April 1, 2021
From birth through early childhood, children learn by engaging all their senses and exploring their environments.
These engaging items are great for youngsters, including those on the autism spectrum with sensory challenges.
First Steps Learn2Walk Balancer (Better Than a Walker)
With adjustable heights, this bouncer-walker-play station is for babies who are getting used to having their feet on the ground or are still mastering the perfect balance. $119.99. deltachildren.com; target.com.
Rainmaker Sensory Toy
The bright colors, soothing sounds, and textured walls engage visual, auditory, and tactile senses. Gripping, shaking, and tracking the beads develops coordination, and engages mental and builds fine and gross motor skills. $20. brightautism.org.
Animal Friend Rattle/Teether
Textured organic cotton, crocheted by hand, is easy to hold, gum and chew. Rattle jingle encourages baby’s cognitive development and is also comfortable for self-soothing. $17.99. greensproutsbaby.com.
Figgy Base Playset
Designed by parents of seven children, this all-ages set includes four (33” x 33”) square pads and two (11” x 22”) rectangular bolsters, with optional triangle bolster. In either grey or navy blue. $299.99. shenanigankids.com.
PomPom Fidgets
Big, colorful, and soft with an elastic center, fidgets provide multiple options for sensory interaction, including catch and release, hand and upper extremity exercise, calming, and focus. Pack of four. $28. pattiandricky.com.