Baby sensory toys and activities are a great way to help your little one start to experience the world through their sensory development. Sensory play does come naturally to babies, but you can help give your baby a wider range of experiences with these ideas for sensory play.
When To Start Sensory Play With Your Baby?
You can start sensory play with your baby as a newborn. However, it doesn’t need to be an elaborate event. It can be as simple as talking to your baby when you’re feeding, singing during nappy changes, or reading to your little one as you’re settling them for sleep.
Having a new baby is exhausting, and you’re just getting settled into a new routine. Trying to come up with ways to give your little one sensory play, baby sensory toys and activities are probably the last thing you want to be doing. Instead, try something simple. Perhaps just narrate what you’re doing, and use descriptive words like dry nappy, warm sleepsuit, soft blanket etc.
As your little one gets older, and bigger, you can add in some baby sensory toys and activities. Spending time on their tummies is hugely important for your older baby’s development. A soft activity mat can make it even more of a sensory experience. You can interact with your baby when they’re enjoying tummy time and encourage them to use their senses. You can try taking a favourite toy and moving it slowly slightly above your baby’s eyeline to encourage them to raise their heads and look for the toy.
DIY Baby Sensory Toys And Activities
Baby sensory toys and activities don’t need to be expensive to benefit your little one. You can easily make your own at home.
Textures And Temperatures
This is perhaps one of the simplest ideas for sensory play for your baby. Things like a tray of lukewarm water, or ice in a bottle or Ziploc bag can give your baby hours of entertainment. Jelly is another fun texture for your baby to explore. These sensory activities are suitable for babies over four months old.
Finger Painting
Babies and young toddlers can get a lot of enjoyment and development from finger painting, and you get a beautiful keepsake of your child’s younger years. You won’t be able to use poster paints with younger children. As they still explore things with their mouths, it would be best to make your own edible or non-toxic version of fingerpaint.
Non-Toxic Finger Paint
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons cornflower
- 250ml cold water
- 750ml boiling water
- Food colouring
Method
- Mix the cornflower and the cold water to form a paste.
- Add the boiling water to the paste while stirring.
- Cook the mixture on a low heat, while stirring. Keep it on the heat until it becomes thick and clear.
- Divide the mixture into jars or containers and add a different colour of food colouring to each one. Mix well.
- Leave the paint to cool.
Make sure to keep small items away from babies and do not leave your little one unattended whilst using sensory play.
