top 17 sensory toys for toddlers to improve their regulation and calm their bodies
Are you looking for the best sensory toys for toddlers? Do you feel like your struggling to try and keep up with your toddler? Are you amazed by their energy levels and big emotions? Well, you are not alone.
Here you will find a comprehensive list of sensory toys for toddlers that will keep their busy bodies busy, meet their sensory needs, and improve their regulation.
This post contains affiliate links
Toddlerhood is a very special time in a child’s life. It’s when they begin to view themselves as individuals with their own voice and own opinions. It’s when we get to see their personality begin to emerge.
So much is happening in terms of developmental growth during the first few years of life. Their sensory systems are developing at this time and we can see some different sensory needs emerge as well. Participating in quality sensory play is so important at this age.
Hi! My name is Marra and I am the mama of a sweet and very active toddler as well as a pediatric occupational therapist. I’ve spent years working with children with a variety of developmental needs and supporting their parents as they navigate the ups and downs of child development.
The majority of the little one’s I’ve worked with have sensory processing challenges and I would often recommend specific sensory toys to the parents that would support the development of their sensory processing skills and improve their regulation.
I thought I’d share my favorite recommendations with you. This post is all about the top sensory toys for toddlers to improve their regulation and calm their bodies.
TOP 17 SENSORY TOYS FOR TODDLERS TO IMPROVE THEIR REGULATION AND CALM THEIR BODIES
TODDLER INDOOR CLIMBING GYM
My daughter loves this toy and so do I! I keep it set up for her and it’s as if we have our very own park in our living room. She uses it almost every day and it is perfect for those days we can’t get out to the park.
It is so important for toddlers to get lots of movement throughout the day and explore and test the limitations of their bodies. This indoor play gym creates a safe space for them to do so.
While climbing and playing on the gym, they are getting so much quality sensory input including movement and deep pressure to help improve their regulation and get all of their wiggles out.
toddler tunnel
Tunnels are amazing sensory toys for toddlers that provide them with excellent sensory input. Crawling is my favorite developmental skill and is highly under-rated.
Not only does it strengthen the development of a child’s bilateral coordination, but it also provides movement and deep pressure input.
We often think of crawling as infant skills, but once a child begins to walk, they can continue to benefit from crawling activities. There is no better way to encourage crawling than a tunnel!
Ball Pit
Who doesn’t love a ball pit! While ball pits appear like all fun and games, did you know there are actual sensory and developmental benefits to playing in a ball pit?
When a child jumps into a ball pit, their body gets so much sensory input from all of the balls. They receive a ton of deep pressure proprioceptive sensory input that is not only calming to the nervous system but strengthens their sense of body awareness.
Pop Bubble Boards
The pop bubble boards are the perfect sensory toys for toddlers to have on the go and can act as a fidget. My daughter loves playing with these during car rides to keep her hands busy.
Spinagain
This is one of the favorite toys of not only my daughter but the kids I saw for occupational therapy.
This is not like your usual ring stacker; the rings spin down, giving kids some nice visual sensory input. Even the older kids I worked with love this one!
Sit and spin
Sit and spins are the perfect sensory toys for toddlers who love to spin or are constantly moving. So fun!!
When a child spins it can actually be disregulating because of the lack of purse and structure.
When a child sits and spins on this, they are using their big arm muscle to propel them around and are receiving deep pressure input as they spin.
Pairing deep pressure input with movement input helps them process the movement in a structured way and integrate multiple sensory systems to improve their regulation.
Pull Tubes
Pull tubes are another great sensory toys for toddlers that are similar to fidgets. These pull tubes provide toddlers with lots of deep pressure and tactile sensory input as well as auditory input.
They are perfect for when you are on the go and for car rides as well. If you would like more options of great sensory toys for the car, check out the post below.
Weighted stuffed animals
These weighted stuffed animals are the best snuggle buddies! They are as cute and cozy as any typical stuffed animal but they have an extra bonus.
They are weighted, so when a child is holding it or snuggling with it; they are provided with deep pressure sensory input to help calm their body and improve their regulation.
They come in all different animals too so you can pick and choose which one your toddler would like best. This dino is supper cute though!!
TRAMPOLINE
Trampolines are always so much fun, and this one is the perfect one for toddlers. This is the one that’s in our living room for my toddler, and she loves it.
Jumping on the trampoline is the perfect way for little ones to get big sensory movement during a rainy day or the cold winter months.
Water table
I don’t know about your toddler, but my toddler loves water play! I had no idea that something as simple as water could keep her so entertained for so long.
The water table provides calming tactile sensory input to toddlers and is the perfect outdoor summer activity.
Sensory bottles
These sensory bottles are great sensory toys for toddlers and are another option to have on the go.
They provide calming visual input and can be perfect for the time our littles have to wait. I know! Waiting is so hard! Or if they are in the car or need to zone out for a bit from a busy, overwhelming environment.
Rock Around Wobble Disk
Now doesn’t this rock around wobble chairs look like so much fun! This is the perfect sensory toy for toddlers who love to spin or who are always on the go. It’s also another great option for your toddler to get their big movement sensory needs met right at home.
Sensory stepping stones
Ok, so I’m sure I sound like a broken record, but obstacle courses are the best sensory activity to do with all toddlers regardless of their sensory needs, and these stepping stones are perfect for your next obstacle course.
These also are a great challenge for your toddlers balance and postural control.
Sensory Mats
These sensory mats are a great way to explore new tactile sensations with your toddler.. These are amazing sensory toys for toddlers who have some tactile sensitivity.
They can explore them with their hands, feet, and other body parts, too. Remember to keep these activities fun and respect your toddlers boundaries.
Chewy Tubes
Does your toddler like to chew? Some toddlers seek out oral sensory input and use chewing as a way to cal their bodies.
These chewy necklaces are a great solution and provide your toddler with a safe option to chew. Plus they look really cool.
Crash pad
Crash pads are needed in every home! Whether it’s this one I’ve linked above or just a big pile of pillows and blankets on the floor, it really doesn’t matter. Most toddlers I’ve met love to jump and crash.,
If I haven’t said this enough yet, toddlers love to move their bodies. Most toddlers need to move a lot more than they do every day.
Moving our bodies is so important for our physical, cognitive, and mental health. Toddlers need a safe spot to explore their bodies and participate in big movements, and this crash pad is the perfect place for them to do so safely.
From a sensory perspective, this crash pad provides a safe environment for toddlers to get the bigger movements and a lot of deep pressure input that their bodies need. If they are getting too wild then send them to the crash pad.
Calming tent
This calming tent is the perfect place for a toddler to take a calming sensory break away from the busy and sometimes overwhelming world. This is the perfect spot to read a book, listen to music or play with some fidgets. Everyone deserves a little break including kids.
Well, there you have it! The top 17 sensory toys for toddlers to improve their regulation and calm their bodies recommend by a pediatric OT.
In know way am I recommending all of these sensory toys for toddlers. In fact, I highly recommend that you do not go out and buy every item on this list. Every child is unique and has their own individual set of sensory needs just like you and me.
You might want to start with a couple you think your little one would love and go from there. If you are not sure where to even start, leave a comment below and I would love to help!