5 Sensory Play Activities

I can’t quite believe that four and a half years ago I became a mum for the first time. It is a truly amazing experience that nothing quite prepares you for.

Part of our journey saw us heading to a baby sensory group once a week for an hour of sensory play. Play is a vital part of every child’s life. Helping them learn and develop. So starting early can be extremely beneficial to your child. We started when my son was around three months, but there were even four week old babies there. When we stimulate our child’s senses it helps them learn and achieve vital skills needed to grow and mature into the wonderful little people they are meant to be.

Sensory was a huge part of my first year as a mother. It gave me some wonderful and amusing memories to keep forever whilst at the same time helping my little boy grow and learn. Not only that it provides a safe space to enjoy motherhood with other mothers who are all going through the same stuff you are. So, today I’m sharing my top five sensory activities for you to enjoy with your little ones at home.

1. Bubbles

Who doesn’t love bubbles? Whether you have a bubble machine or just a pot of bubbles. They are a fantastic sensory tool for babies and toddlers alike. They will watch them at first and then they will reach for them. As they grow they will enjoy blowing them and catching them. All of these things are helping your child to develop, using their eye muscles, their hand eye coordination and gross motor skills.

2. Fabric

Babies and toddlers love feeling and laying in different types of fabric. Things like old blankets, cushions covers and clothes are a great way to introduce different textures and colours to your little ones. Plus if they are anything like my little one, you may find that they snuggle up and fall asleep amongst the coziness. Check out your local haberdashery for small scraps that you can pick up for just a few pounds. Furs, velvets and silks will make for great sensory play.

3. Sensory Bags

A great way for your little one to experience something new is via a sensory bag (freezer bag). Put items into the bag and seal so that they can explore it safely. You could use water beads, leaves, baby oil with food colouring. The choices are endless. It is also relatively risk free so that you don’t have anxieties or worries.

4. Music

Firstly, singing nursery rhymes to your little ones is a fun and enjoyable for them. They will listen and watch your facial expressions. Secondly, making music using pots, pans and wooden spoons. Let your little one (or help them if they aren’t old enough) bang on pots and pans to make sound. It’s noisy but super fun.

5. Bright Lights

This is something to do at night time. Turn off the lights and put things like fairy lights and flashy balls around your children. It’s fun and magical.

(Always supervise play with babies and small children)

These are my top five most enjoyable sensory play ideas. Of course there are many many more that you can enjoy and experience with your little ones. But these particular ones are easy to achieve at home with a minimal amount of effort.

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By Charlotte

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Thanks for reading. Love Charlotte and Laura

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Charlotte and Laura are both Mums from Kent, United Kingdom. Sharing motherhoods reality with the world in the hopes of helping other mums out there.