We always wanted to create Moose a little reading corner in his room, and as we got to know him, we knew that a sensory room would be the perfect addition to his bedroom. We wanted to make this a space that was his, he could go there to calm down and relax or get some sensory stimulation if he needed it. He always has his little bolt hole to escape to when life gets a bit much.
We started by sectioning off part of N's room with a floor-to-ceiling curtain from IKEA. They do a curtain wire, which we attached to the ceiling on a wooden baton. We went for a soft grey fabric as it was inoffensive and fitted with the room. We also made sure his blinds and curtains on the window were blackout curtains so that these can be closed and the sensory room used to full effect.
Then behind the curtain, we started to create a sensory space. Firstly we bought padded floor tiles which link together and have a soft carpet-style covering. Everything is on a blue theme - Moose loves fish and watching them, so we went for a calming underwater vibe in there.
The main feature of our sensory room is the fish bubble lamp, which sits in one corner. We have stuck plastic mirrors on the walls on either side of the lamp, so from certain angles you can see multiple lamps. The mirrors also reflect the light around the room and provide a place for Moose to look at himself, which he likes to do to process things sometimes.
We made sure the bubble lamp was securely attached to the wall with a bracket - so we didn't come into plastic fish all over the floor and a small flood! The mirrors are also plastic encase he accidentally broke one somehow.
We then filled the space with a cheap shaggy rug, different textures of cushions and some soft blankets. A bean bag provides somewhere to lie or sit. Moose loves hiding under his blankets, especially with his Dad or Daddy.
Some coloured silk scarves staple-gunned to the roof create a rainbow which he can lie down and look up at. We got some mesh fabric and stretched it between the picture rails. Bringing this down from the ceiling enclosed the space a bit. The fairy lights are also strung from the picture rail, only the rainbow is above them. It softens the ceiling so you can't really see it, so it gives an open yet enclosed illusion.
We try and keep the place dark when he is using it, so the bubble lamp, fairy lights on dimly and his fibre optic lamp.
A gel floor tile gives something fun to stand on and push to watch the gel move around, similar to the bubble pouch which we found in a toy shop. We also have some small stringy balls. He can throw these around to regulate himself and they won't cause much damage. He can also throw them up into the 'clouds' and they get caught in the mesh which he finds fun.
We have a weighted Eeyore which was a present from his aunties and a weighted blanket. He doesn't use these often of his own accord, but if he is really upset they come in super handy. We can wrap him up or have a cuddle with Eeyore and I think they make him feel enclosed and grounded.
Lastly, we keep one of Moose' hand held mirrors up here. I think they are bath toys. We have got them in B&M quite cheap, and you can get more expensive ones online. Moose always has one in his hand! He can look at reflections, he can play with the light, and he can look at himself. Or his special skill is putting it between the eyes and you can see in two different directions! This is by far the most regulatory toy he has.
The only downside to the sensory room is it is upstairs. In his foster placement, he had a sensory space under the stairs. I wish we could do that so he could access it more regularly but our space under the stairs is Keanu's bedroom and I don't think he would appreciate moving!
These spaces don't have to be big or grand, they are about function. To be honest, I think Moose's sensory room is too big, but it functionally divides his bedroom which was quite important, which I discuss in this blog here.
Here are some links to some products we have in the Sensory Room.
Mirror Wall tiles - we have these in our bathroom too, they are great, but might need a stronger adhesive depending on your surfaces
Gel Floor Tile - you can get other colours and options of round or square
Tuille Fabric - to make 'clouds'
Bean Bag - lots of colours available
Weighted Blanket - just be sure to check the weight in relation to the child.
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