For children with sensory processing issues, certain clothing items may be bothersome. Even tiny tags and seams can be extremely distracting and upsetting. However, there are also certain types of clothing, such as weighted vests, which may be comforting and calming. On this page, we’ll discuss a few tips that can help parents select clothing for kids with sensory processing issues:
Choose soft clothing
You may want to avoid choosing fabrics that are scratchy or stiff, or clothing that has rough edges, tags, or appliquéd designs on it. It may be helpful to use hand-me-downs that have been washed several times as well, as they will lose some of their rough qualities over time.
Get rid of tags and seams
These elements of clothing can be especially irritating to those with sensory sensitivities. Many retailers now offer tagless and seamless clothing. However, if this is not easy to find or afford, try clipping tags or placing adhesive bandages over them.
Choose socks that won’t slip
Avoid socks that can fall down into the insides of shoes.
Give them the choice
Allow the child to choose his or her clothing whenever possible. They will often make sensory-friendly choices for themselves.
Choose comfortable undergarments
Choose undergarments that are seamless and tagless whenever possible. This will help the child to better deal with other necessary layers that may not be as comfortable.
Avoid bunching
Choose clothing for your child that doesn’t bunch, like briefs and bathing suits without netting for boys and sports bras for girls.
Be flexible about weather-appropriate clothing
Many children with sensory sensitivities are bothered by winter clothes. It’s important to have your child practice wearing these clothes for short periods of time before it gets really cold, so they can get used to it. Children with sensory issues benefit from being dressed in layers so that they can easily remove outerwear once they are indoors. Some parents also buy softer/less stiff items like sweatshirts or fleeces for children who really dislike wearing coats.
Experiment with nighttime clothing
Help your child to get enough sleep by ensuring that they are comfortable overnight. This may mean asking them about or using trial and error to discover their preferences for:
- Heavier or lighter blankets
- Cotton or flannel clothing choices
- Wearing socks or not wearing socks
Choose heavy clothing
Some children with sensory processing issues take comfort in the feeling of heavy clothing. Adding thicker layers may be better for them than several thin layers during winter. Items such as weighted vests or blankets may also be useful.
Explain consequences
Emphasize to your child what the consequences of dressing a certain way can be. For example, you could say something like “You got wet because you weren’t wearing a raincoat.” They may still refuse to wear certain items, but conversations like these can help them weigh the pros and cons of various choices.
Choose natural clothing
Synthetic clothing materials may be distractingly irritating to a sensory-sensitive child. Look for more natural products, like 100% cotton materials.
Avoid difficult elements
Clothing with complicated buttons, snaps, or zippers can be all the more frustrating for children with sensory processing issues. Choose velcro fasteners or drawstrings whenever possible.
Consider adaptive clothing
It is important to keep in mind that some children with sensory processing issues have co-occurring physical disabilities. For these children, it is especially important to find adaptive clothing that is:
- Easy to take on and off &
- Can accommodate equipment such as a wheelchair, feeding tube, or orthotic device/brace
Fortunately, because many children have both physical disabilities and sensory issues, clothing companies often work hard to ensure that their adaptive clothing is also sensory-friendly.
About HIE Help Center
HIE Help Center is run by ABC Law Centers, a medical malpractice firm exclusively handling cases involving HIE and related birth injuries since 1997.
If you suspect your child’s HIE may have been caused by medical negligence, contact us to learn more about pursuing a case. We provide free legal consultations, during which we will inform you of your legal options and answer any questions you have. Moreover, you would pay nothing throughout the entire legal process unless we obtain a favorable settlement.
You are also welcome to reach out to us with inquiries that are not related to malpractice. We cannot provide individualized medical advice, but we’re happy to track down informational resources for you.
Sources
- Wright, L. W. (n.d.). 6 Clothing Solutions for Kids With Sensory Processing Issues. Retrieved April 11, 2024, from https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/sensory-processing-issues/6-clothing-solutions-for-kids-with-sensory-processing-issues
- Kay, M. A. (n.d.). What to Do When Your Child Refuses to Put On Winter Clothes. Retrieved April 11, 2024, from https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/sensory-processing-issues/what-to-do-when-your-child-refuses-to-put-on-winter-clothes
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