High Sensitivity in Babies and Children

We know that supporting highly sensitive children in the right ways gives them a chance to thrive fully in the world. Research shows us that without the right support, sensitive children are at an increased risk of developing anxiety, depression, and possibly even chronic health conditions in adulthood.  

Fortunately, with the right types of support, sensitive children are known to thrive even more than those without the trait! That’s exciting! It’s even more important that we support these beautifully sensitive children!

Identifying your sensitive child as early as possible can be essential. What are some ways you can discover this trait as soon as the first year of life as infants? Through a combination of research, and polls of parents, I’ve found that the following manifestations may be an indicator of having a sensitive child.

• Advanced in speech and development

• Pick things up fast

• Highly observant

• Frequent overstimulation (fussy/meltdowns/crying) around lots of people

• Sensitive skin (prone to rashes)

• Might be more sensitive to chemicals in skin wipes, cleaners, laundry detergents, etc

• More prone to Allergies

• More food sensitivities (increased gas/spitting up) and even to textures of food

• Can be more sensitive to things mother eats if breastfeeding

• Sensitivity to certain textures in the environment, even seams in socks, tag, etc

• Strong reactions to being wet, dirty, or sticky

• Preferences for adults with softer energy levels or voices

• Sleep sensitivities, need more time to fall asleep or stay asleep

• Greater noise sensitivity

• More temperature sensitive

• Separation anxiety (especially if parents have anxiety or high stress)

• Need to be held a lot

• Harder to self-soothe

Here are resources that can help support you and your sensitive child.  

• Download and give this letter to your child’s teachers and caregivers so they can understand more about the trait of high sensitivity.

• Where are you and your child on the scale of sensitivity? Here’s a free Sensitivity Quiz.

• Listen to these podcast episodes about parenting highly sensitive children.

• This article shares more information about supporting highly sensitive babies. 

• Explore our HSP Practitioners Directory to work with an HSP therapist, healer, or coach who works with sensitive children. 

• Join a group for parenting sensitive children. Learn more

We also invite you to connect with other highly sensitive parents and grandparents of sensitive children in our Sensitive Empowerment Community! Being in a community is an important part of support as a sensitive parent raising a sensitive child and we want to help give you the tools to help your child or grandchild.

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Julie Bjelland is a psychotherapist specializing in high sensitivity, Author of The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person, host of The HSP Podcast, and founder of the Sensitive Empowerment Community. Her books, blog, online courses, and free Masterclasses have helped thousands of highly sensitive people (HSPs) worldwide reduce their challenges, access their gifts, and discover their significant value to thrive to their fullest potential. Her HSPs in Heart-Centered Business Group connects and supports HSP healers and practitioners. Julie loves connecting in her Sensitive Empowerment Community and warmly invites you to join this positive, safe, and welcoming space. JulieBjelland.com❤️🌈❤️ (she/her)