What sensory toys calm my child best? 

Parenting Perspective 

Observe Your Child’s Preferences 

Sensory toys can be a wonderful support for children with special educational needs (SEN) or sensory processing challenges. They help your child feel calmer, manage big emotions, and focus on tasks by giving their hands and senses something soothing to do. The best sensory toy depends on what your child finds calming, as every child is unique. 

Start by noticing what your child already enjoys. Do they like squishing things, spinning, watching lights, or feeling different textures? For some, a soft, squishy stress ball is perfect; for others, a fidget spinner or chewy necklace works wonders. Weighted toys, like a small, weighted lap pad or a stuffed animal, can help some children feel grounded when anxious. 

Different Toys for Different Needs 

If your child struggles with sound sensitivity, noise-cancelling headphones paired with a favourite sensory toy can make busy places easier to handle. For visual comfort, toys like glitter jars or slow-moving bubble timers offer a peaceful focus. Keep one in your bag for outings; it can help your child self-soothe when the world feels overwhelming. 

Introducing a New Toy 

When introducing a new sensory toy, show your child how to use it and explain when it is helpful: ‘You can squeeze this when you feel upset,’ or ‘This spinner is for when you need to calm down at the doctor’s.’ Let your child have a say in what feels good and never force it. 

Sensory toys are not ‘babyish’; they are practical tools that help children (and even adults) manage stress and big feelings. Use them alongside other calming strategies like deep breathing, a quiet space, or a comforting blanket. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam encourages us to care for our bodies and minds with gentleness and wisdom. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 286: 

‘Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear…‘

This Ayah reminds us that our unique needs, including sensory needs, are seen and understood by Allah Almighty. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ always recognised people’s individual needs and made allowances for them. It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1828, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Allah is not kind to him who is not kind to people.‘

Helping your child find tools that bring them calm is a beautiful act of mercy that reflects this Sunnah. 

Make a gentle Dua: ‘O Allah Almighty, soothe my child’s heart and make the world feel safe for them.’ Explain to your child that using sensory toys is not something to feel embarrassed about; it is part of taking care of the body and mind that Allah Almighty entrusted to us. 

With patient guidance, trust in your child’s instincts, and faith in Allah Almighty’s compassion, sensory toys become more than just objects; they are a small mercy that helps your child feel calm, confident, and cared for in a busy world.