Creating a sensory-friendly nursery can be daunting, but it’s essential for children who feel overwhelmed by the stimulation in their environment. Here are some tips to get you started!
What is a sensory-friendly Nursery, and how do you create one
A sensory-friendly nursery is designed to consider all senses—sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. These features are then used to create a safe place specifically for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can hire a home design consultant to help you turn your nursery and home into a sensory-friendly space by recommending colors, textures, and materials proven to help children sensitive to senses. They will also suggest how best to set up furniture so it does not become an obstacle or interfere with movement through the nursery. The goal of a home design consultant is to make your life a little easier and help you design a space that fits your child’s specific needs.
How to make your nursery more inviting for children with Autism
Creating an inviting space with lighting, colors, textures, and smells that are comforting to kids
Lighting is especially important for sensory rooms. Many children are more sensitive to natural and artificial lights than others, so you should light the sensory nursery with dim or special lighting. To make lights even less of a distraction, consider changing the color of your lights to a less bright color, such as a soft yellow or orange.
The textures of the room should be inviting to children with sensory issues. For example, children with autism often do not like sitting on chairs. Instead, they may sit on the floor or bean bag chairs because they are more comfortable.
If your child is susceptible to smells, ensure the room has no strong scents or odors. If you find the room is too strong with scents, consider using unscented cleaning products, replacing carpeting with hardwood or tile floors, and possibly even replacing your air filters.
Children with sensory issues often struggle to sit still in traditional chairs or other seating options. If your child experiences this problem, ensure you have several comfortable seating options in the sensory room. These could include bean bags or other comfortable seating.
Keeping the nursery clutter-free
What can you do to clean it without feeling overwhelmed by the mess?
Make your sensory-friendly nursery clutter-free by removing all toys that are not being used. However, if you find organizing the toys your child is playing with challenging, consider organizing them by category or type of toy instead. For example, if your child loves to build, organize the building materials by the types of toys they play with, such as cars or animals. This way, children sensitive to senses can more easily access the toys they wish to play with without being overwhelmed by seeing too many toys.
The sensory-friendly nursery is a space that should be inviting and comforting to your child. This environment can help your child feel less overwhelmed by the stimulation in their surroundings, leading to improved behaviors and increased focus.
How To Create a Sensory-Friendly Nursery
To create an optimal sensory-friendly nursery, consider using dim lighting, colors, textures, and smells that do not overwhelm kids who have trouble processing these sensations. Moreover, decluttering the room can make it easier for you to clean up after playing time! With some creativity from parents and designers alike, you’ll find that creating a soothing atmosphere doesn’t need to break the bank – all it takes is some thoughtful planning.
A Simple Guide To Creating A Sensory Friendly Home was created by The Autism Treatment Center of America, an autism care center
Really appropriate suggestions. I suspect too often parents don’t think about the stimulation a messy nursery can cause.