April 29, 2022
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a child’s physical development and therefore impact movement, muscle control, coordination, and balance. While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, certain toys may help to promote motor functions, balance, and sensory processing in children with this condition.
Toys That Promote Motor Functions
Children with cerebral palsy often have challenges with developing gross and fine motor skills. However, encouraging kids to play with toys that require hand-eye coordination and fine muscle movements can help promote the development of motor functions. Examples of toys that may help to promote the development of motor functions include:
- Kinetic Sand: Kinetic sand is squeezable sand that kids can mold into different structures and shapes. Not only does kinetic sand encourage fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, but it also allows kids to get creative.
- MEGA Bloks®: Kids can practice their motor skills by stacking MEGA Bloks®, which are large building blocks similar to LEGO®. The size of MEGA Bloks® makes it easier for children with cerebral palsy to handle. MEGA Bloks® come in many different themes to appeal to any child’s interests.
- Paint Sets: Whether painting with a brush or fingerpainting, paint sets help promote motor functions. Artwork, in general, is helpful for self-expression and creativity. Children can practice drawing shapes or have free range to create anything they want.
Toys That Improve Balance
Cerebral palsy can affect a child’s balance, making it difficult to move or even walk. Some examples of toys that allow kids to practice their balance and may help improve finding their center of balance include:
- Portable Trampolines: Portable trampolines are small trampolines with a handrail that a child can bounce on to practice their balance. Plus, it’s a fun exercise for kids to promote muscle growth.
- Spinning Activity Toys: Children can sit on a spinning activity toy and use the center wheel to spin themselves. These toys are great for building balance as well as spatial awareness.
Toys That Improve Sensory Processing
Sensory processing is how a person uses their senses to interact in the world. Children with cerebral palsy may have trouble processing information using one or more of their senses. Toys that may help improve sensory processing include:
- Textured Blocks: Blocks with different textures can help improve a child’s touch stimulation. Playing with blocks also promotes fine motor skills.
- Vibrating Stuffed Animals: Gentle vibrations can provide sensory stimulation and may even help relax a child with cerebral palsy. The child can control the vibrations by hugging or squeezing the animal.
Consider Enlisting the Help of a Home Nurse or Home Health Aide
As a parent, caring for a child with cerebral palsy can come with challenges. If you need help taking care of your child at home, JSP Home Care Services is here to help. We offer customized professional pediatric home health care services to children with disabilities and complex health conditions. Additionally, our team of certified home health aides helps with nonmedical activities, such as bathing, grooming, meal preparation, and companionship.
To learn more about how JSP Home Care Services can assist you and your family, contact us online or call us at 866.860.2528.
