Q&A: Home-Based Sensory Diet Equipment?

Question:

I service many children (birth through preschool) in homes with limited space and equipment. Many of your cards show activities using large equipment such as a ball pit, platform swings, etc. Do you have suggestions or additional cards that could be made up for home-based therapy? 

Answer:

Here are some easy sensory strategies that work for babies and young children in the home environment:

• Purchase a large play ball from Walmart, about $3, instead of a therapy ball.
• Use a couch cushion on the floor instead of a beanbag for crashing play. This also replaces a mini-trampoline.
• Use a throw blanket instead of a small mat for “Tortilla Time.” An inexpensive yoga mat works well too, about $12 at Walmart.
• Make obstacle courses with couch pillows, side tables, blankets, and dining tables and chairs
• Use a therapy ball instead of platform swing activities for prone vestibular input.

If you have any favorite home-based sensory activities using items easily found in homes, please let me know! We can turn your ideas into picture cards for you.

Best Wishes,
Gwen