Sensory play is one of my favourite activities to do with babies and toddlers. Actually come to think of it, not just those ages but it's great for big kids too!!
However, as we all know babies explore the world using their mouths, therefore it's always worth using items to fill a sensory box or tray with materials that are safe to eat as well as good for pouring, filling and exploring!
Heres a video for getting started with sensory play!
Below is a good long list of lots of food based items you can use at home in a sensory box with a baby:
Wet or messy fillers:
- custard
- squirty cream
- yoghurt
- angel delight
- hot chocolate powder and water
- cornflour and water (also known as ooblek)
- sparkling water
- jelly
- mash potato
- cooked pasta or spaghetti
- cooked noodles
- baked beans
- water
- ice
Dry Fillers:
- cereals
- porridge oats
- crackers (mixed in blender)
- dried beans (ok if eat one or two but not handfuls!)
- rainbow puffs
- rice
- pasta
- sprinkles
A shallow under the bed storage box, tray, Ikea Flisat table or tuff spot all work great for sensory play.
Here's a list of resources you might like to save and use with your little one to develop lots of new skills:
- cups
- pots and pans
- wooden spoons
- ladle
- paintbrushes
- feathers
- sieve
- cardboard tubes
- jugs
- tweezers or tongs
- measuring cups
- funnel
For lots more ways to play, take a look at our Messy Play Recipe Printable here
Happy Playing!
Claire