Sensory Based Activities Using Lycra (No Sew)!

Lycra is the not-so-secret tool in the OT's tool box!

Bear hug? 
Deep pressure massage?
Lying in a hammock?
Sitting in a soft bean bag?

For children who enjoy these sensations, the stretch of lycra can provide propioceptive input to the body as the child moves by pushing and pulling it.  They may get the same benefits from using a stretchy resistance band.

There are many commercially available products made from lycra (or nylon spandex) including body socks, lyrca tunnels and lycra bed sheets.  These are fabulous and I've seen many children benefit from these. 

Today I want to share with you some new ideas for using just a square of lycra (although if you look closely, you will see that I'm missing a corner)... of approximately 1.4m x 1.4m. You can change the size of your material depending on the size of your child. 

Watch these ideas below or use the following You-tube link:  youtu.be/b0ODU-KhymY
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Lycra activities

1. Sit and pull
2. Tie to chair legs - Sit and stretch, running legs, read a book, spin
3. Tie to a hoola hoop - Stand and stretch, stand and jump, stand and turn, stand and twist, sit and drive, sit and move legs, sit and hide

You could also use a large lycra piece as a hammock or swing.  Be very careful where about how you tie this lycra. For weight bearing activities such as these, you may require multiple pieces of lycra, load bearing hooks and attachments. Please seek professional advice if you are making any suspension or weight bearing activities and be aware of potential choking hazards.  Use with supervision and caution always! 

​For more on the benefits of sensory based activities, read the blog from last week (link HERE). 

Let me know if you use any of these ideas or if you have other ways that you use a lycra sheet!
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Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing 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. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a contributing author of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
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