At the back of the new Kidsnest shop, a sensory display room is forming. With dimmable lighting and stars projected on the ceiling, it’s a safe haven for kids and adults who suffer from anxiety.

Soon it will be filled with a range of calming devices - from a sensory swing, to a blow up canoe that ‘hugs’ you and makes you feel safe.

For shop owner and ‘sensory’ mother Rebecca Klemm, the room has been her dream since she opened her first small shop on Dawson Street - more than two years ago.

She started the shop as a response to her own needs for her children - and now the wider community is benefitting from her products.

“I’ve had people tell me these products have helped change their kids’ lives,” Rebecca said.

The sensory room

 “When you walk in there, it’s for families who have kids, teenagers or adults on the spectrum, who need help to function and get on with their daily lives,” she said.

“In the sensory room, they get a chance to test higher-value products before they buy them – so they know they are going to work.

“I’m going to have a Cloudpod and a new product that’s a desk with an exercise bike built into it. It’s perfect for a classroom or office - those that need to move their feet to concentrate.

“So, you can be working and riding at the same time.”

Opening date

Although she doesn’t officially reopen Kidsnest until 9am Friday, customers have already been walking in and buying Rebecca Klemm’s expanded range of products.

Like many other businesses, the February flood has opened opportunities for Rebecca to remake her business exactly the way she wants.

“So, I’ve bought the shop behind this one and extended to finally make room for her sensory display room,” she said.

Sense sections

“I’ve also set up the shop in sections that relate to the senses – so people can see where they need to go when they walk in.”

 Sections include proprioceptive, vestibular, hand eye coordination, fine motor, tactile, auditory, sensory water play, opened ended play and olfactory – with a display of natural stress-relief oils.

The flood

The February flood didn’t stop Rebecca, in fact business skyrocketed and online orders poured in. 

“We didn’t lose any stock because we packed up on the Friday night before, after a friend in the SES said it was going to be really bad,” she said.

“I am super organized and had a truck on standby in case it ever flooded, and I took it all home into the shed. Then later, it took up the whole house as I kept adding products and expanded the range.

“I love books and have expanded to include calming journals for adults and teens.

Flood anxiety help is here

“A lot of these products are really helping people through their trauma and anxiety after the flood.

“A lot of kids like my daughter have struggled since the flood.

“My daughter struggles with separation anxiety – she always wants me there, because she’s so anxious about the changes.

“She lost her school and having security is important to her – especially for a child that is already anxious.

Weighted animals

Rebecca’s range of weighted animals- and body socks- have been popular.

“Kids need it for regulation to keep them going,” she said.

“My 11 year old like the weighted turtle and puts it on the belly.

“It’s good to watch it move when breathing – it moves up n down and helps regulate them.

“The smaller weighted animals smell like French Lavendar and can be heated in the microwave or put in the freezer.

“It can help regulate the vagus nerve and the brain if placed on the back of the neck.”

Fidgits

There’s also a shelf full of fidgits for adults and teens. There’s one that looks like a bike chain, another device work so the person can roll and press it into the skin, without breaking it. 

Kidsnest opens on Friday from 9am till 4pm and then trading hours will be Monday to Saturday as normal.