Tips for Creating a Sensory-Friendly Nursery

Every child deserves to love their bedroom, and this experience is no different for children with special needs. The bedroom is a safe space where children with special needs can retreat and decompress if they’re feeling upset or overwhelmed. As a parent, you must know the right tips for creating a sensory-friendly nursery; here are a few of them.

Use Calming Colors

Children with special needs often feel at peace and relaxed when in a room with soft colors that allow them to destress. To create a tranquil wall that’s not overstimulating, use solid colors and avoid borders. Borders and patterns can overwhelm a child and create a distraction that prevents them from falling asleep. Always opt for lighter, non-primary colors to prevent overstimulation.

Purchase Out-of-Sight Storage

Special needs children can feel overwhelmed if one portion of their room is cluttered, disorganized, or messy. To help calm your child’s anxiety and make their room feel organized, invest in bins that you can hide easily and will help keep your child from feeling stressed out. If your child wants specific toys or objects in the open for easy access, get an empty display case with doors that are easy to open. This will enable your child to access their favorite things with ease.

Use Low Lighting

Special needs children often prefer natural light over fluorescents. However, some children don’t like the light as much as others, as it can overstimulate them. For children who are sensitive to natural or artificial lighting, use a blackout curtain to block out overwhelming rays. For children who do enjoy a bit of light, use sheer curtains to help natural lighting pour in during the day or purchase artificial lights for the space.

Get Sensory-Friendly Bedding

If you’re shopping for bedding, remember that your child will benefit from bedding that feels like their clothing—in other words, choose bedding made from a soft material. Additionally, if your child tosses and turns during the night, consider using compression bed sheets. Compression bed sheets help a child relax as they prepare to fall asleep. Also, a plush comforter is a good choice because it will allow your child to wrap themselves up, mimicking the feeling of getting a hug from Mom or Dad. Lastly, If your child sleeps on the edge of the bed or is at risk of falling off, consider installing bed rails, as they can help your child sleep better and promote a safer nursery room.

Get Essential Oils

Aromatherapy can help relieve anxiety and stress in your child with special needs. Certain smells relax a child before drifting off to sleep. You can diffuse essential oils into the air, rub them onto the body, or place them in your child’s bath.

Special needs children need the best nursery room possible to help them feel relaxed and allow them to relieve stress. Prevent accidents from happening and implement these tips for creating a sensory-friendly nursery in your child’s room. When all is said and done, your child will have an area that’s sensory-friendly and safe for their well-being.