Our Summer Adventure Checklist

With summer holidays in full swing more of us are opting for days outside, enjoying the benefits of warmer days. Whether travelling or spending time on the go this summer, we know that having the right products to hand can make a big difference in the success of the day! So we've put together our summer adventure checklist full of our must-have portable resources which we hope will inspire you to have the BEST days out!

1. Portable Sensory Kits

Sensory kits are a must-have for days out. Include items such as fidget toys, stress balls, sensory chews or even body socks. The key here is to put together a kit of portable resources that will help your child stay calm and reduce anxiety when you're out and about. We also like to add a selection of portable therapy tools like therapy putty, resistance bands or small massage balls which are great for on-the-go therapy sessions and exercises.

Sensory Direct Top Pick

We love our Essential Holiday Grab Bags. This product includes a pair of ear defenders, a stress ball and 2 quality fidget toys complete in a drawstring bag. Available with and without sensory chews they are great for days out. Big enough to hold all of the above, whilst still having spacce for other essentials such as drinks bottles, suncream and snacks!

2. Noise-Reducing Headphones

If we had to choose one product to take on days out it would be ear defenders! Designed to reduce uncomfortable, distressing and loud noises, they are great for children and adults sensitive to loud environments, such as airports or crowded spaces. Our ear defenders are fully adjustable and fold down to a compact size which easily fit in bags or hand luggage when not in use.

We find that light can be just as uncomfortable as loud noises so we highly recommend investing in a good quality pair of sunglasses to protect sensitive eyes.

Sensory Direct Top Pick

For older children and adults we also stock sensory ear plugs. The same noise-reducing effects, but in a more discreet, wearable style for fashion conscious teens and adults.

3. Portable Visual Schedules

Visual schedules help children understand and anticipate their daily routines, reducing anxiety. Make a timetable for your day out to show what you have planned. Go through the planner in advance to reduce anxiety of whats to happen. You can take the visual schedule in a binder or save to a tablet for easy access. Refer back to the schedule throughout the day, or when needed, to visually explain what is happening now, and next.

Sensory Direct Top Pick

In addition to visual timetables we love our communication fans. Great for non-verbal children and adults, they help express feelings and emotions. Available across a range of topics, and with a handy clip for days out, they are portable, accessible and wipe-clean!

4. Weighted Blankets & Lap Pad

Weighted Therapy is not just for inside the home, the right resources help to reduce anxiety, bring calm and focus when out and about too. Portable weighted blankets or lap pads provide a sense of security and help with self-regulation. Use a lap pad in the car or on the bus, or wrap a weighted blanket around your body for gentle comforting pressure when sat at the park or waiting at the airport. Our weighted blankets and lap pads are available in a range of fabric choices, including wipe clean, so they're ideal for mopping up any accidental spills.

Sensory Direct Top Pick

New to weighted therapy? Not sure whether it will work for you? Our weighted animals are a great introduction to weighted therapy, and they come in a range of choices. Use in the car, on a plane or sat in a wheelchair or pushchair for instant, loveable comfort.

5. DVD Players or Tablets with Educational Apps

Portable devices loaded with favourite movies, shows or educational apps can help keep children entertained during long car rides or flights. Consider adding some soothing music to help reduce anxiety and provide reassurance. Don't forget power banks or chargers on longer days out, we all know how it feels when the battery goes flat!

Sensory Direct Top Picks

If your child has motion or car sickness, the use of portable devices is often a no go! We like creating a portable car bag full of different fidget toys to help keep hands occupied and pass the time. You can even add favourite cuddly toys or sensory chews like our Chewbuddy™ range to help reduce any discomfort during long journeys.

For older children, why not try one of our cuddle cushions? The soft fabric provides a comforting, tactile experience for the user, whilst the weight provides deep pressure to reduce anxiety. Great for car, train or plane journeys!

6. Sensory Clothing

Wearing the right clothing on day's out can have a really positive impact on your child's ability to relax. Opt for wearable, cooling clothing to help regulate body temperature especially for children sensitive to heat. Sensory clothing often has seamless designs to minimise discomfort and itching, whereas weighted clothing offers deep pressure comfort, similar to that of a hug.  If your child responds well to deep pressure, try taking a weighted hoody or deep pressure vest on days out. If your child becomes overstimulated or hypersensitive to the environment you can easily put on the hoody or vest and they will help to calm and reduce anxiety.

Sensory Direct Top Pick

A lot of sensory clothing is designed for short periods of wear throughout the day, in order to get maximum results. Our all day calming sensory hug shirts have no inner labels and the stitched seam is on the outside, meaning no irritation against the skin. These extremely comfortable, tight-fitting tshirts provide deep pressure support and are suitable for all day wear. Easy to wash and wear we think these are a must-have items for days out.

13. Sun Protection 

Whenever you are outside it's really important to have adequate sun protection to protect sensitive skin from harmful UV rays. We know first-hand how difficult it can be to get sun cream on your child - the texture can often be very sticky and unpleasant on the skin and they have a strange smell which can be offputting for children. Shop around and there are some great brands out there now that offer more agreeable textures and scents.  Don't forget to pack uv-protective hats and swimwear, and if you're like us - plenty of spare clothes!