DIR/Floortime-Informed Insights for Parents of Babies and Toddlers

By Katy Barnes, OTD, OTR/L

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What is Sensory Regulation in Toddlers?

At this developmental stage, children are processing an incredible amount of sensory information, from sounds and textures to movement and touch, while also learning to interact and communicate. This sensory processing is the foundation of how they relate, handle transitions, stay connected, and feel safe.

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Incorporating a DIR/Floortime Lens 

Our goal is to create trusted, joyful relationships through sensory-rich and emotionally meaningful experiences. This involves observing your child’s unique experience and understanding how they are experiencing the world by asking questions:

How can we meet them in this experience?

Which sensory input helps them feel more grounded and soothed?

What is the regulation challenge telling us about their individual sensory needs?

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Sensory Play is a foundation for learning.

When your toddler spins in circles, stomps their feet, or buries their hands in the sand, they are building central nervous system regulation by finding their threshold for new sensations. When adults show curiosity and connect to them in this experience we support resilience, confidence, and relational trust.

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Try this at home

Messy Play: Explore textures together, bubbles, shaving cream, or even crunched-up cereal. Choose materials that feel comfortable for you, so you can join in and model curiosity.

Big Body Movement: Create an obstacle course with pillows or furniture, or fill laundry baskets with safe, heavy objects and race them to a finish line. 

Mealtime Play: Make food part of the play, dip veggies into sauces, stack fruit or crackers into towers, or blend ingredients together to create a “chef’s special.”

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Interested in learning more about sensory regulation in toddlers? Schedule a FREE consultation at Amy Zier + Associates today!