Sensory Wins: Play That Moves With Them

Every child deserves play that meets them where they are — not where the packaging says they should be. For neurodivergent kids, play isn’t just fun; it’s therapy in motion. It’s the deep breath between meltdowns, the movement that resets their body, and the comfort that helps them reconnect when the world feels too loud.

This year’s sensory picks are all about balance — literally. From toys that encourage movement and focus to tools that calm and centre, these clever finds are designed to move with your child, not against them.

LeapFrog LeapMove — Active Play That Builds Regulation

LeapMove turns movement into a mission. Designed to get kids jumping, stretching, and dancing, this wearable encourages gross motor skills, coordination, and body awareness — all essential for sensory regulation. Each activity is paired with sound and rhythm cues to help kids anticipate transitions and enjoy predictable movement patterns.

Why it’s a sensory win: For kids who crave proprioceptive and vestibular input, structured movement is grounding. It helps them process emotions through motion and brings calm after overstimulation.

Parenthood360 tip: Make it a “Move & Groove” challenge. Pop on their favourite playlist, follow LeapMove’s prompts, and turn your living room into a mini disco circuit — a perfect balance of energy and reset.

DJ Furby Rainbow — A Comfort Friend That Responds to Emotion

The moment we unboxed this toy, Aurora wouldn’t put it down — it instantly became her new best friend. DJ Furby Rainbow is far more than a cute plush; it’s a little pocket of calm that adapts to your child’s mood and needs. Offering five interactive modes and over 1000 play combinations, kids get to decide the vibe. From solo or multiplayer games to yoga-inspired moves, light shows, and catchy songs in both English and Furbish (the official Furby language), there’s always something new to explore.

Ours went everywhere — from car rides to holidays — and became the most consistent source of comfort along the way. It tells jokes, sings, and chats back, but most importantly, it gently teaches calming techniques and mindfulness cues that kids can truly connect with. Aurora would often seek solace in it — cuddling it close when she needed grounding or turning to it after a sensory overload moment.

Why it’s a sensory win: The mix of soft texture, rhythmic sounds, and responsive lighting creates a predictable, comforting sensory experience. It’s play with purpose — fun that doubles as emotional regulation.

Parenthood360 tip: Pair DJ Furby with a weighted lap pad and soft lighting to create a portable calm kit. Whether you’re home or away, it’s a little reminder that comfort can travel too.

NeuroCalm Sensory Swing — Calm Through Motion

The NeuroCalm Sensory Swing is like a hug in motion. Designed to deliver deep pressure and rhythmic movement, it helps kids regulate emotions while stimulating the vestibular system — the part of the inner ear responsible for balance and spatial awareness. It’s perfect for winding down after school, before bed, or whenever the day’s energy feels a bit too big.

Why it’s a sensory win: The gentle swinging rhythm activates the parasympathetic nervous system, signalling the body to relax. It’s science-backed calm disguised as play.

Parenthood360 tip: Create a calm-down corner around the swing with soft cushions, neutral colours, and a favourite toy. It becomes a safe zone they can return to when everything else feels unpredictable.

Children’s Round Sensory Swivel Chair (Blue Turtle) — Spin to Self-Regulate

This one’s a favourite in our house. Designed to stimulate the vestibular system through controlled spinning and movement, the Children’s Round Sensory Swivel Chair looks like a game — but it’s secretly a regulation tool. Spinning helps improve balance, coordination, and body awareness while offering an easy, fun way to reset.

Why it’s a sensory win: Gentle rotational movement gives kids just enough stimulation to refocus and self-soothe. It’s also a great alternative for movement breaks during homework or screen-free downtime.

Parenthood360 tip: Pair it with a “One spin, one stretch, one breath” rule. It turns play into mindfulness and helps kids learn to recognise when their body needs a reset.

Creative Regulation: When Sensory Play Meets Imagination

Some kids regulate through movement. Others through pressure, rhythm or repetition. And then there are kids who find calm through creating. The kind of play where hands are busy, imagination takes over, and the nervous system quietly settles without anyone realising it’s happening.

That’s where the Play-Doh Barbie Designer Fashion Show playset shines.

At first glance, it looks like pure imaginative fun. A runway. A studio. Barbie centre stage. But underneath the sparkle is a deeply sensory, regulating experience that ticks multiple boxes for kids who need tactile input and creative control.

Rolling, pressing, stamping and moulding the Play-Doh provides rich proprioceptive feedback. The resistance of the dough, the repetition of shaping outfits, and the freedom to redesign again and again gives kids a sense of agency that’s incredibly grounding. There’s no right or wrong outcome. Just choice.

What makes this playset especially powerful is the balance between structure and freedom. Kids can follow the guide to create the signature looks, which supports children who thrive on predictability, or they can go completely off-script and design their own outfits, hairstyles and accessories. That flexibility allows each child to engage at their own comfort level.

The runway element adds a layer of imaginative sequencing and storytelling. Dressing Barbie, adding accessories, spinning the display stand and “showing” the final look helps kids practise planning, focus and follow-through in a playful, low-pressure way.

Why it’s a sensory win:
Tactile input from Play-Doh supports emotional regulation, while creative decision-making builds confidence and calm. The repetitive motions can be soothing, and the open-ended design encourages self-expression without overwhelm.

Parenthood360 tip:
Set this up as a quiet-time activity after a big day. Dim the lights slightly, put on soft background music, and let your child design at their own pace. It’s one of those rare toys that feels like play but functions as a nervous system reset.

The Art of Building Calm

The best sensory play doesn’t come with rules — it comes with understanding. It’s about creating moments that match your child’s needs, whether that’s a dance, a swing, a spin, or a soft cuddle. These tools don’t just entertain — they help kids connect with their bodies, express emotions, and find peace on their own terms.

Because every sensory seeker, spinner, jumper, and cuddler deserves a space that says, “You’re safe here.”