Sensory play is such a critical part of brain development. Babies and children learn best and retain the most information when their senses are engaged. Sensory play develops cognitive skills such as; problem solving and decision making, fine motor skills like tying shoes and turning the pages in a book, and even social and emotional skills. The neurological pathways are better developed in babies and children when they are given the opportunity to investigate different materials using there senses. Sensory play can involve any of the 5 senses, with the most common being touch. In preschool and toddler years, we see activities like rice tables, finger painting, water beads, and so much more! But how in the world do we stimulate tiny babies in this way? I want to give you three simple, doable, inexpensive and realistic activities for sensory play with your little one who is 6 months and younger.
Massage
I don't know about you, but I LOVE a good massage! And believe me, your little one will too. The benefits of baby massage are so never ending! It can help promote better sleep, bonding to parents, boost the immune system, improves circulation and so much more. Also, infant massage can be done at any age! Yep, from your tiny little newborn baby to your teenager. I have been massaging our boys since tiny babies and they still want their massages! You don't need to be a massage expert to do this with your little one. The first step is HEAT UP THE ROOM! Your baby will not relax and enjoy if it is cold. Now create a comfy place for her to lay along with getting some nourishing oil such as Jojoba oil or coconut oil to massage her with. Massaging is quite easy with infants. Using a gentle touch, cup your little ones thigh in the palm of your hand. With your other hand softly stroke her thigh and go downward to the foot making a circular motion with your hands and encompassing the whole leg. You can do this for each part of her body. Let her tell you how much and for how long she wants to be massaged. This is something you can do every day. Make it part of your routine. Right before bedtime is a great time to sing to your sweetheart while relaxing her body with a massage.
Water play
Not only can water play be done in the tub, but it is also wonderful for tummy time. Especially once your baby is lifting his head. Fill a baking sheet with a little warm water and maybe put a few floating toys on it to explore. Put your little one on their tummy on a blanket with the baking sheet in front of them. Let them splash around and explore the warm water on the sheet. So simple, so free, so fun! Just make sure you don't walk away from them as water can of course be dangerous when babies are left alone.
Sensory bottles and bags
You can fill up small water bottles or zip lock bags with all sorts of materials for your baby to look at, hear and touch. In water bottles, things like buttons, colored water with glitter and small toys, pom poms, or any thing you can think of that is fun to look at and maybe makes a fun rattle noise as well. Zip lock bags are especially fun because they can be touched and squeezed. My personal favorites in zip lock bags are shaving cream and hair gel. I always tape, double bag, and supervise.
Once your little can sit up, the ideas are endless! At this age the key is just making sure that what they are playing with it is safe to go in their little mouths. Try things like potato flakes, cooked spaghetti noodles, pudding, and so much more! Have you tried any sensory play with your baby or children? What has been your favorite? We would love to hear your ideas!
Massage
I don't know about you, but I LOVE a good massage! And believe me, your little one will too. The benefits of baby massage are so never ending! It can help promote better sleep, bonding to parents, boost the immune system, improves circulation and so much more. Also, infant massage can be done at any age! Yep, from your tiny little newborn baby to your teenager. I have been massaging our boys since tiny babies and they still want their massages! You don't need to be a massage expert to do this with your little one. The first step is HEAT UP THE ROOM! Your baby will not relax and enjoy if it is cold. Now create a comfy place for her to lay along with getting some nourishing oil such as Jojoba oil or coconut oil to massage her with. Massaging is quite easy with infants. Using a gentle touch, cup your little ones thigh in the palm of your hand. With your other hand softly stroke her thigh and go downward to the foot making a circular motion with your hands and encompassing the whole leg. You can do this for each part of her body. Let her tell you how much and for how long she wants to be massaged. This is something you can do every day. Make it part of your routine. Right before bedtime is a great time to sing to your sweetheart while relaxing her body with a massage.
Water play
Not only can water play be done in the tub, but it is also wonderful for tummy time. Especially once your baby is lifting his head. Fill a baking sheet with a little warm water and maybe put a few floating toys on it to explore. Put your little one on their tummy on a blanket with the baking sheet in front of them. Let them splash around and explore the warm water on the sheet. So simple, so free, so fun! Just make sure you don't walk away from them as water can of course be dangerous when babies are left alone.
Sensory bottles and bags
You can fill up small water bottles or zip lock bags with all sorts of materials for your baby to look at, hear and touch. In water bottles, things like buttons, colored water with glitter and small toys, pom poms, or any thing you can think of that is fun to look at and maybe makes a fun rattle noise as well. Zip lock bags are especially fun because they can be touched and squeezed. My personal favorites in zip lock bags are shaving cream and hair gel. I always tape, double bag, and supervise.
Once your little can sit up, the ideas are endless! At this age the key is just making sure that what they are playing with it is safe to go in their little mouths. Try things like potato flakes, cooked spaghetti noodles, pudding, and so much more! Have you tried any sensory play with your baby or children? What has been your favorite? We would love to hear your ideas!
Sensory bag filled with shaving cream is great fun for infants.
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