Sensory Toys for Kids in Nairobi

Play forms an essential part of the physical and cognitive development in babies, toddlers and young children. During this developmental phase, it is paramount that infants and children are provided with ample play opportunities, which should include access to a wide variety of toys, including sensory toys.

A sensory toy is one that is specially designed to stimulate one or more of the 5 senses. Sensory toys are especially useful for kids on the autism spectrum or hypersensitive kids or children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). This is a complex disorder of the brain that affects developing children and adults.

Kids with SPD can misinterpret everyday sensory information, such as touch, sound and movement. They may feel overwhelmed by sensory information, may seek out sensory experiences or may also attempt to avoid certain situations.

Sensory play is encouraged from a young age and allows children to explore and investigate, whilst having the opportunity to form a hypothesis, experiment and make a conclusion. This process allows the person to refine their thresholds for different sensory information and learn which ones are useful and which ones can be filtered out.

Here are sensory toys and where you can buy them in Nairobi

Sensory Fidget Spinners

You have probably already encountered fidget spinners, as they became the latest craze a few years ago. These toys help a child focus by keeping their hands occupied. Not only great for children with autism but also children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD).

The smooth and fast rotation of the spinners are enjoyable for many children, and with many different designs available, you are sure to find one that your child loves to stimulate their sense of touch and sight.

Buy Sensory Fidget Spinners from Rhythm House, Regal Plaza, Ground Floor, Nairobi, Tel 0722 513715

Sensory Chew Necklace

Sensory Chewing Necklaces provide a safe, therapeutic outlet for fidgeting, biting, anxiety and stress, producing a calming effect for kids. Eliminating chewing on hair or clothing, each sensory toy is also great to reduce nail-biting and thumb sucking. Most sensory chew necklaces are colourful with smooth textures made of non toxic material so are safe to chew.

Buy Sensory Chew necklace from Ubuy Kenya or House of Leather branches across Nairobi

Slime

Slime is messy and can be unnerving to clean up but it is also a key sensory toy that can help with fine motor skills. Engaging in this activity requires the use of the child's hands and eyes, it is easily malleable, and it is a fun and innovative way to get children to practice strength, fine motor control, and dexterity. Slime is great for smell, sight and touch.

You can get slime at Toyworld ABC Place Westlands or sign up your child for slime making classes with Halal Nairobi.

Rainmaker

To appeal to a child's sense of hearing, try a rainmaker! A rainmaker is a fun toy that can help a child (especially those with autism) relax when playing and listening to the soothing sounds of "rain." The bright colors and cascade of falling beads are another bonus with this toy, allowing a child to engage with multiple senses at once without it being overwhelming. You can buy rainmaker toys from various babyshops along Biashara Street Nairobi

Reflective Balls

These sensory reflective balls help children develop a visual sense. Studies have shown that children with ADHD and autism have less of the ability to process visual sensory information. This is a great solution to help get your child started. Also great as a primer for kids who get photographed a lot. Buy Reflective balls from Rhythm House, Regal Plaza, Ground Floor, Nairobi.