Are you shopping for an amazing gift for a child with cerebral palsy or with other special needs?
You’re in luck! We have compiled a great list of resources and ideas to help you find the perfect toy or game for infants and children of all ages!
*DISCLAIMER: We have accepted no compensation in return for any of the recommendations on this list, nor do we make any commission on any of the included links. The opinions in this guide are based exclusively on our own research and thoughtful consideration.
How Can Adaptive Toys Help Kids With Cerebral Palsy?
Much of how children learn is through play. Children are full of curiosity and wonder. Every new shape, color, texture and sound is a new opportunity for a baby’s development.
Toys and games can teach children about the world around them and encourage the development of practical abilities like:
- Coordination
- Motor skills
- Language
- Problem solving
- Conflict resolution
- Creativity
- Independence
- Self-esteem
Children with cerebral palsy are no different from other children in this regard. Although a child’s abilities may be limited, stimulus and encouragement through play can help children with CP learn and grow, become more confident, and overcome individual difficulties.
Best Toys & Games for Children With Cerebral Palsy In 2021
The best toys for children with CP tend to be ones that are thoughtfully designed to encourage either mental or physical development in kids. These children may have physical limitations that present difficulties when interacting with toys.
Every child is different. Mindfully selecting a toy that is well-adapted to the child’s individual abilities can be a rewarding and fun experience for all!
Getting help for a child with HIE or Cerebral Palsy
can make a big difference
Because early intervention is often key to helping improve a child’s wellbeing, it’s important to act swiftly. At the Brown Trial Firm, our Houston birth injury attorneys can help you investigate your case, find answers to your questions, and determine whether you are entitled to compensation. We offer case reviews at no cost or obligation. Many birth injuries that cause cerebral palsy could have been prevented.
Continue reading to find the perfect gift for any child with CP!
Whirly Squigz
Whirly Squigz is a toy that suctions onto any kind of surface and spins. This bright and colorful toy encourages the development of hand eye coordination and cause-and-effect in babies. The soft silicone is also safe for teething toddlers.
Fat Brain Toys Dimpl
This Dimpl toy features five silicone bubbles of varying colors and sizes. Children can push, poke, and grab the dimples to pop them in and out. This toy encourages sensory exploration and fine motor skills, in addition to teaching cause-and-effect.
VTech Sort and Discover Drum
The VTech Sort and Discover Drum contains five blocks. Each block is a different color and shape. The blocks are numbered one through five and depict a different animal on the surface of each block. The drum plays songs and makes sounds and lights up, encouraging and rewarding children for sorting the blocks. This toy encourages children to develop motor skills, begin learning colors, shapes, animals, and numbers, as well as understand cause-and-effect.
Learning Resources Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog
Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog features fine motor games for toddlers. Each of the colorful quills are designed to teach color recognition, sorting, and counting skills. The peg shapes are designed to be just the right size for grasping and learning fine motor skills.
LeapFrog Spin and sing Alphabet Zoo
The LeapFrog Spin and Sing Alphabet Zoo introduces children to letters, animal names, and sounds. Each learning mode operates by spins of the wheel, and the child is rewarded with playful musical and light responses to each touch. This toy encourages fine motor skills in addition to teaching kids their ABCs, colors, shapes, and animals.
ZZZ Weighted Blankets Sensory Sack
The ZZZ Weighted Blankets Sensory Sack maximizes a cool and calming effect among children. The soft, smooth, stretchy, and snug materials can soothe a child with feelings of warmth and protection.
Kinetic Sand
Kinetic Sand is like magic, sticking to itself but not to you (or your child)! This toy kit comes with 20 ways to play, the sand will never dry out, and the sand won’t stick to hair, and clothes, and skin. The kit comes with 7 multi-use molds to create kings, queens, and castle-themed shapes. Stimulate a child’s imagination with kinetic sand.
YBIKE Pewi Elite Bike Walking Ride on Toy
Suitable for children ages 9 months to 3 years (max weight 44 lbs), this award winning walking buddy can be used as a push toy, a walker, or as something to ride on. The toy provides diversity of options and support for children as they build strength and develop confidence pushing, walking, steering, and working on complex motor skills. Ideal for indoor use but rugged enough for outdoor use on smooth, level surfaces.
Playskool Sit ‘n Spin
Intended for kids 18 months and up, the Sit ‘n Spin is a popular toy for young children that also helps them develop muscle growth, spatial awareness and balance. All the child has to do is sit on the disk and turn the wheel to start spinning.
Vibrating Pillow
The Vibrating Pillow is a fundamental tool for working with sensory integration. The pillow can be used either to relax or stimulate a child and stops when pressure is released. Fun to play with, it also produces a calming effect.
Feelings Flashcards Game Emotion Cards
The Feelings in a Flash card game includes 50 richly illustrated, family and school-friendly scenario cards. Each card corresponds to an emotional state and offers children opportunities to build confidence, learn empathy, and express their feelings at a young age.
Toyzabo Challenging Puzzle Speed Cube Ball
The Toyzabo Challenging Puzzle Speed Cube Ball is an award winning brain teazer! The ball contains 12 holes and 11 colorful balls inside. By fidgeting the ball, you can pass the balls from one hole to another. The objective is to unscramble the puzzle, matching each ball with its corresponding hole. Fun for children ages 6 and up, this toy is a great stress reliever that promotes healthy brain activity and hand eye coordination.
Champion Sports Plastic Scooter Board with Contoured Handles
The Champion Sports Plastic Scooter Board with Contoured Handles provides a comfortable and flexible way for children to scoot about on the floor. Children can sit, kneel, or lie prone on the scoot board, making this toy particularly accessible and functional.
Toddler Busy Board – Montessori Sensory Board for Toddlers
The Toddler Busy Board comes back with 9 buckles, ties, and buttons, giving children a wide range of developmental levels to conquer. Each feature is safely and thoughtfully designed to present a different type or degree of challenge for children.
Original Toy Company Fold & Go Trampoline
The Fold & Go Trampoline is a fun and moveable toy that’s perfect for helping kids with CP develop balance, coordination and strength. Made for children age 3 and older, this toy can hold 1 child up to 150 pounds, has a padded frame and comes with a safety bar for added support. Even still, it’s important that kids use caution when jumping and have supervision.
Have a favorite toy that we missed? Let us know in the comments below! We would love to hear from you and keep growing our list.
Contact a Cerebral Palsy and Birth Injury Attorney
Getting help for a child with a birth injury can make a big difference. Early intervention and treatment is often key to helping improve a child’s long-term wellbeing. But you must act quickly.
If you have questions about whether your child’s birth injury was caused by a preventable medical error, then our attorneys at Brown Trial Firm may be able to help.
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