In The News

17 Special Needs Resources for Chicagoland Families

August, 2019

Chicago, IL | Source: Chicago Parent, Resource Guide

There are so many organizations in the Chicago area dedicated to helping children with special needs. Here are some great options listed in our latest issue of Special Parent that families […]

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About The Sensory Kids® Store

November, 2016

Chicago, IL | Source: Jennifer Fortney, Cascade Communications

Opened in 2009 by Ellen Sternweiler, Bellybum® Boutique & The Sensory Kids® Stores were originally located in Chicago's Lincoln Square/ Northcenter neighborhoods. In 2014, Sternweiler decided to close Bellybum Boutique […]

Sensory Tips: Clip #1

October, 2016

Chicago, IL | Source: SPD Parent Zone

SPD Parent Zone, SPD Awareness Month Conference: Tip of the Day. To view the whole video and more, click the link below and register for the SPD Parent Zone, "SPD Awareness Month […]

TNPN Developmental Differences Resource Fair Information

March, 2016

Chicago, IL | Source: WGN Midday News Chicago

WGN News Chicago Interview with Ellen Sternweiler —Owner of The Sensory Kids® Store, Co-Chair of the Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) Developmental Differences Group and Resource Fair—and Sara Anderson from Erikson […]

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The Sensory Kids Store: A Unique Store for Special Needs Families

May, 2013

Chicago, IL | Source: Anna Davlantes & Kori Chambers, FOX News Chicago

Fox News Chicago featured Ellen Sternweiler, mom and owner of The Sensory Kids® Store in Chicago; The segment featured products from the store’s extensive selection, a explanation of what it […]

Toys as Tools: Play is a Super Skill Builder & An Easy Sell for Kids

March, 2013

Los Angeles, CA | Source: Ellen Metrick, National Lekotek & L.A. Special Parent

Parents are busy, and parents of children with special needs often feel like they have even more to juggle in their lives than other parents do. One of the things […]

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Designed for Kids with Developmental Differences

November, 2012

Chicago, IL | Source: Janet Davies, ABC News, 190North, Chicago

ABC7 News Chicago featured The Sensory Kids® Store at Bellybum Boutique on 190North; the only inclusive store in the U.S. for kids with developmental differences! Two stores in one, Bellybum […]

What's New? The Sensory Kids Store!

July, 2012

Westchester, NY | Source: Jean Sheff, Westchester Family Magazine

Parents with children who have developmental differences or special needs have enough to do without having to scour the country looking for the specific educational and therapeutic products they need […]

Out of Frustration Came Inspiration

May, 2012

Chicago, IL | Source: Dan Campana, Chicago Special

Ellen Sternweiler could tell the 8-year-old girl didn’t feel comfortable. The girl, with her younger sister and her parents, had come into The Sensory Kids® Store at Bellybum Boutique shortly […]

Boutique Offers Toys for Kids with Disabilities

May, 2012

Chicago, IL | Source: Karen Meyer, ABC News, Chicago

Bellybum Boutique is a store for mom and baby. Six months ago, they expanded to offer toys for children with different sensory disabilities. It's a place where both children and […]

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New Sensory Kids® Store First of Its Kind

February, 2012

Chicago, IL | Source: Jennifer Fortney, Cascade Communications

Bellybum® Boutique Introduces The Sensory Kids® Store! Since its inception, Bellybum® Boutique focused on offering expectant and new parents top-of-the-line, eco-friendly products in an inclusive environment, and is now filling […]

Contact Us

For more information about our services and the products we offer, please contact us directly at 847-920-4708 or by email at info@sensorykidstore.com.