A common question that is often asked is “At what age should we start sensory play?”. We love sensory play so much that we had to take the time to answer this question.
There is no one answer to this question, as every child is different and will respond differently to sensory play. However, read on for a few general tips that can help you get started.
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“What age should you start sensory play?”
In general, most children will be able to start engaging in sensory play from around 6 months old. As they get older, they will be able to explore more complex sensory experiences.
There is no definitive answer to this question as each child develops at their own pace and will be ready for sensory play when they are able to engage with their senses in a way that is enjoyable for them.
“How do I know if my child is ready for sensory play?”
If you are unsure whether your child is ready for sensory play, observe their behavior and look for signs that they are interested in exploring their senses. For example, they may put things in their mouth or try to touch everything they can reach.
If you think your child is ready, start with simple sensory experiences and let them lead the way. Remember, the key is to let them have fun!
Now let’s explore age-appropriate activities to inspire your playtime.
Age Appropriate Sensory Activities for Babies
Babies are just starting to develop their senses, so it is important to choose sensory activities that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Here are some ideas:
Offer different textures for them to touch, such as soft fabrics, sandpaper, or textured balls.
Let them explore different smells with scented objects or materials, such as flowers, spices, or perfumed lotions.
Provide visual stimulation with colorful objects, mobiles, or light-up toys.
Help them make noise by banging on drums, shaking rattles, or clapping their hands.
Let them explore taste-safe foods like cooked noodles.
As your child grows, you can introduce more complex sensory experiences. For example, you could let them play with water beads, slime, feathers, or paint. Just be sure to always supervise your child during sensory play and refrain from using any materials that could be harmful if ingested.
Age Appropriate Sensory Activities for Toddlers
Toddlers are exploring their senses and beginning to understand the world around them. They are also becoming more mobile, so it is important to choose sensory activities that are safe for them to explore. Here are some ideas:
Let them play with different textures, such as sand, foam, feathers, or bubbles.
Make some simple sensory bins with cereal, rice, water, etc.
Introduce taste-safe options of play dough, moon sand, and more!
Give them something taste-safe for toddlers to explore, such as mashed fruits, cooked colored spaghetti, jell-o digs, tinted yogurt for some safe finger paint, etc.
If you are still unsure about sensory play and your child, follow these recommendations.
First, it’s important to start slowly and gradually introduce new elements. If your child seems overwhelmed or uncomfortable, take a step back and try something simpler.
Second, be sure to provide ample opportunity for exploration and discovery. Don’t force your child to participate in activities they don’t enjoy – let them take the lead and follow their interests.
Finally, remember that sensory play should be fun! If it starts to feel like a chore, take a break and come back to it another day. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to create a fun and stimulating environment that your child will love.
Please note: this is not intended to be medical advice. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, please consult with a doctor or occupational therapist. Always supervise your child during play.
In general, most children will be able to start engaging in sensory play from around 6 months old. As they get older, they will be able to explore more complex sensory experiences.
From birth, children are ready for sensory play. Children are natural explorers – they're constantly learning and taking in what's around them. Sensory activities can be adapted for different ages, needs and abilities.
Toddlers absolutely delight in exploring their world through their senses. Sensory play - play that stimulates any of a child's senses - builds cognitive skills and influences how your child learns about their world.
“What age should you start sensory play?” In general, most children will be able to start engaging in sensory play from around 6 months old. As they get older, they will be able to explore more complex sensory experiences.
Babies are fascinated by their home and the world outside. Young babies can enjoy lying outside underneath a tree, feeling the wind on their faces and watching the tree branches move. Some older babies will love to sit on the grass and feel different textures.
Textured balls and soft blocks: These toys stimulate touch and encourage hand-eye coordination. Rattles and musical toys: These engage the sense of hearing and help develop auditory processing skills.
Is it OK for babies to watch sensory videos? Watching baby sensory videos is perfectly safe for your little one and can help to enhance visual and auditory stimulation, eye coordination and movement, particularly if your baby chooses to dance along to the music.
Sensory bins are a great way to allow children to explore multiple senses at the same time in a fun way. This includes touch, smell, sight, and even sound. Learning to engage with and stimulate several senses at once in a healthy way is incredibly beneficial and loads of fun!
Babies start absorbing the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and textures around them as soon as they're born. Not only can you start providing rich sensory experiences for your newborn right away — exploring the world together can be a sweet, simple way for the two of you to bond.
Sensory toys can be introduced to your newborn baby and they are an excellent way to develop their senses from birth. Your newborn baby can focus on black, white, and red objects, track the movement of a slowly moving sensory toy, and turn towards the sound of a maraca or bell shaken to one side.
We recommend our Kits for ages 3-14... and up! Even adults report they love to play with the dough and sand so we don't necessarily have a cap for the max age. Due to small parts in our Sensory Kits we do recommend ages 3 & up.
Sensory processing issues are often first recognized during the toddler years, when parents notice that a child has an unusual aversion to noise, light, shoes that are deemed too tight and clothes that are irritating.
As your little one is approaching 12-16 weeks, you can introduce sensory cards that include the colour red and flashcards with simple pictures or objects on them (i.e a dog). Sensory flashcards are generally aimed at babies 0-6 months of age, but your baby may enjoy engaging and playing with them for much longer!
What age is best for a sensory table? If your kids can stand, they can play on a sensory table! Our table is designed at a height that is accessible for children as young as 12 months while not being too low for your big kids, too. We would recommend the table for children ages 18 months to 10 years old.
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Introduction: My name is Cheryll Lueilwitz, I am a sparkling, clean, super, lucky, joyous, outstanding, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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