The Sensory Seeking kiddo and Sleep

The Sensory Seeking kiddo and Sleep

Testing out the Huggaroo Pouch twin sized (used on a full size crib, for now) 

My son is very much a sensory seeking child. He needs a ton of input all day long and as we discovered when he was 2.5, it helped so much at bedtime. Our bedtime routine may seem a bit ridiculous to some but my #spd (sensory processing disorder) parents know how beneficial it is to get them an end of day boost of input! 

We do a magnesium lotion on the bottoms of his feet. Joint compressions. Deep pressure hugs. Roll him like a burrito in a blanket for 10-30 seconds. Books about bedtime. And try to tightly snuggle him in bed. He has his water bottle (that green Nalgene!) and he falls asleep well. 

At some point in the night, something will trip his sensory wires and wake him. Most times, he can soothe himself and grab a drink from his water bottle and settle. But if he’s had a rough day, too much input, too little input, or the bedtime routine is rushed, he can’t settle. He can’t settle because he can’t regulate his need for input when he’s half awake. So we go in, give a few deep pressure hugs and help him regulate. If there are increased wakings repeatedly, I look for the sensory sleep intruder. Blue light? Tags on blankets? Sheets askewed? Comfort toy missing? Every sensory child is different so as an #spd parent, you learn what to look for. 

With my son, it was always the blanket is off or not tightly bundling him. He responds so positively to that deep pressure. He has so many sensory toys thanks to his aunt and mother’s research. So, he is now getting great daytime and play input. But nighttime, we needed more input than the bedtime routine offered. Weighted blankets didn’t help, he would get so hot and sweat himself awake! 

Enter Dr.Mom in research mode. He couldn’t sleep in a sensory body sock because that wasn’t safe. BUT I found a company that uses the same sensory body sock material to make a sensory bed pouch! Not too many reviews on Amazon, but they were all glowing. Most ppl on the web had great things to say about the company, Huggaroo.  So we spent the $39.99 and primed it! 

It’s night one. I will say he saw it and IMMEDIATELY jumped into bed. Was asleep about 15 mins after lights out. Takes him about 30 mins most nights as he is seeking, seeking, seeking input. Give me a week. I’ll update. But I have a good feeling. 

Any sensory parents or special needs parents out there need a hand getting their kids the sleep they need? Come talk to me! I will find a way to improve your sleep and your child’s sleep. 

https://www.eatsleepdream.love/sleep-coaching-packages/