As winter comes, parents want to keep their kids warm. This can be challenging for families with a child who has sensory sensitivities. At HHF, we understand these challenges and have some tips to make dressing for winter a more comfortable experience for your child.
Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Needs
Every child is unique, and so are their preferences when it comes to attire. The trick to success is approaching the clothing realm with lots of patience and empathy. Designate some safe space around your home where your kid can explore clothes without pressuring them. This can be either a corner of their bedroom or a quiet area in the living room.
Encourage your child to express their feelings on textures and styles. Some children feel certain fabrics itch or become uncomfortable; other children prefer colors or patterns. Validating their senses and feelings toward their clothing will provide your child with a sense of trust and open the line of communication.
Home Testing: A Crucial Strategy
Allow your child to wear new things for short lengths of time indoors, starting with just a few minutes and gradually increasing the time. Observe their comfort level and reactions closely. Are they fidgeting with the clothing or the zippers? Do they seem relaxed? Use this information to guide your choices and adjustments.
Reward positively for wearing clothes, even only wearing them for a short time. Celebrate even small wins, e.g., 5 minutes of putting a new hat on or wearing gloves. This method can be used to increase willingness to try new winter apparel.
Giving Choice and Control
Empowerment comes through choice, and this is most definitely true when it comes to clothing. Involve your child in the selection process as much as possible. For example, offer 2-3 shirt options and let them choose which one to wear under their winter coat. Allow them to select their favorite winter hat or pick between different glove colors or mitten styles.
Creating a “clothing menu” for winter outfits may be an engaging way to give your child control over their wardrobe. This can be in chart form that includes pictured outfits that your child points to. This approach can lower anxiety about choices regarding what to wear and make dressing more interesting.
Sensory-Friendly Layering Techniques
Layering is crucial in winter, but it doesn’t need to be so tedious. Find your child soft and seamless base layers that do not rub irritated skin. For the child who likes tight hugs, wear compression as a base layer. And remember, remove scratchy tags or seams that can irritate them.
Remember, layering also allows for easy adjustment of temperature. Teach your child how to add or remove layers as needed, giving them more control over their comfort throughout the day. This skill can be particularly helpful for children receiving autism treatment near Quakertown, PA or one of our other clinics, where indoor and outdoor temperatures can vary greatly.
Car Seat Safety and Comfort
Winter car rides are a bit different. It is important to take off thick jackets before putting your child into their car seat. Jackets can compromise the safety of the car seat. Instead, use thin layers or car seat-friendly blankets to keep your child warm. Practice this at home so it is familiar and less stressful when you decide to head out.
If you’re unsure about the best way to manage car seat safety and comfort, don’t hesitate to discuss strategies with our clinical professionals at our autism center in Lehigh Valley, PA or any of our clinics throughout the Northeast. They can offer personalized advice based on your child’s specific needs and your family’s routines.
Communication is Key
Open, and honest communication is the foundation throughout this entire process. Encourage open-ended questions with your child. If your child has difficulty verbalizing feelings, include comfort, and the use of scaling, such as 1-5 for different sensations. Listen actively to your child’s feedback and be prepared to adjust your strategies based on their input.
Keep in mind that adjustments occur slowly. Sometimes, what may work today may not work tomorrow. Be patient with your child and yourself through this journey. Celebrate small successes and take lessons from those difficult moments.
At HHF, we believe that dressing in winter clothes can be an opportunity toward growth, understanding, and connection if done with an appropriate approach.
- Include your child in the process
- Respect their sensory needs
- Meet challenges creatively and patiently.
Ready to revolutionize this winter in every possible way when it comes to clothes? Contact HHF today and learn how our personalized approach can support your child’s sensory needs and emotional well-being. Let’s work together and make this winter a season of comfort, confidence, and joy for the whole family!
