Click here for photo creditWinter is coming and unlike the light flowy t-shirts and shorts from the summer months, winter clothing can be bulky and itchy and much more difficult to tolerate. Just think about the heavy coats, bulky pants, tight scarves, scratchy sweaters that are typical for winter clothes. The transition from summer to winter clothes may be challenging but it's definitely not impossible! Clothing changes with the seasons can be hard on both parent and child but some preparation and respecting a child’s clothing preferences as much as we respect our own can go a long way to making the transition easier. The strategies below are helpful tips to get sensory-sensitive kids to tolerate winter clothes.
One of the best ways to combat tactile sensitivity is to have your child wear a base layer. A base layer made of comfortable material can serve as a barrier and decrease the likelihood of uncomfortable fabric coming in contact with the skin. This will keep the sensory system from going into overdrive!
As it starts to get colder, begin to talk about what that will mean. A social story is a great way to introduce children to new, potentially challenging situations. It explains what the expected behaviors and responses are for that particular situation. It also describes, in detail, what the situation, event or skill requires. It is a great tool for kids to learn about anything they may need help with. You can literally write a social story about anything! So, think of what areas are most challenging for your child and target those skills through a social story.
Click here for a story to help start the conversation about winter clothing.
If you prefer to print the story, you can click here for a printer friendly version.
We live in a time where there are many options for adaptive clothing. Seams on socks can be very irritating. Simply turning the socks inside out may be enough to provide some relief. If not, consider seamless socks or clothes with flat seams.
Tags can feel so sharp for a child with sensory challenges. By simply cutting and removing tags off the back of shirts, hats, gloves or mittens can help to provide some relief. Try to get shirts that have printed tags rather than sewn in tags. If you need to cut out a tag, be sure to get all of it and don’t leave sharp edges behind.
Every sensory system is different. Try to determine if your child prefers tight or loose clothing. If the additional compression from tight clothing is a relief for them then try to have them wear smaller socks, compression garment (Under Armour makes a large selection of choices) or tie the laces tighter on their shoes The additional compression can be soothing. On the other hand, some sensory systems perceive the additional compression as constricting, in those instances keep the laces on the shoes looser and try to have them wear looser fitting clothing. Earmuffs or a loose hoodie might be better than a snug winter hat.
Natural fibers tend to be easier to tolerate. When selecting clothing, natural fibers, especially 100% cotton, tend to be easier for the defensive child to tolerate. Avoid scratchy synthetics. Go for soft knits and fleeces and avoid rough fabric like wool.
Practice wearing various winter articles of clothing to test out and see what your child tolerates. You may slowly introduce new articles of clothing by playing games and having the child tell you how they feel when wearing various clothing. You may slowly introduce one new article at a time.
Lastly, keep in mind, a child may not want to wear something today but will tomorrow. Their sensory struggles can change from one day to the next. If your child is having a meltdown over clothing and how they feel, they're not purposely giving you a hard time. They really are having a hard time. Clothing for children who have sensory difficulties can feel absolutely unbearable. Don't get frustrated if you find what worked today doesn't work tomorrow.
There are certainly lots of other ways to manage sensory issues during the winter. This list is by no means exhaustive, but I do hope you find these ideas helpful.
.png)
.png)
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}