“You have to get me one of these for Christmas!” my baby-boomer mom exclaimed.
What has her so excited that she can’t stop playing with her grandson’s sensory tool?
It’s called a body sock and while it looks mighty strange, it is a barrel of laughs, and more importantly, sensory input!
Shout out to Everyday Educate for sponsoring this post!
What is a body sock for sensory input?
Body socks are basically large stretchy pillowcases that kids get inside of. They are made out of Lycra or other stretchy material. In the top/middle area is a large slit so kids can get in or out. They can also choose whether or not to put their head inside or simply have it over their shoulders.
It’s tight enough to stay on kids while they move all around, but has so much stretch that they’re not restricted.
We got our body sock from Everyday Educate. You can choose from blue or orange in this silky sock material.
What are the Benefits of Sensory Body Socks?
How do these weird looking body socks help a child get sensory input? One word.
Proprioception.
Body awareness comes to the brain via the proprioceptive system. The joints and ligaments of the body send signals when doing heavy work or experiencing weight. (That’s why weighted blankets have so many sensory benefits!) Proprioception is the most powerful of the sensory systems, because when it is functioning well, it helps the brain handle everything else that gets thrown its way. In other words, proprioceptive input helps a child regulate.
By providing deep pressure to the whole body and adding resistance to every movement, kids get tons of extra proprioceptive input with sensory body socks.
There’s also the tactile benefit for seekers because these body socks are nearly irresistible to touch!
What are some Body Sock Sensory Activities?
Basically any activity a child can dream up can be enhanced by putting on the sensory body sock. Here are just a few ideas to inspire you!
Table Top Extension
Encourage your child to get down on all fours and have a flat back like a table. Extend one leg straight back and have them balance. If they are able, invite them to try and lift their opposite arm.
Remind kids that they’ll have to flex their abs in order to maintain their balance.
Hide Away
Sensory body socks are a great thing to have in your child’s calm down bin. Wrapping up in the body sock is a wonderful retreat from the onslaught of sensory input. Tactile avoiders may especially find this input soothing.
Dancing
Talk about giggle inducing… Crank up some tunes and get those wiggles out! My boys can’t get enough of the antics they can perform while they dance in the body sock.
Marching
Invite your child to march around the room (or in place) while wearing the sensory sock. The more exaggerated the movements, the better!
Trampoline
Because there can never be enough stretchy bounciness in a sensory kid’s life, let them jump on the trampoline with the sensory body sock on.
Yoga
Yoga is GREAT for kids with SPD! Take those yoga poses to a whole new level by doing them in the sensory body sock. Try simple stretches, tree pose, downward dog, and child’s pose.
Sensory body socks are a great, affordable way to get your kids interested in doing sensory activities. They up the fun factor AND the sensory input! Add one to your sensory toolbox HERE!
Julie is a frazzled mom of three tornadoes. As a dorky second-generation homeschooler, she writes about learning and play, natural living, special needs parenting and matters of the heart. She serves an astounding God that radically saved her.
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