Sensory Toys and Doll Play: Thoughtful Playtime for Children with Additional Needs

Play can begin with something simple: touching a favourite fabric, squeezing a textured ball, or choosing a blanket for a doll. For children with additional needs, offering choices that suit their interests and comfort can make playtime more welcoming.

For families who enjoy reborn dolls, sensory activities offer a way to explore textures, practise everyday routines, and share imaginative moments together.

What are sensory toys?

Sensory toys invite children to explore sensations such as texture, movement, sound, and colour. Examples include textured balls, tactile books, stacking toys, and simple fidget toys.

Different activities offer different opportunities. Squeezing and stacking involve hand movements, while comparing textures creates opportunities to introduce words such as “smooth,” “soft,” and “bumpy.” Children can also express their preferences through gestures, pointing, or their usual communication system.

Start with your child’s preferences

There is no single sensory toy that suits every child. One child may enjoy a bumpy surface, while another prefers something smooth. A sound that delights one child may feel uncomfortable to another.

Offer one activity at a time and watch your child’s response. Let them choose whether to explore, watch, or move on. Sensory play should feel inviting, without pressure to tolerate an unpleasant sensation.

When exploring sensory toys for children, consider your child’s interests, the toy’s age guidance, how easily it can be cleaned, and whether your child can comfortably hold or use it.

Bringing sensory exploration into doll play

If your child enjoys dolls, try these simple activities with a doll that is suitable for their age:

• Choose a blanket: Offer two suitable fabrics and let your child select one for the doll. Describe the textures together.
• Explore dressing routines: Practise putting on and removing simple doll clothing, offering help when needed.
• Create a familiar sequence: Choose an outfit, settle the doll, and read a short story. Let your child decide what happens next.
• Offer a separate sensory activity: Keep a suitable textured toy nearby so your child can choose between doll play and another activity.

Reborn dolls vary in construction and intended use. Before including one in a child’s play, check the maker’s guidance: a collectible reborn may contain weighting materials, magnets, or delicate parts and may not be suitable as a children’s toy. Use an age-appropriate play doll when needed.

Keep play comfortable and safe

Choose durable toys appropriate for your child’s age and abilities, check them regularly for damage, and avoid small or detachable parts when choking is a concern. Supervise as appropriate, especially if your child mouths objects.

A quiet space and a small selection of toys can be a useful starting point. G