Sensory Strategies for Dressing

The texture of the clothing can be a large issue; it is important to learn the textures and type of fit of clothing that your child likes

It is more important for your child to be at school in a comfortable uncoordinated outfit feeling calm, than dressing your child to look good but cause the child to be upset

Be aware of audio and visual overload and minimize it: other sensory input can affect the dressing process 

If visual issues are affecting motor ability, use another sensory system (ie. touch) to compensate

The vestibular system can cause a child to be fearful of any change in his/her body position: try different body positions when helping your child to dress.

Be conscious of noise from buckles, straps, and Velcro. 

Be conscious of clothing irritants ie. tight collars (ie. turtlenecks), elastic, 

Make your laundry scent-free: choose unscented fabric detergent and softener 

Dressing in front of a mirror can reduce visual issues regarding motor planning

Create a comfortable wardrobe: With your child, create a wardrobe full of comfortable clothing

• ie. specific textures, fit of clothing (loose vs. tight), patterns

Deep pressure activities: use these with your child before dressing in order to decrease tactile sensitivities (ie. massage, weighted blanket, etc.)

Wear underwear inside out to avoid scratchy seams and tags

• Alternatively, cut labels and tags out of clothing

Put lotion on your child before putting on pants, shirts, etc. Applying the lotion provides sensory input and can decrease tactile sensitivity

Wash clothes many times to soften the fabric before the child uses them for the first time

Buy used clothing from second hand stores for "lived in" feeling

Sensory friendly clothing is available and can include: Tag free clothing, reduced seam or seamless clothing, or specific fabrics which are comfortable for your child. 

Dress your child in tighter clothing ie. bike shorts, small t-shirts under other clothes, sweaters with hood and pockets (child can put up hood, put hands in pocket, and pull down for sensory input)

Apply pressure when helping child to dress in order to for the child to receive that input