What are sensory toys and how do they work

If you are curious about what are sensory toys, you are not alone. Sensory toys are designed to help kids explore touch, sight, sound, and movement during play. Many children need extra sensory support, and studies show that almost 40% of kids have different sensory experiences. For kids with autism, this number rises to nearly 90%, and about half of kids with ADHD also experience sensory challenges. Understanding what are sensory toys can help you see how these toys provide comfort and happiness. You can use sensory toys to help your child calm down and discover new ways to learn.

• Vision is the sense most affected for kids with sensory needs.

• Knowing what are sensory toys can explain why these toys often become favorites for kids who enjoy hands-on play.

Key Takeaways

• Sensory toys let kids use their senses. This helps them learn and grow emotionally. These toys can help kids feel calm. They also help kids pay attention better. Sensory toys can lower stress. They are good for kids with autism and ADHD. Pick a sensory toy that fits your child’s age. Think about what your child likes. Also, look at your child’s sensory needs. Sensory play helps kids think and feel. It helps kids get along with others. Kids learn new skills while playing. Making sensory toys at home is easy. DIY toys cost less. They give kids ways to explore their senses.

What are sensory toys

Definition

Many people wonder what are sensory toys. These toys help kids use their senses to learn about the world. Sensory toys can focus on touch, sight, sound, movement, taste, or smell. Some toys have bright lights or cool textures. Others make soft sounds or are squishy to hold. Some spin, light up, or play music. Each toy lets kids try new feelings in a safe and fun way.

Sensory toys do more than just keep kids busy. They help kids understand things around them. For example, a toy with different textures lets kids feel rough or smooth spots. A spinning light toy can grab a child’s attention and help them look at one thing. Some toys are for chewing or squeezing, which can help kids feel calm.

Did you know? Sensory toys are often favorites for kids who like to use their hands. These toys let kids explore and learn at their own speed.

Purpose

So, what are sensory toys really for? The main reason is to help kids grow and feel safe. Sensory toys can help kids relax, pay attention, and feel less stressed. Occupational therapists say these toys:

• Help kids feel calm

• Make it easier to focus

• Lower stress or worry

• Improve how kids handle senses

• Meet each child’s needs

• Help kids get used to new things

You may see that sensory toys are great for kids with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders. These toys wake up one or more senses and give feedback to the body. They help kids control their feelings and actions. For example, weighted toys can help kids feel calm. Chewable jewelry helps with mouth needs. Toys with lights or sounds can help kids focus and feel less worried.

Sensory toys also help kids learn new skills. They can:

• Help with hand-eye coordination

• Make hands stronger

• Help kids get used to new feelings

Experts say sensory toys do even more. They help kids use their imagination, show feelings, and learn to play with others. When kids play together, they learn to share and talk. Sensory toys also give kids a safe place to solve problems and try new things.

Here are some ways sensory toys help kids grow:

• Imaginative play helps kids be creative and tell stories.

• Playing with others builds sharing and talking skills.

• Safe play lets kids try new things and ideas.

• Problem-solving grows as kids figure out how toys work.

• Kids can show feelings more easily when they feel safe.

You might wonder why sensory toys work so well. Scientists say using toys that use more than one sense helps kids learn better. When kids touch, see, and hear at the same time, their brains get stronger. Studies show kids who use multi-sensory toys play longer and remember more.

If you still ask, what are sensory toys, remember this: they are tools that help kids explore, learn, and feel good. Whether your child needs extra help or just likes to play, sensory toys can really help.

How sensory toys work

Sensory stimulation

When you give your child a sensory toy, they can discover new things. These toys wake up the senses and help your child feel calm and curious. Each toy gives a different kind of sensory stimulation. Some toys feel soft or bumpy. Others make gentle sounds or light up with bright colors. Your child might squeeze a squishy ball or spin a light-up toy. They may listen to a gentle rattle. All these actions help your child explore their senses in a safe way.

Here’s how sensory toys can help your child:

• They wake up touch, sight, sound, and sometimes smell or taste.

• Sensory toys give your child a safe place to try new textures, sounds, and smells.

• Toys like swings or trampolines give movement, which can help your child relax.

• Each toy supports a different sensory need, like visual, tactile, or auditory input.

You may see your child get more curious and brave when they play. Sensory toys can help your child build emotional strength and learn to handle new feelings. When your child feels overwhelmed, a sensory toy can help them calm down and feel better.

Tip: Try different sensory toys to see which ones your child likes best. Every child has their own sensory needs, so what works for one may not work for another.

Mechanisms

You might wonder how these toys work inside your child’s body and brain. Sensory toys use simple but strong ways to help your child relax, focus, and manage emotions. Let’s look at some common types and how they help:

• Weighted toys give deep pressure, which helps your child feel calm.

• Chewable jewelry gives oral and proprioceptive input, helping your child stay calm and focused.

• Fidget toys give a way to use energy, helping your child manage stress and avoid sensory overload.

• Toys with lights or sounds give visual and auditory stimulation, which can grab your child’s attention and help them focus.

These toys do more than just keep your child busy. They help your child learn to control their feelings and actions. For example, fidget tools can help your child self-regulate and focus in busy places. Chewable jewelry can help your child stay calm when they feel anxious. Weighted toys can help your child relax before bed or during quiet time.

Let’s see what research says about how sensory toys affect children:

When your child plays with sensory toys, their brain makes new pathways. These pathways help your child process information, remember things, and build fine motor skills. Sensory play also helps your child learn language and social skills, especially when they play with others. Early sensory play leads to strong brain connections, making it easier for your child to learn new things later.

Here’s what happens when your child uses sensory toys:

• Sensory input helps organize brain responses, making learning easier.

• Playing with sensory toys makes memory and learning skills stronger.

• Sensory activities help your child manage anxiety and build emotional control.

• Shared sensory play helps your child grow language and social skills.

You might notice that sensory toys help your child feel calm and ready to learn. They create a safe, calming space and help your child handle tough situations. Over time, your child may show less anxiety and better motor skills. Studies show that sensory toys can even help attention and self-regulation, especially for children with autism or ADHD.

• Sensory toys help your child control emotions and behavior.

• They support sensory integration, helping your child understand their world and feelings.

• Sensory toys give both quick comfort and long-term benefits.

Note: Some studies show that sensory integration activities can lead to big improvements in social skills and self-regulation for children with autism.

If you want to help your child relax, focus, and grow, sensory toys are a great place to start. They offer fun, comfort, and learning all in one simple package.

Benefits of sensory toys

Sensory development

Kids learn best when they use their senses. Sensory toys let kids touch, see, and hear new things. When a child squeezes a squishy ball, their brain gets stronger. Listening to soft sounds also helps the brain grow. Experts say sensory play helps kids develop. Each new feeling, like cold water or crunchy leaves, gives the brain new info.

• Sensory play uses your child’s senses and helps their mind grow.

• It lets kids learn about the world by touching, smelling, seeing, hearing, and tasting.

• Every new sensory experience builds brain connections and makes the brain stronger.

You can help your child get better at small hand movements with sensory toys. These toys help kids reach, grab, and learn about cause and effect. Toys for big movements help kids balance and move with more strength.

Calming effects

Sensory toys can help calm your child. If your child feels stressed, these toys can help them relax. Weighted blankets and bubble tubes give calming feelings that help with emotions. Weighted blankets give deep pressure, which can lower hyperactivity and worry during tough times.

• Fidget toys may help lower stress and could help with anxiety.

• Autistic kids who seek more sensory input often feel calmer with fidget toys.

• Kids without sensory issues also feel calmer with sensory toys.

You may notice less worry and better focus when your child uses sensory toys. These toys help your child feel safe and ready to learn.

Support for sensory needs

Sensory toys help with your child’s special sensory needs. You can use these toys at home, in class, or in therapy. Parents often see better focus, body awareness, and less hyperactivity after a few weeks. Teachers notice kids cope better and join in more during class.

• Using sensory toys in class helps kids focus and understand better.

• Teachers see kids pay more attention and join activities more.

• Sensory toys help kids handle sensory problems and grow.

Therapists make special plans for your child using sensory toys. They look at your child’s sensory needs and pick the right activities. Families often use sensory diets at home, with things like weighted blankets and fidget toys.

You can see how sensory toys help your child grow, relax, and do well. These toys really help kids with sensory needs.

Choosing a sensory toy

Age and safety

Safety is the most important thing when picking sensory toys. You should choose toys that match your child’s age. Babies need soft toys with different textures. These toys help them play gently. Toddlers need strong toys. These toys help them move and explore. Preschoolers like toys that help them imagine and learn.

Here’s a simple guide for picking toys by age:

• Infants (0-12 Months): Soft toys with textures for safe play.

• Toddlers (1-3 Years): Tough toys that help build motor skills.

• Preschoolers (3-5 Years): Toys for creative play and sensory integration.

Always check if toys have safety certifications. These rules show the toys are safe for kids. Look at this table for some common certifications:

Strict rules keep out dangerous chemicals like lead and phthalates. CPSIA says toys must have very little lead. EN71 in Europe also has strong rules for chemicals.

Here are some easy tips for safe sensory toys:

1. Pick toys that match your child’s age.

2. Choose toys made from safe materials.

3. Stay away from small parts that can choke.

4. Make sure toys are strong and well-made.

5. Check that all parts are attached tightly.

Tip: Always read labels and look for safety marks before buying sensory toys.

Preferences

Each child has their own sensory needs. You know what makes your child happy and calm. Some kids like bright lights or music. Others like soft textures or toys to chew. Pick toys that match your child’s likes and where they play.

Think about these things when picking sensory toys:

• Know your child’s sensory profile.

• Think about what your child likes to do.

• Look at where your child will play—home, school, or outside.

• Make sure toys are easy to use and not too expensive.

You can mix different sensory toys together. Try using toys for touch, sight, sound, and oral motor play. Here’s a table to show how each type helps:

When you pick toys that fit your child’s needs, you help them grow. The right sensory toys make playtime fun. They also help your child learn new skills.

Examples and alternatives

Popular sensory toys

Kids like many different sensory toys. Therapists suggest some favorites for different needs. Here are some top choices:

• Jumping board helps kids balance and move better.

• Sensory hammock swing gives comfort and gentle pressure.

• Sand and water table lets kids feel new textures.

• Builder marble run helps with problem-solving and small hand skills.

• Chewelry is safe jewelry for kids who like to chew.

• Headphones block loud sounds and make a quiet space.

Fidget toys, stress balls, and sensory bins are also popular. Fidget toys help kids focus and feel less stressed. Stress balls and sensory putty are good for touch and help kids with autism. Sensory bins with colored rice or beans give both sight and touch fun. Sensory bottles with floating things can calm kids and help them watch moving objects.

Tip: Try using different sensory toys together. You can make your own sensory play ideas with these favorites.

DIY options

You do not need to buy expensive toys for sensory play. Many things at home work well. Here are some easy DIY sensory toys you can make:

• Sensory bottles use plastic bottles, water, glitter, and beads. These bottles help kids see and feel calm.

• Fabric texture squares use fabric scraps glued to cardboard. Kids can touch and feel new textures.

• Sound shakers use empty containers with rice or beans. These make fun sounds and help with rhythm.

Homemade toys help kids explore their senses and save money. You can use them for touch, sight, or sound play. Kids enjoy shaking sound shakers, touching fabric squares, and watching glitter move in bottles.

Here is a quick table comparing store-bought toys and DIY toys:

You can use both types to make a fun sensory space at home or school.

You can help your child grow and feel happy with sensory toys. These toys help your child learn, calm down, and have fun. Experts say sensory toys help the brain make new connections. They also help with language and motor skills. Sensory toys help your child relax and pay attention. Look at the long-term benefits below:

Try different sensory toys to see what your child likes best. You may find new ways to help your child learn and do well every day.

FAQ

What age is best for sensory toys?

You can start using sensory toys with babies as young as a few months old. Always pick toys that match your child’s age and needs. Check for safety labels before you buy.

Can sensory toys help with anxiety?

Yes! Sensory toys can help your child feel calm and safe. Fidget toys, weighted blankets, and sensory bottles often lower stress. Try different toys to see what works best for your child.

How do I clean sensory toys?

Most sensory toys clean up with soap and water. For fabric toys, check the label for washing instructions. Wipe down plastic or silicone toys with a damp cloth. Keep toys dry to prevent mold.

Are sensory toys only for kids with special needs?

No, all kids can enjoy sensory toys! These toys help with learning, focus, and fun. Kids with autism or ADHD may need them more, but every child can benefit from sensory play.

What if my child doesn’t like a sensory toy?

That’s okay! Every child has different likes. You can offer a variety of toys and watch what your child enjoys most. Sometimes, it takes a few tries to find the right fit.

See Also

Understanding The Right Time For Kids' Sensory Toys

Using Weighted Sensory Toys For Children Facing Challenges

Top Sensory Toys That Parents Choose For Their Children

Autism-Friendly Sensory Toys Create A Calm Play Experience

Enhancing Your Brand Through Personalized Sensory Toy Designs