DIY BALLOON SENSORY FIDGET TOYS!

Do you fidget?

Do you chew your pencil, tap on a table, tap your foot, move in your seat, twirl your hair?

Fidgeting is a movement that you may not even be aware of until someone points it out to you. People (both children and adults) may fidget whilst they are concentrating on a conversation, listening to a teacher or watching TV (just some examples). 

Some children with sensory seeking behavior need ways to intentionally fidget so that they can obtain the proprioceptive input to help their bodies regulate and calm down.

Have you seen balloon fidget toys before?

I have been wanting to make these for a long time and have finally made them! They are so awesome to squish and squeeze! There are lots of recipes on the internet, but I found two really simple (and dare I say fool-proof) ones that I have "tweaked" for you to try!

Water Beads Balloon Fidget

What you will need:
1. Balloon
2. Water beads (fully grown)
3. Funnel

What to do:
1. Give your balloon a stretch and blow into it (just to stretch it).
2. Deflate your balloon and attach to the end of the funnel.
3. Push the water beads into the funnel and into the balloon.  You may need to move them down the neck of the balloon with your fingers.
4. Fill your balloon to the desired size then tie a knot to secure them.
5. Squeeze!

Your kids will love scooping water beads to put into the funnel, then pushing the water beads into the funnel with their fingers.  The perfect finger isolation activity!

Note: Inspiration for these balloon fidgets came from Karina Garcia's You Tube channel.  She uses transparent balloons which are so cool!

Baking Soda and Conditioner Balloon Fidget

What you will need:
1. Baking Soda (aka. bicarbonate soda)
2. Hair conditioner
3. Balloon
4. Plastic fork or spoon
5. Funnel
6. Bowl
7. Elastic Band
8. Netting from fruit or vegetables
9. Matches or lighter

What to do:
1. Pour your baking soda (I used 300 g to make 2) into a bowl.
2. Slowly add a little hair conditioner to the baking soda and mix together with the spoon. Continue to add the hair conditioner and mix until you get a sloppy thick icing consistency (see video for consistency). 
3. Give your balloon a stretch and blow into it (just to stretch it).
4. Deflate your balloon and attach to the end of the funnel.
5. Push the baking soda mixture into the funnel and down into the balloon.  You may need a plastic fork or spoon to help push it down.
6. Fill your balloon to the desired size then tie a knot to secure them.
7. Cut some fruit/vegetable netting to the desired size.  Singe the ends of the net with a lighted match just to stop any fraying.
8.  Secure the netting over the balloon with a rubber band.
9. Squeeze and play!

Your kids will love helping you mix the baking soda and hair conditioner together.  You could play with this as "cloud dough" until you are ready to fill the balloons.  Make sure you get a reasonably wet consistency for to put into the balloons (it will still work if you don't but you might not get the bubbles popping out of the net).    Once ready to play, your kids (and any adults around) will love squeezing these over and over again!

Note: Inspiration for these balloon fidgets came fromAira Tan's You Tube Video. 

Have a look at my video to retrace the steps and see how squishy they are!

Use of these balloon fidget toys should always be supervised especially over time with the wear and tear of the balloon.  The length of time each balloon will last, will depend on the quality of the balloon and how often it is played with.  You could try adding a second balloon over the first to provide some longevity. These balloon fidgets are not suitable for children who are mouthing toys and objects.  They are also not suitable for children under 12 months of age.

These balloon fidgets provide sensory input for a child who needs to fidget.  They also make great ways to warm up your child's hands ready for writing or cutting.  They are perfect little stress balls and they are also heaps of FUN!

I love these balloon fidgets! I hope you do too!

Have you made a balloon fidget yet? Let me know if you try one of these!

Don't forget to share this article with your friends and family  if you think they will like these balloon fidgets too!

Thanks,

CindyChuan is a registered Occupational Therapist practising in Sydney Australia.  She has two young children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun.

Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT

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