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Top 20 Sensory Toys for Children with Down Syndrome
For ‘World Down Syndrome Day’ today, I thought it would be great to share with you my favourite 20 Sensory Toys for children with Down Syndrome. These toys are not just incredibly enjoyable; they also support various development areas.
Are you faced with questions such as; What do kids with Down Syndrome like to play with? How do you stimulate a child with Down Syndrome? And what to gift a kid with Down Syndrome? Well, all these questions will be answered here, so read on to see my top 20 sensory toys for Down Syndrome children that can enhance their sensory experiences and support their overall development.
Here are some top tips to keep in mind when choosing toys for Down Syndrome children:
- Toys that promote social engagement.
- Toys that aid understanding cause and effect.
- Toys that enhance language skills.
- Toys that support gross motor development.
- Toys that aid fine motor development.
- Toys that stimulate the senses.
- Toys that encourage singing and dancing which in turn improves language, social skills, and motor abilities.
- Disregard the age range on toys; they may not accurately represent a child's developmental stage.
- Choose toys that support areas of growth but are not overly challenging or frustrating.
- Keep in mind, a toy is appropriate if it captures your child's interest and encourages them to interact with it.
Textured balls are excellent for tactile stimulation and improving hand-eye coordination. Look for balls with various textures such as bumps, ridges, or soft spikes. These balls can provide sensory input through touch and help strengthen your child's grip, making them the perfect sensory toys for Down Syndrome toddlers.
Tactile Balls Pk 6 (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
Vibrating pillows offer gentle vibrations that can be calming and soothing for children with Down syndrome. These pillows provide tactile stimulation and proprioceptive feedback, promoting relaxation and sensory regulation. This unique sensory cushion offers a wide range of benefits, making it the perfect choice for children, especially those with special needs and Down Syndrome.
Vibrating Blue Square Pillow Cushion: Sensory Comfort (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
What are good activities for children with Down Syndrome? I’m glad you asked - Sensory boards make the best Down Syndrome toys because they are interactive with different textures, colours, and shapes. They encourage exploration and sensory discovery, stimulating various senses including touch, sight, and hearing. Sensory boards can help improve sensory processing skills and cognitive development – perfect for young children and toddlers with Down Syndrome.
Sensory Tactile Play Board (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
Down Syndrome development toys, such as the sensory tubes filled with colourful beads, glitter, or sensory materials provide visual and auditory stimulation. As children manipulate the tubes, they experience different sights and sounds, enhancing their sensory awareness and fine motor skills – plus, look how pretty they are!
Fluorescent Tube Ladder - Multi-Sensory Fidget Toy for Glowing Fun (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
Bubble Tubes are quite simply mesmerising, so will captivate your child for hours! This sensory tool will create a calming visual experience with flowing bubbles and changing colours. Watching the bubbles rise and fall can promote relaxation, visual tracking, and sensory integration for children with Down Syndrome.
Lumina Giant Bubble Tube 183cm (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
How do you stimulate a child with Down Syndrome? Well, Playdough is a sensory-rich material that provides tactile stimulation and encourages imaginative play. Children can squeeze, shape, and mold the playdough, enhancing their fine motor skills, creativity, and sensory exploration. Added bonus - it’s very satisfying to play with!
20 Pots of Play Dough (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
Weighted blankets provide deep pressure stimulation, which can be comforting and calming for children with Down Syndrome. The gentle pressure from the blanket can help promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality, catering to the special needs of a child with Down Syndrome.
These are also available in a variety of sizes, weights and colours to choose from!
3kg Weighted Blanket Small (90 x 100) (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
Light-up toys with bright colours and flashing lights can capture children's attention and provide visual stimulation. These toys promote visual tracking, hand-eye coordination, and sensory engagement, making them enjoyable for all children, especially for those with Down Syndrome.
Spikey Light up Double Baton (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
Fidget toys offer tactile stimulation and helps to channel restless energy or fidgeting behaviours. Items like squishy stress balls, textured fidget rings, or sensory fidget cubes provide sensory input and can aid in self-regulation for all kids, including children with Down Syndrome and those who experience anxiety or who have difficulties focussing.
Tactile & Fidget Sensory Box (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
Looking for educational toys for Down Syndrome babies? I have found that many babies, toddlers, children and young adults with Down Syndrome really love music, so incorporating music into their play time will encourage positive interactions and create a calming and happy experience for them. Musical instruments such as drums, xylophones, or shakers provide auditory stimulation and encourage exploration of sound. Playing musical instruments promotes sensory integration, coordination, and creative expression... not to mention the obvious- having fun!!
Percussion Plus Small Hands Classroom Pack (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
Stimulating young children and toddlers with Down Syndrome by introducing a trampoline into their playtime routine can be hugely beneficial for their physical development. Not only will it encourage them to be more active, but it will also improve their gross motor skills – plus, they’ll have a blast bouncing and bouncing away! Trampolines can offer several benefits for children with Down Syndrome, but it's crucial to prioritize safety and tailor the experience to the child's individual needs and abilities.
BERG Hoppa Toddler Trampoline (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
This one is to be operated by adults but can be enjoyed by all! Introducing a projector to your Down Syndrome child can be extremely rewarding, for both them and you. If you’re trying to encourage less screen time but are looking for ways to keep your child stimulated and engaged, a projector is the way to go. With so many varieties to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can even try a relaxing and soothing projector to incorporate into your child’s bedtime routine to help them drift off to sleep at night.
Pico Genie Impact 2.0+ Ultra Portable 1200 Lumens LED Smart Projector (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
Do you have a wiggle bum on your hands? I know and understand the challenges that are faced when trying to educate Down Syndrome children that just won’t sit still for two minutes. Have you tried the Wiggle Seat? The Wiggle Seat allows children to quietly move while working, enabling them to focus, stay on track and be more productive - give it a try!
Bouncyband® Basketball Style Wiggle Seat (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
The single Cocoon is perfect for those wanting to escape for some alone time whilst still being in touch with their surroundings. This makes the perfect addition to your garden for your child with Down Syndrome to use whilst outdoors – and you adults can use it too (if you can get them out of it!)
Cacoon Hanging Chair Single (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
Rockers, such as this Indoor Large Wooden Tube Rocker is a fantastic way to introduce movement and gentle activity to your Down Syndrome child’s playtime. This specific rocker can be used as a rocking boat or a balancing beam – a versatile sensory toy for all young children and those with Down Syndrome.
Indoor Large Wooden Tube Rocker (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
Riding a Didicar helps improve both gross and fine motor skills. The motion of steering and propelling the car forward requires coordination, balance, and muscle control, which can be particularly beneficial for children with Down Syndrome who may face challenges in these areas. Learning to operate and manoeuvre a Didicar can boost a child's independence and self-confidence. Achieving this milestone, like mastering any new skill, can be particularly empowering for children with Down Syndrome. Plus, using a Didicar is a fun way to encourage physical activity, helping children with Down Syndrome to stay active and healthy all year round.
These are available in a range of different colours!
Didicar - Self Propelled Ride-on Toy (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
This visually stimulating toy will keep your little ones enthralled as they practice their hand-eye coordination and early engineering skills! Smaller intricate toys that require finer movements such as spinning toys like this one will aid in developing fine motor skills – which is essential for all children, as well as those with Down Syndrome.
Spin Again (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
Adding a Peg Puzzle to your child’s play routine will not only improve hand – eye coordination but it will also promote fine motor skills. As they learn to grip and grasp onto the peg pieces and fit them neatly into their shapes with their small hands, they’ll gain a sense of accomplishment which in turn boosts self confidence in certain abilities and tasks.
Wooden Peg Puzzle - Pets (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
A wonderful visual and tactile experience that really will encourage your child to move around and explore the surfaces. The bright colours and ever changing shapes within the liquid will encourage visual stimulation as well as movement and touch. They will withstand jumping on and strenuous use by children and adults as well as the weight of wheelchairs. With a variety of different shapes and designs to choose from, liquid tiles make the perfect addition to a home sensory room for Down Syndrome children.
Large Liquid Filled Sensory Floor Tile - Pack of 6 (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
Tummy Time Play Mats are a great place to engage your baby or toddler in tummy time activities for gross motor development. Play mats also have visually engaging items, such as mirrors as well as some activities requiring fine motor skills such as grasp and release. Tummy Time Play Mats for babies with Down Syndrome will help to promote exploration, cause and effect and body awareness in your baby.
Colourful Circle Toddler Mat with Mirror (learningspaceuk.co.uk)
I have found that incorporating sensory products and toys, such as these mentioned into your child's daily routine, can enhance their sensory experiences, promote development, and provide opportunities for fun and exploration, no matter their abilities or needs.
Children with Down Syndrome require the same playful tools and toys essential for any child's growth. The characteristics that make a toy valuable for a child with Down Syndrome are often identical to those that benefit any child.
Try experimenting with different sensory items to discover what engages and delights your child the most and remember, if you have any queries about any of these products or would like some advice on choosing the right sensory toys for your child with Down Syndrome, get in touch with us!
All my love for a happy playtime, Lorraine xx
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