Beyond the Jumper: Sensory Integration in Occupational Therapy for Winter

As the chill sets in across Melbourne, many of us reach for cosy jumpers, thick socks, and warm coats. But for some children, the feeling of these essential winter layers can be overwhelming, uncomfortable, or even distressing due to sensory processing differences.

If your child struggles with the textures or bulk of warmer clothing, navigating the colder months while keeping them warm and engaged can feel like a significant challenge.

You're not alone in this!

It requires creativity and understanding to find ways to support your child. This article offers some sensory-friendly activity ideas and strategies to help keep your child warm and happy throughout winter, without forcing them into clothing that feels unbearable by utilising sensory integration practiced in occupational therapy.

Understanding the Winter Clothing Challenge

For children with sensory sensitivities, the world feels different. A seam that you don't notice might feel like a scratchy line to them. The fluff of fleece could be irritating, or the weight of a coat might feel heavy and restrictive. Their internal thermostat (interoception) might also process temperature differently, meaning they genuinely might not feel the cold in the same way others do, or find transitions between temperatures very difficult.

This isn't defiance; it's their nervous system reacting to sensory input.

Strategies Before the Activities

Before diving into fun things to do, consider these foundational strategies to make the environment more comfortable:

• Control the Indoor Climate: Ensure your home is adequately heated. Focus on warming the rooms where your child spends the most time.

  
  

• Warm the Space, Not Just the Air: Use rugs on cold floors, block drafts from windows and doors, and keep doors closed to contain warmth in active areas.

  
  

• Offer Alternative Warmth Sources: Think about warming from the inside out or adding external, non-clothing warmth. Warm drinks like milo, herbal tea, or warm milk can make a big difference. Cosy soups or baked goods fresh from the oven add internal warmth and a comforting aroma.

  
  

• Explore Different Textures (Carefully): While bulky layers are out, some children tolerate thin base layers made of very soft materials like bamboo or seamless cotton. Sometimes, a snug-fitting compression garment can provide regulating input and a thin layer of warmth that is tolerated better than loose, thick fabrics. It's all about trial and error with what your child finds acceptable.

  
  

Sensory-Friendly Indoor Activities for Warmth & Engagement

Since outdoor time might be limited or brief for children sensitive to cold clothing, having a repertoire of engaging indoor activities is key. These ideas focus on generating body heat or incorporating warmth in sensory-friendly ways:

1. Movement Matters (Generate Internal Heat):

   
   

   • Indoor Obstacle Course: Use cushions, blankets, pillows, tunnels, and furniture to create a fun course to crawl, climb, jump, and weave through. Great for gross motor skills and getting the blood pumping!

     
     

   • Dance Party: Put on your child's favourite energetic music and have a dance-off. Simple, fun, and a fantastic way to warm up.

     
     

   • Animal Walks & Gross Motor Games: Bear crawls across the room, crab walks, or jumping games like "The Floor is Lava" turn movement into play.

     
     

   • Mini Trampoline Fun: If you have space, a small indoor trampoline provides excellent proprioceptive and vestibular input while building warmth.

     
     

2. Warm & Calming Sensory Play:

   
   

   • Warm Water Play: A tub or bin filled with comfortably warm water is simple yet incredibly regulating for many children. Add scoops, cups, bath toys, or even a little soap for bubbles.

     
     

   • Heated Sensory Bins: Gently warm (always double-check the temperature to ensure it's safe and comfortable, not hot) materials like dried beans, rice, or small heat packs hidden within a bin. Searching through warm materials can be a soothing tactile experience.

     
     

   • Warm Rice or Wheat Packs: A soft, warm pack can be held, placed on a lap, or tucked near them on the couch for portable, calming warmth.

     
     

   • Weighted Blanket Cosy Corner: Create a comfortable nook with soft pillows and blankets, including a weighted blanket if your child finds it calming. The weight can provide regulating deep pressure, and the enclosed space feels snug and warm.

     
     

3. Creative & Cosy Activities:

   
   

   • Baking or Cooking Together: The warmth radiating from the oven is a bonus! The process of measuring, mixing, and creating is engaging, and the reward is a warm, tasty treat. Simple cookies, muffins, or even heating soup can be fun.

     
     

   • Fort Building: Gather blankets (different textures can add sensory exploration!), pillows, and chairs to build an indoor fort. It's a fantastic imaginative play activity, and the layers create a surprisingly warm and cosy space inside.

     
     

   • Warm Crafting: (Requires close adult supervision) Activities like using a low-heat hairdryer to melt crayon shavings onto paper can provide unique sensory input with the warmth and change in texture.

     
     

Brief Outdoor Explorations (with Care)

Even on cold days, a short burst of fresh air can be beneficial. If your child can tolerate even minimal cold-weather gear for a few minutes, consider:

• Timed Outdoor Play: Dress them in what they can tolerate and head out for a specific, short duration (start with 5 minutes). Have a warm drink and snuggly blanket ready the moment they come back inside.

  
  

• Puddle Jumping (if tolerated): If they don't mind getting wet feet (in appropriate boots, if possible, or just accepting wetness followed by immediate drying and warming indoors), finding puddles can be a great sensory and movement activity for a quick outdoor burst.

  
  

• Quick Nature Hunt: A brief walk around the garden or block to look for winter changes – bare branches, frost, puddles, winter flowers.

  
  

Tips for Success

• Offer Choices: Whenever possible, give your child options ("Would you like warm milk or warm milo?", "Do you want to build a fort or have a dance party?"). This gives them a sense of control.

  
  

• Follow Their Lead: Pay close attention to their cues. If they're showing signs of distress or being too cold/hot, be ready to adapt or stop.

  
  

• Make it Playful: Frame activities as fun games or adventures.

  
  

• Prepare Transitions: Give warnings before changing activities, especially before going outside or needing to come back in. Have warmth ready for the transition back indoors.

  
  

• Be Patient & Flexible: Some days will be easier than others. Celebrate small wins and don't get discouraged if an activity doesn't go as planned.

  
  

Navigating winter with a child who has sensory challenges around clothing requires understanding, patience, and a willingness to think outside the box. By focusing on environmental warmth, alternative heating methods, and engaging indoor activities that meet their sensory needs, you can create a warm and happy season for your child and your family.

If you find these challenges significantly impacting your child's well-being or participation, our Occupational Therapist is here to provide tailored strategies and guidance.

Reach out to our team on 03 8522 1927 or admin@earlyinterventionaustralia.com

We're here to help.