Sensory Processing in Toddlers: Understanding Your Child's Sensory World

What Is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from our senses. We have eight sensory systems: sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, vestibular (balance/movement), proprioception (body awareness), and interoception (internal body signals).

For most children, sensory processing develops smoothly. They learn to filter important information from background noise, tolerate various textures, and regulate their responses to sensory input. But for some children, this process works differently — they may be over-responsive (hypersensitive) or under-responsive (hyposensitive) to certain inputs.

Types of Sensory Differences

Sensory Sensitivity (Over-Responsive)

Children who are over-responsive notice sensory input more intensely than typical. They may:

• Cover ears at sounds others do not notice

• Refuse foods based on texture

• Become distressed by certain clothing tags or seams

• Avoid messy play (finger paint, sand, play dough)

• Become overwhelmed in busy environments (stores, parties)

• React strongly to haircuts, nail trimming, or tooth brushing

Sensory Seeking (Under-Responsive)

Children who are under-responsive crave more sensory input. They may:

• Constantly touch everything and everyone

• Spin, jump, or crash into things repeatedly

• Put non-food objects in their mouth past the mouthing stage

• Seek loud noises or music

• Not notice when they are hurt or dirty

• Have difficulty sitting still

Mixed Responses

Many children show both seeking and sensitivity — over-responsive in some areas and under-responsive in others. A child might cover their ears at a vacuum cleaner (sound sensitivity) but constantly seek deep pressure by crashing into cushions (proprioceptive seeking).

Signs to Watch For at Different Ages

12–18 Months

• Extreme distress during diaper changes or dressing

• Strong food texture preferences or refusals

• Unusual fascination with lights, spinning objects, or specific sounds

• Avoidance of grass, sand, or unfamiliar surfaces

• Difficulty calming after sensory experiences

18–36 Months

• Covers ears at everyday sounds (blender, toilet flushing)

• Refuses to touch certain textures (finger paint, play dough)

• Needs to touch everything in the environment

• Difficulty with transitions between activities

• Unusual body movements (spinning, head banging, toe walking)

• Strong reactions to minor physical contact from other children

3–6 Years

• Avoids playground equipment or seeks extreme movement

• Difficulty in noisy classroom environments

• Limited food variety based on texture

• Problems with clothing (only wears certain fabrics)

• Challenges with fine motor tasks (writing, cutting)

• Emotional meltdowns triggered by sensory overload

Sensory Processing vs. Typical Toddler Behavior

Many sensory behaviors are normal at certain ages. Here is how to distinguish typical behavior from potential sensory processing differences:

Typical: A 2-year-old who does not like getting hands messy but tolerates it with encouragement

Possible concern: A 2-year-old who has an extreme distress response to any messy texture, gagging or crying

Typical: A toddler who loves spinning and rough play

Possible concern: A toddler who spins for extended periods without getting dizzy, or needs constant intense movement to stay regulated

Typical: A young child who has food preferences

Possible concern: A child who eats fewer than 10 foods and gags or vomits with new textures

Strategies for Supporting Sensory Needs

For Sensory Sensitivity

Prepare and preview — tell your child what sensory experiences are coming

Offer choices — let them choose between options (blue shirt or green shirt)

Respect thresholds — do not force overwhelming experiences

Create a calm space — a quiet area they can retreat to when overwhelmed

Gradual exposure — slowly introduce new textures and experiences without pressure

For Sensory Seeking

Provide acceptable outlets — trampolines, crash pads, heavy work activities

Build a sensory diet — regular movement breaks throughout the day

Offer deep pressure — bear hugs, weighted blankets, tight clothing

Channel energy — swimming, climbing, pushing/pulling heavy objects

Oral input — crunchy foods, chewy tubes, vibrating toothbrushes

Environmental Modifications

• Reduce visual clutter in play and rest areas

• Use dim lighting when possible

• Provide noise-canceling headphones for overwhelming environments

• Offer fidget tools for seated activities

• Use visual schedules to reduce transition anxiety

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider consulting an occupational therapist (OT) if sensory differences:

• Significantly interfere with daily routines (eating, dressing, sleeping)

• Limit participation in age-appropriate activities

• Cause frequent distress or meltdowns

• Impact social interactions with peers

• Are getting worse rather than better with age

An occupational therapist can assess sensory processing, create a personalized "sensory diet," and teach strategies for both home and school environments.

How Nurtoora Helps Track Sensory Patterns

Nurtoora includes sensory processing as one of its 7 tracked developmental domains. You can log daily observations about your child's sensory responses — what triggers reactions, what strategies help, and how patterns change over time. This information is invaluable when sharing concerns with your pediatrician or occupational therapist.