Sensory play is a wonderful way for babies and toddlers to explore and engage with their senses, supporting their cognitive and physical development. Here are some sensory play ideas for babies and toddlers:
1. Sensory Bins: Fill a shallow container with materials such as rice, sand, water beads, or dry pasta. Add scoops, cups, and small toys for your child to manipulate and explore different textures.
2. Water Play: Set up a water table or fill a basin with water and let your child splash, pour, and play with different water toys like cups, funnels, and bath toys. Add food coloring or bath bubbles for extra sensory stimulation.
3. Play-dough: Offer your child soft play-dough to squeeze, roll, and shape. You can also enhance the sensory experience by adding scented extracts or natural materials like herbs or flower petals.
4. Sensory Bags: Fill a sealable plastic bag with various materials like hair gel, coloured water, or sand. Seal it tightly and let your child squish and explore the textures without the mess.
5. Textured Touch and Feel Books: Look for touch and feel books designed for babies and toddlers that have different textures for them to explore with their fingertips.
6. Sensory Walk: Create a sensory path in your home or outdoor space using different textured materials such as foam mats, bubble wrap, fabric, or rugs. Allow your child to walk barefoot or with socks to experience different sensations under their feet.
7. Sensory Bottles: Fill clear plastic bottles with a variety of materials like coloured water, glitter, or beads. Seal the bottles tightly, and let your child shake, roll, and observe the different visual and auditory effects.
8. Edible Sensory Play: Offer safe and edible sensory experiences by providing items like cooked pasta, cereal, or soft fruits for your child to explore with their hands, mouth, and senses.
9. Music and Movement: Play different types of music and encourage your child to move their body to the rhythm. Provide musical instruments like shakers or drums for them to explore different sounds and textures.
10. Nature Exploration: Take your child outdoors to experience different sensory elements in nature. Let them touch leaves, feel grass under their feet, listen to birds chirping, and smell flowers.
Sensory Play Ideas
