Tips for Creating a Sensory-Friendly Home Environment

Lauren Anderson, MOT, OTR/L

Creating a sensory-friendly home environment can make a world of difference for children with sensory processing difficulties. Sensory processing difficulties occur when the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. This can result in children feeling overwhelmed by their surroundings, struggling with certain textures, sounds, or lights, and having difficulty calming down after sensory overload. These challenges can impact their daily life, learning, and overall well-being.

A sensory-friendly home can provide the stability and comfort these children need to thrive. By making intentional changes to your home environment, you can support your child’s sensory needs, enhance their development, and improve their quality of life. As parents, you are always looking for ways to enhance your child’s life, and transforming your home into a sensory haven is a fantastic step. With summer upon us, it’s the perfect time to focus on improving your child’s sensory experiences at home. Here are some practical, fun, and engaging tips to help you create a supportive and sensory-friendly environment for your child.

1. Designate a Sensory Space for Calmness

Creating a dedicated sensory space in your home can provide a safe and calming environment for your child to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed. This space doesn’t need to be large; even a corner of a room can work wonders. Here’s how to set it up:

• Soft Lighting: Use dimmable lights, fairy lights, or a lava lamp to create a soothing atmosphere.

• Comfortable Seating: Add bean bags, soft pillows, or a cozy blanket fort for your child to relax in.

• Calming Colors: Choose soft, muted colors for this area to help reduce sensory overload.

• Comfort/Calming Items: Add a bin of fidgets, stuffed animals, paper and pencils, chewable jewelry, or any other objects that may help your child calm down

2. Involve Your Child in Creating Their Sensory Space

Empower your child by involving them in creating their sensory space. Allowing them to choose colors, textures, and items that make them feel safe and comfortable can ensure the space meets their specific needs and preferences. This involvement can also help them feel more connected to and in control of their environment.

3. Incorporate Sensory Bins for Tactile Stimulation

Sensory bins are a fantastic way to provide tactile stimulation and can be easily tailored to your child’s preferences. Fill a plastic bin with materials like rice, beans, sand, or water beads, and add small toys or tools for digging and scooping. Sensory bins can help with fine motor skills, concentration, and stress relief.

4. Use Weighted Blankets and Vests for Deep Pressure

Weighted blankets and vests can provide deep pressure input, which can be very calming for children with sensory processing difficulties. These items can help your child feel more secure and grounded, making them great tools for bedtime or quiet time.

5. Create a Sensory Garden for Outdoor Exploration

If you have outdoor space, consider creating a sensory garden. Plant flowers and herbs with different textures and scents, such as lavender, mint, and rosemary. Add a small water feature or wind chimes to provide soothing auditory stimulation. Encourage your child to explore the garden with their hands and feet, enhancing their sensory experiences.

6. Incorporate Movement Breaks for Regulation

Regular movement breaks can help your child regulate their sensory system. Set up an obstacle course, a mini trampoline, a swing, or a balance board in your home or backyard. These activities provide vestibular and proprioceptive input, which can help improve your child’s balance, coordination, and body awareness.

7. Use Visual Supports for Better Routine Management and Self-Regulation

Visual supports can help your child understand and navigate their daily routine more effectively, as well as self-regulate more independently Create a visual schedule with pictures representing different activities and times of the day. Use visual timers to help your child transition between tasks. In well-traveled places in your house, hang up a list, with pictures, of ways your child can calm down. These tools can reduce anxiety and improve focus and self-regulation

8. Play with Sensory Toys for Engagement

Invest in a variety of sensory toys that cater to your child’s needs. Fidget spinners, stress balls, chewable jewelry, and textured toys can provide tactile and oral sensory input. Keep a basket of these toys in different rooms for easy access.

9. Sound Therapy for a Calming Environment

Sound can greatly influence your child’s sensory experiences. Use white noise machines, nature sounds, or calming music to create a peaceful environment. If your child is sensitive to noise, consider using noise-canceling headphones during overwhelming situations.

Creating a sensory-friendly home environment can significantly enhance your child’s comfort and development. By incorporating these tips, you’ll provide a supportive and nurturing space that helps your child thrive. Remember, small changes can make a big difference, and every step you take brings your child closer to feeling more balanced and understood.

Miss Lauren has a Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of North Dakota, her areas of expertise include feeding disorders, executive functioning, self-care tasks, emotional regulation, and sensory integration.