A common challenge for parents who have children with sensory differences is finding clothes that their child will wear and be comfortable wearing when it is cold outside because it can be difficult to get children with sensory processing disorder to wear outerwear like coats, boots, mittens and hats.
Jackets can often be uncomfortable or too restrictive for some children who have sensory issues. This can cause children to have sensory meltdowns and refuse to wear the clothing they need for cold weather.
Children with sensory challenges often have sensitivities to different fabrics and that is why it is so important that sensory friendly outerwear be made from very soft and non-irritating fabrics.
Some of the most common fabrics used for sensory clothing are cotton, fleece and sometimes bamboo. Children who have sensory processing disorder or clothing tactile sensitivities often prefer natural fabrics like bamboo or organic cotton.
Many children with sensory differences struggle with clothing that are too tight, too loose, too many buttons or zippers and some are really bothered by rough seams. Sensory friendly outerwear provide different options with no buttons or zippers or are soft and seamless.
A hoodie is often one of the more common sensory friendly options for outerwear. Hoodies are warm and comfortable. Regular hoodies can have features that are not sensory friendly like tight hoods or rough seams. Sensory friendly hoodies are designed with these sensitivities in mind.
These sensory friendly hoodies usually have more space in the hood, buttery soft and stretchy, natural fabrics and no tags or seams that can cause the child discomfort. Some sensory friendly clothing brands may offer hoodies that have weighted pockets to provide a calming and extra proprioceptive sensory input for your child.
Sensory-friendly outerwear are becoming more common and available in fashionable and inclusive designs. Many sensory friendly clothing companies have a selection of different colors and patterns to choose from. This makes it easier for children to choose what they like, prefer and feel confident in their clothes choices.
Sensory friendly coats and hoodies can be a sensory tool that is life changing for a child who struggles with sensory processing disorder and their families too.
They are a sensory solution for the challenges that parents struggle with so much when finding the right clothing for cold weather. More clothing companies are recognizing the importance of inclusivity and accommodating the sensory clothing needs of all children who struggle with sensory difficulties.
