The Child Who Throws Themselves Onto Cushions: Safe Movement

When your child dives onto the sofa or throws themselves onto a pile of cushions, you probably find yourself stopping them every time for fear they'll get hurt. You may have wondered why they want to play so rough.

Children Who Feel Their Body Through Pressure

Leaning hard into something or feeling squeezed can help a child feel their own body more clearly. That's why some children keep looking for places to safely sink their body into, like cushions, sofas, and beds.

• Keeps diving onto the sofa
• Piles up cushions and throws themselves on them
• Loves jumping on the bed
• Often plays by crashing into things with their body

In these cases, it's better to set up a space where they can move safely than to simply stop them. While moving, children get to know their bodies and build experience controlling them. If your child loves throwing themselves onto cushions, watch where they most like to land.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-07

This article provides general information only. Your child's developmental needs and treatment plan are determined through consultation and assessment.