Pillow caves and squish boxes...these are two ideas I came up with using household items since over the years, recommending expensive items from the therapy catalogs just wasn't feasible for most families.  And me myself being a deep rooted "always want to get a good deal and clearance shopper", it was very fulfilling to me to come up with an idea that worked and was inexpensive!  I did name the "pillow cave", but the squish box was already named in the therapy catalogs.  You indeed can buy a fancy and cute squish box if you feel like it, they are out there. :-)  Alright...back to business....

A sensory retreat, which I recommend many times in "Understanding Your Child's Sensory Signals" and in "Your Essential Guide to Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder", is a crucial component of a sensory home program and as a sensory tool for our sensory kiddos.  
Here are some sensory benefits of the pillow cave and/or the squish box....

• Assists in self-regulation and helping a child in "fight or flight" or recovering from a meltdown.
• A great place for much needed proprioception and full body deep pressure.
• A safe place to be removed from overwhelming sensory stimuli such as sound, light, touch, and movement.
• Can be used for helping with sleep.
• The pillow cave can also be used as a great landing pad for jumps from a mini-trampoline, BOSU ball, or other fun surfaces.
• The squish box is also very portable and can be used at school as a sensory retreat or also at circle time!
• *More information on the importance of a sensory retreat can be found here on my blog listed under "Fight or Flight" or "Meltdowns".

                                                 HOW TO MAKE A PILLOW CAVE

MATERIALS NEEDED:
1. A twin size duvet cover (not any bigger) or two twin sheets sewn together leaving one of the short ends open.
2.  Lots of throw pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, etc
 
The key to making the pillow cave is to be sure it is STUFFED, you then simply fluff it up in the corner of a room and your sensory kiddo can climb in it, on top of it and get cozy in it like a nest, they can go under it for some deep pressure and weight, or it can be used as a landing pad!  It is also fun to add some sensory tools inside (for when it is not being jumped on) such as a flashlight, oral sensory tools, a vibrating pillow or toy, fidget toys, etc.  (Or a dog) hehe

                                                    HOW TO MAKE A SQUISH BOX
MATERIALS NEEDED:
1. A plastic tote or laundry basket
2. Pillows and blankets

The key to the squish box is the "squish" factor.  But you also want it cozy and comfortable.  You want your child to squish into the box with their body in full flexion (body tucked in a ball) for the maximum benefit. Full body flexion is very calming and regulating for the nervous system.  You can also add a weighted blanket or lap pad as well.