Sensory Safe Activities

Aug 24, 2025

Published: August 25, 2025

Parenting a highly sensitive toddler can feel like navigating a sensory minefield. One moment they're happily playing, and the next, they're overwhelmed by seemingly ordinary sounds, textures, or activities. If you're searching for sensory activities for toddlers that actually work – activities that provide the right sensory input while keeping your little one regulated and engaged – you've come to the right place.

Recent research published in 2024 demonstrates that sensory integration therapy has proven effectiveness in children with various developmental challenges, including those who are highly sensitive. According to occupational therapy experts, the key lies in understanding three types of sensory input: calming activities that soothe the nervous system, organizing activities that help with focus and regulation, and alerting activities that appropriately stimulate and engage.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover 30 carefully curated sensory activities for toddlers specifically designed for busy books – portable, mess-free solutions that work whether you're at home, traveling, or need a quick sensory break. These proven sensory activities for toddlers are backed by occupational therapy principles and designed with highly sensitive children in mind.

Understanding Sensory Processing in Highly Sensitive Toddlers

Before diving into our activities, it's crucial to understand what makes a child "highly sensitive." Sensory processing disorder (SPD) affects how the brain processes sensory information like sights, sounds, movement, and touch. Research shows that 15-20% of children exhibit high sensitivity, processing sensory information more deeply than their peers.

            Highly sensitive toddlers may experience:
            
Sensory overload from everyday environments

Difficulty self-regulating emotions and responses

Strong reactions to textures, sounds, or changes in routine

Need for predictable sensory input to feel secure

The good news? Targeted sensory activities can make an enormous difference. A 2024 meta-analysis confirmed that sensory integration approaches help children improve self-regulation, enhance focus, and reduce anxiety levels.

The Three-Type Approach to Sensory Activities

Occupational therapists recommend organizing sensory activities into three categories:

1. Calming Activities

Soothe an overstimulated nervous system

2. Organizing Activities

Help with focus, attention, and body awareness

3. Alerting Activities

Appropriately stimulate an under-responsive system

For best results, use these in sequence: alerting first (if needed), then organizing, and finish with calming activities.

10 Calming Sensory Activities for Highly Sensitive Toddlers

When your toddler is overstimulated or overwhelmed, these calming activities provide the deep pressure and soothing input their nervous system craves.

1. Weighted Sensory Lap Book

Age Range: 18 months - 4 years Materials: Small fabric pouches filled with rice or beans

Sensory Benefit: Deep pressure input calms the nervous system and provides proprioceptive feedback

Create fabric pages with different weighted elements. Include a 1-2 pound weighted "blanket" page that can rest on your toddler's lap during book time. The gentle pressure helps regulate their nervous system when they're feeling overwhelmed.

Ensure all pouches are securely sewn to prevent choking hazards

2. Soft Texture Exploration Book

Age Range: 12 months - 3 years Materials: Various soft fabrics (fleece, velvet, faux fur, satin)

Sensory Benefit: Gentle tactile input without overwhelming sensitive systems

Activity: Include different soft textures for stroking and gentle exploration

3. Deep Pressure Squeeze Pages

Age Range: 2 - 5 years Materials: Foam padding between fabric layers, button closures

Sensory Benefit: Proprioceptive input through compression

Activity: Pages that can be squeezed and compressed provide calming deep pressure

4. Calming Color Gradient Book

Age Range: 18 months - 4 years Materials: Fabric in calming blues, greens, and purples

Sensory Benefit: Visual regulation through soothing color progression

Activity: Pages transition from light to dark in calming colors

5. Breathing Buddy Sensory Page

Age Range: 2 - 5 years Materials: Felt animal with removable weighted belly

Sensory Benefit: Combines deep breathing with proprioceptive input

Activity: Place the weighted belly on child's tummy during calm-down time

6. Smooth Stone Sensory Pouch

Age Range: 2 - 4 years (supervised) Materials: Mesh pouch with smooth river rocks

Sensory Benefit: Tactile input through manipulation of smooth textures

Always supervise and ensure stones are too large to swallow

7. Essential Oil Scent Pouches

Age Range: 18 months - 5 years Materials: Small fabric sachets with lavender or chamomile

Sensory Benefit: Olfactory input for regulation

Use child-safe scents and ensure pouches cannot be opened

8. Gentle Vibration Discovery Page

Age Range: 2 - 5 years Materials: Small vibrating toy sewn into secure pocket

Sensory Benefit: Gentle proprioceptive and tactile input

Activity: On/off switch accessible through fabric for sensory exploration

9. Cozy Cave Hideaway Page

Age Range: 18 months - 4 years Materials: Flap that creates a small enclosed space

Sensory Benefit: Provides sense of security and reduces visual stimulation

Activity: Child can hide objects or fingers in the cozy space

10. Calm-Down Counting Beads

Age Range: 2 - 5 years Materials: Large wooden beads on secure cording

Sensory Benefit: Repetitive tactile input combined with mindfulness

Activity: Slide beads back and forth while counting or breathing

10 Organizing Sensory Activities for Focus and Attention

These activities provide the "just right" sensory input to help your toddler organize their nervous system and improve focus.

11. Heavy Work Resistance Bands

Age Range: 2 - 5 years Materials: Child-safe resistance bands

Sensory Benefit: Proprioceptive input through muscle engagement

Activity: Pull and stretch bands for organizing deep pressure input

12. Fidget Texture Discrimination

Age Range: 18 months - 4 years Materials: Various textures in matching pairs

Sensory Benefit: Tactile discrimination improves sensory processing

Activity: Match textures by touch alone

13. Bilateral Coordination Lacing

Age Range: 2 - 5 years Materials: Large eyelets and thick cord

Sensory Benefit: Crosses midline and improves bilateral coordination

Activity: Lace through holes using both hands together

14. Proprioceptive Push-Pin Art

Age Range: 2.5 - 5 years Materials: Cork board with large, safe push pins

Sensory Benefit: Heavy work for hands and fingers

Activity: Push pins into cork following simple patterns

15. Sensory Sorting Cylinders

Age Range: 18 months - 4 years Materials: Clear tubes with different small objects

Sensory Benefit: Auditory and visual processing with cause-effect learning

Activity: Shake, sort, and categorize based on sounds

16. Tension Band Stretching Page

Age Range: 2 - 5 years Materials: Elastic bands creating resistance

Sensory Benefit: Upper body proprioceptive input

Activity: Stretch bands apart using both hands

17. Magnetic Pattern Matching

Age Range: 2 - 5 years Materials: Magnetic shapes and pattern cards

Sensory Benefit: Visual processing with fine motor control

Activity: Recreate patterns using magnetic pieces

18. Sensory Weight Discrimination

Age Range: 2 - 4 years Materials: Small pouches with varying weights

Sensory Benefit: Proprioceptive discrimination skills

Activity: Order pouches from lightest to heaviest

19. Tactile Memory Matching

Age Range: 2.5 - 5 years Materials: Pairs of textured squares in hidden pockets

Sensory Benefit: Tactile memory and processing

Activity: Find matching textures without looking

20. Joint Compression Activity Board

Age Range: 2 - 5 years Materials: Springs and resistance mechanisms

Sensory Benefit: Joint proprioception through compression

Activity: Press and compress elements for sensory feedback

10 Alerting Sensory Activities for Under-Responsive Systems

Some highly sensitive toddlers are under-responsive and need more sensory input to feel alert and engaged. These activities provide appropriate stimulation.

21. Textural Contrast Exploration

Age Range: 12 months - 3 years Materials: Contrasting textures (rough/smooth, hard/soft)

Sensory Benefit: Heightens tactile awareness

Activity: Explore dramatic texture differences side by side

22. Movement-Activated Sound Page

Age Range: 18 months - 4 years Materials: Motion-activated sound elements

Sensory Benefit: Vestibular and auditory input

Activity: Rock or move book to activate different sounds

23. Cool/Warm Sensory Pockets

Age Range: 2 - 5 years Materials: Gel packs that can be cooled or warmed

Sensory Benefit: Temperature discrimination for alerting

Test temperature before use and supervise closely

24. Bumpy Texture Tracing Paths

Age Range: 18 months - 4 years Materials: Raised, bumpy materials creating paths

Sensory Benefit: Tactile alerting through fingertip stimulation

Activity: Trace paths with fingers for wake-up input

25. Light-Up Sensory Buttons

Age Range: 2 - 5 years Materials: LED buttons with different activation pressures

Sensory Benefit: Visual and proprioceptive alerting

Activity: Press buttons with varying force requirements

26. Crunchy Sensory Pouches

Age Range: 18 months - 4 years Materials: Sealed pouches with cellophane or bubble wrap

Sensory Benefit: Auditory and tactile alerting input

Activity: Scrunch and crinkle for sensory feedback

27. Vibrant Pattern Recognition

Age Range: 2 - 5 years Materials: High-contrast patterns and bright colors

Sensory Benefit: Visual alerting and processing

Activity: Identify and match bold patterns

28. Scented Discovery Jars

Age Range: 2 - 5 years Materials: Small jars with different safe scents

Sensory Benefit: Olfactory alerting and discrimination

Ensure jars cannot be opened by children

29. Musical Sensory Strips

Age Range: 18 months - 4 years Materials: Different materials that create sounds when rubbed

Sensory Benefit: Auditory alerting through exploration

Activity: Create different sounds through touch

30. Pop-It Sensory Integration Page

Age Range: 2 - 5 years Materials: Silicone pop-it elements integrated into fabric

Sensory Benefit: Tactile and auditory alerting with proprioceptive input

Activity: Pop bubbles for satisfying sensory feedback

Creating Your Sensory-Smart Busy Book: Safety and Construction Tips

Safety Checklist

Age-appropriate materials: Ensure all elements are appropriate for your child's developmental stage

Secure attachments: Triple-check that all small parts are securely attached

Non-toxic materials: Use only child-safe, non-toxic materials throughout

Supervision guidelines: Always supervise children under 3 with any small parts

Regular inspection: Check your busy book regularly for wear and potential hazards

Construction Best Practices

Durable binding: Use sturdy materials that can withstand enthusiastic toddler use
Washable elements: Choose materials that can be easily cleaned
Size considerations: Make pages large enough for small hands to manipulate easily
Storage solutions: Include pockets or pouches for loose pieces

Customization for Your Highly Sensitive Child

Every highly sensitive child is unique. Observe your toddler's responses and customize activities based on their specific needs:

Sensory seekers may need more alerting and organizing activities
Sensory avoiders may benefit from more calming activities
Mixed responders need a balanced approach with options for different states

The Science Behind Sensory-Smart Activities

Research consistently supports the use of targeted sensory activities for toddlers with high sensitivity. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases found that sensory integration therapy effectively improves:

Self-regulation skills and adaptive behavior in participating children
Attention span during focused activities
Emotional regulation and reduced meltdown frequency
Social participation and motor skills development

Occupational therapists emphasize that the key is providing the "just right challenge" – activities that are engaging without being overwhelming.

Understanding the Nervous System Response

When highly sensitive toddlers engage with appropriate sensory activities, several neurological processes occur:

Nervous system regulation through organized sensory input
Improved interoception (awareness of internal body signals)
Enhanced executive function through sensory organization
Stress reduction via calming proprioceptive input

Incorporating Busy Book Activities into Daily Routines

Morning Routine Integration

Start the day with 1-2 organizing activities to help your toddler feel prepared and regulated for upcoming experiences.

Transition Times

Use calming activities during transitions between activities or locations to prevent overstimulation.

Pre-Bedtime Regulation

Incorporate 2-3 calming activities into your bedtime routine to help your highly sensitive toddler wind down.

When to Seek Professional Support

While sensory activities for toddlers can be incredibly helpful, some highly sensitive toddlers may benefit from professional occupational therapy evaluation. Consider seeking support if:

Sensory sensitivities significantly impact daily functioning
Your child shows extreme distress with typical sensory experiences
Meltdowns occur frequently despite environmental modifications
Developmental milestones seem delayed due to sensory issues

Remember, seeking professional support isn't a failure – it's an additional tool to help your child thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should I start using sensory activities for toddlers with my highly sensitive child?

You can begin introducing simple sensory activities as early as 12 months, but always choose age-appropriate activities. For highly sensitive toddlers, start with gentle, calming activities and gradually introduce organizing and alerting activities based on your child's responses and comfort level.

How do I know if my toddler is highly sensitive or just going through a normal developmental phase?

Highly sensitive children consistently show strong reactions to sensory input across multiple environments and situations. Look for patterns of overwhelm with everyday sensory experiences, difficulty with transitions, strong emotional reactions to changes in routine, and either seeking or avoiding certain textures, sounds, or activities. If concerns persist beyond typical developmental phases, consult with a pediatric occupational therapist.

Can sensory activities really help prevent meltdowns in highly sensitive toddlers?

Yes, research shows that appropriate sensory activities can significantly help regulate a highly sensitive child's nervous system, reducing the likelihood of meltdowns. The key is identifying your child's specific sensory needs and providing the right type of input (calming, organizing, or alerting) at the right time. Consistent use of sensory activities as part of daily routines helps build self-regulation skills over time.

How often should I rotate sensory activities in the busy book?

For highly sensitive toddlers, consistency is often more important than novelty. Start with 5-8 activities that your child responds well to and use them regularly for 2-3 weeks. Once these become familiar and regulating, you can gradually introduce 1-2 new activities while keeping the successful ones available. Some children may prefer the same comforting activities long-term, while others may benefit from more variety.

Are there any sensory activities I should avoid for highly sensitive toddlers?

Avoid activities that your child consistently shows distress with, as forced exposure can increase sensitivity. Be cautious with very loud sounds, strong scents, unexpected movements, or overwhelming visual stimuli. Always supervise activities with small parts, and avoid materials that could pose choking hazards. If your child shows signs of sensory overload (covering ears, hiding, crying, or shutting down), immediately move to calming activities or remove them from the situation.

Should I consult with an occupational therapist before creating sensory activities?

While many sensory activities are safe to try at home, consulting with a pediatric occupational therapist can be incredibly valuable, especially if your child shows significant sensory challenges. An OT can help identify your child's specific sensory profile, recommend targeted activities, and ensure you're providing appropriate sensory input. They can also help distinguish between normal toddler behavior and sensory processing differences that might benefit from professional intervention.

Can sensory activities help with sleep issues in highly sensitive toddlers?

Yes, incorporating calming sensory activities into your bedtime routine can significantly help highly sensitive toddlers wind down and prepare for sleep. Activities like gentle pressure (weighted blankets or compression), soft textures, calming scents, and deep pressure input can help regulate the nervous system before bedtime. The key is using these activities consistently as part of a predictable routine, starting 30-60 minutes before sleep time.

Conclusion: Embracing Your Child's Sensory Journey

Creating sensory-smart busy book activities for your highly sensitive toddler is an investment in their long-term emotional regulation and developmental success. By understanding their unique sensory needs and providing appropriate activities, you're giving them tools to navigate the world with confidence.

Remember that sensitivity is not a limitation – it's a different way of experiencing the world that, with proper support, can become a tremendous strength. Your highly sensitive toddler may grow up to be exceptionally empathetic, creative, and intuitive.

Start with a few activities that seem most appropriate for your child's current needs, and build your sensory toolkit gradually. Pay attention to their responses, celebrate small victories, and remember that every child's sensory journey is unique.

With patience, understanding, and the right sensory activities for toddlers, you can help your highly sensitive toddler develop the self-regulation skills they need to thrive. Your busy book will become more than just an activity collection – it will be a bridge to better understanding and supporting your child's beautiful, sensitive nature.

For more resources and printable busy book templates to support your highly sensitive toddler, visit My First Book, where we understand that every child deserves activities designed with their unique needs in mind.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or therapeutic advice. Always consult with a qualified occupational therapist or pediatrician if you have concerns about your child's sensory processing or development.

Older Post

Newer Post