Sensory Play Ideas with Blankets, Pillows, and Cushions

Jul 7

Child’s stuffed animal resting on soft blankets and pillows used for calming sensory play at home.

By Jessica Jordan, MS. OTR/L

Why Use Blankets and Pillows for Sensory Play?

One of my favorite ways to offer calming sensory input to my daughter or even nieces and nephews is with a blanket, cushions, and pillows I have at home. These simple sensory tools can be referred to as pillow squeezes, blanket roll-ups, blanket tugs, or rides to adults—and to our children…let’s encourage them to make a burrito, taco, or go for a magic carpet ride! Follow the directions below for each guided activity.

Pillow Squeezes

This type of proprioceptive input provided can be registered in the body as calming.

Have the child lie down on their stomach or back (let them choose).
Place pillows along the length of the body, being mindful of scratchy/uncomfortable textures touching skin. (A body-length pillow with soft, consistent fabric is a game changer!) If you don’t have pillows, couch cushions can also be used.
Provide medium-heavy pressure in varied ways:

Head → Toe
Toe → Head
Consistently across the full body

This can be made into games for younger children:

Making a sandwich, alligator or dinosaur bites, or making a taco
Taking turns between siblings or even modeling the game on a toy first

Alternate between lying on the back and stomach.
Use your own language or body language to encourage calmness. And follow your child’s lead for the length and duration of the activity.

Blanket Roll-Ups

This type of deep pressure input can be calming for many children.

Lay out a blanket, comforter, or yoga mat (soft, flexible fabrics may be preferred).
Ask your child to lie down on the blanket/mat with their head above the top of the blanket.
Roll up your child like a burrito. This can be done by:
- Having your child log roll
- Roll your child within the blanket
- Tuck the blanket around your child while they stay flat (no rolling needed)
  You can pretend to put on toppings on the burrito/sushi roll.
Have your child move on the ground like a mermaid/shark/dolphin for extra input, OR have your child relax inside as long as they need! Follow their cues and lead!
If adding toppings, remember to use and apply firm, even deep pressure on top from shoulders to toes and vice versa.

Blanket Pulls

This provides both proprioceptive and vestibular input. The vestibular input can be alerting or calming, depending on the speed and movement style.

Lay out a blanket on a hard floor surface (wood floors work great!)
Have your child sit toward the back ⅓ of the blanket.
Wrap the blanket around your child’s hips, lower back, shoulders, arms, and legs (note: child can also sit on the blanket and hold on with both hands).
Grasp the extra blanket fabric toward their feet and begin to pull them along the floor.

Move in a slow, linear path for calming input
Move faster in a linear path for alerting input

Be mindful of turns and do those slowly with ease to avoid injury.

Enjoy the magic carpet ride! Giggles and smiles are often included in this activity.

Children can take turns pulling siblings or stuffed animals for added proprioceptive input. They can also lie on their belly while being pulled.

Encouraging Body Awareness and Regulation Through Play

These simple sensory play ideas support regulation, movement, and body awareness—all using items you likely already have at home.

Check out our YouTube page to see some of these activities done in action! Let us know how it went with your child below.

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