Your child uses their senses to understand the world around them and to learn about objects. During their first five years they’ll begin to master combining information from their senses, which is an important foundation for learning and well-being.
We’ve separated our ideas into different senses, but many of the items will stimulate more than one. During sensory play, take a moment to step back and think about which senses your baby, toddler or child is using.
Remember to check that anything you give your child to play with is suitable for their stage of development and always supervise them during play.
Vision
- Tissue paper or opaque fabric – these can be used to look through and explore changing colour
- LED lights
- Child-safe mirror
- Reflective materials – for example: foil, a space blanket, pans
Hearing
- Items that can be used as beaters – things like sticks or spoons
- Objects that can be hit (and will make different noises) - pans, plastic tubs or wooden objects
- Empty plastic bottles, and objects to put into them – these are great for making homemade shakers (make sure lids are tightly sealed).
- Materials that rustle – you could use some of the reflective materials you’ve gathered for this!
Balance
- Large strong sheet of fabric – to make a fabric sledge
- A rocker or wobble board – this could be something you ask for as a gift for your child
- Access to a swing – you don’t need one at home but once your baby can sit confidently a trip to a park with swings will help stimulate their balance.
Touch
- Collections of objects – pick things with different textures for example, wooden coaster, metal spoons, pieces of fabric, a loofah, an orange.
- Cornflour – simply add water to make ‘gloop’ which is fascinating to explore
- Natural items including sand and soil
- Water – simple but great to explore!
- Food – your child will explore food with their hands, this helps them link what they see, feel and taste.
Proprioception
- Exercise bands – these are great for pulling, you hold one end and get your child to pull the other.
- Heavy items to hold, carry, push and pull – this could be as simple as some tins from the cupboard.
- Places to climb – like having a swing you don’t need these at home, but regular visits to somewhere with a climbing frame or climbing wall are great for proprioception.
- Playdough and other materials your child can push and pull with their hands – find some ideas here. Find play dough ideas here.
Taste
- A variety of foods as your baby is weaned
- A step, tower or low table so you can get your child involved in cooking
Smell
- Herbs and spices – these can be sealed in a fabric bag for your child to smell.
- Citrus fruit
- Flowers or petals
Read our ‘At home sensory play ideas’ here for activity inspiration