soothing Travel Kit

Sensory overload can be extremely difficult for both our children and ourselves when we are running errands, attending appointments or travelling to short or longer destinations. This is why it is so important to find the best tools for your child and have them available to them.

An Occupational Therapist can assist you to find the right sensory tools for your child's sensory needs.

There are so many benefits to using sensory kits.

- Self-Regulation

- Fine Motor Skills

- Calming

- Play Skills

- Hand/Eye Coordination

- Child Led Exploration

- Hands On learning- Motor Development


Types Of Sensory Self- Soothing Travel Kits There are a few different types of sensory kits that you may want to have ready at the door for your child. You may find it helpful to have a sensory kit for your child while they are at school, travelling longer distances, shorter local outings or you may want to keep a sensory kit in your car at all times. Sensory boxes can be available in your home for your child too in their calm down corner or an area in your house.

What do you pack in your child's sensory calming backpack for outings?
Sensory Calming Backpack For Outings
- noise reduction headphones
- fidgets
- sensory bottle
- weighted vest/animal
- chewelry
Sensory boxes are usually for when you are on the go. They don't need to be expensive and can be within your budget. A trip to a few dollar stores will help you cut down on the costs as they now sell fidgets, putty and other sensory products.
You can rotate sensory box items throughout the year. Your child can experience new sensory items regularly. Some parents like to switch out sensory items in their child's kits for different holidays, themes and seasons.
child with sensory processing disorder wearing a calming backpack kit sensory back pack sensory toys for outings sensory tools for when children go out in their backback
You can put your child's sensory kit items in a caddy, backpack, reusable bag or a plastic container. Decide what to put the sensory items in based on your affordability and needs. 
The container you choose doesn't really matter as much as what is in the bag or box. 
You could make it a fun activity for you and your child and decorate a box together. 

Tactile Sensory Tools 

 (what you feel/touch)
Wikki Stix

Fidgit Stix

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Therapy Shoppe

Jumbo Crystal Squeeze Ball

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Smush Co. 

Maridot Squishable Scrunchie 

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Visual Sensory Tools 

(what you see)
Amazon

Expandable Breathing Sphere Ball 

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Amazon

Retro Gyro Wheel & Rail Twister 

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Amazon

ColorMix Sensory Tubes 

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Auditory  Sensory Tools

(what you hear)  
Therapy Shoppe 

Therapy Shoppe Junior EarMuffs 

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Cozy Phones

CozyPhones 3.0 Toddler Headphones 

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Amazon

Flare Audio Calmer Kids ear Device 

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Olfactory Sensory Tools

(what you smell) 
Amazon

Crazy Aaron's SCENTsory Putty 

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Wellnessed Boutique

Star Essence Focus Rollerball Blend 

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Amazon

Eden's Garden Focus Focus Focus Rollerball 

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Gustation Sensory Tools

(what you taste/chew)  
gummy chic video game chew controller chewelry necklace
Gummy Chic

Video Game Sensory Chew Pendant 

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Amazon 

Fubbles Bubbles No Spill 

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Munchables Chewelry 

Munchables Flaming Skull Chewelry 

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Proprioception Sensory Tools

(body awareness)
Have you heard of the Sensory Calming Wands (handheld vibrations) for kids? They are helping parents/children w/transitions, re-regulation, and just times when caregiver needs a break but sensory input is needed.
Sensory Calming Wands 

Calming Vibration Self Regulation Tool 

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Kozie Clothes

Kozie Clothes Sensory Compression Shirt 

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CalmCare Calming Undervest Girls Proprioceptive sensory tools for children
CalmCare

Sensory Calming Undervest for Girls

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Vestibular Sensory Tools

(where you are in space) 
Amazon

Hedgehog Balance Pods and Balance Discs 

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Amazon

hand2mind Indoor Scooter Board 

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Fun & Function - Chair Ball - Yoga Ball Chair for Kids - Flexible Seating for Classroom, Elementary & Middle School - Wiggle Chair for Kids
Amazon

Fun & Function Kids Sensory Chair Yoga Ball 

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Interoceptive Sensory Tools

(what you feel inside) 
Amazon

hand2mind Mindful Maze Boards 

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Amazon

hand2mind PAWZ The Calming Pup 

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Amazon

hand2mind Mindful maze Garden Pack 

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Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support 

Sensory Processing Disorder Resources  

Supporting, learning, sharing and growing together.
Masking & Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory Processing Disorder in the School Cafeteria
Panic Disorders in Children: Do you Know the Signs?
8 Senses (not 5) & Sensory Systems
DISCLAIMER: I have learned a lot over the years but I am still learning. Always do your own research and exercise sound judgment. I am not an occupational therapist or a physician. I am an adult who has sensory processing disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists or medical professionals give you. These are just ideas that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for awareness and support purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different sensory needs. Please always consult with a professional. 
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