The Importance of Sensory Play for Babies and Toddlers: How It Helps Early Development

The Importance of Sensory Play for Babies and Young Children

From the moment they’re born, children learn about the world through their senses. Every touch, sound, and colour helps their developing brain make sense of new experiences. Sensory play—activities that engage touch, sight, sound, smell, and movement—is one of the most natural and effective ways for babies and toddlers to learn, explore, and grow.

Why Sensory Play Matters

Sensory play builds important early skills that go far beyond fun. It supports cognitive development by helping children understand cause and effect (“when I shake this, it makes a noise!”), strengthens fine and gross motor skills, and boosts language development as they describe what they see and feel.

It’s also emotionally beneficial—squishing soft playdough or splashing water can be calming and help little ones regulate their emotions. Most importantly, sensory play nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence, laying the foundation for future learning.

Sensory Play for Babies (0–12 Months)

At this age, sensory play should be simple, safe, and full of gentle exploration:

•  Texture exploration: Offer soft toys, sponges, or fabric ribbons for babies to touch and squeeze.

•  Sound discovery: Try rattles, gentle shakers, or musical mobiles to help babies notice rhythm and tone.

•  Visual stimulation: Use colourful toys or baby-safe mirrors to encourage eye tracking and visual focus.

•  Tummy time mats: Choose ones with crinkly areas, water bubbles, or textured patches to explore through movement.

Always supervise play and keep materials baby-safe and free from small parts.

Sensory Play for Toddlers (1–3 Years)

Toddlers love to explore more actively, so sensory play can become messier and more creative:

• Taste-safe sensory bins: Fill a tray with dry pasta, rice, or oats and let your child scoop, pour, and stir.

• Mess-free painting: Seal paint in a clear zip-lock bag—kids can squish and mix colours without getting dirty.

• Water play: Add cups, spoons, and floating toys to a small bowl of water for endless pouring and splashing fun.

•  Nature exploration: Collect leaves, pinecones, or pebbles on a walk and talk about their textures and smells.

• Building and pretend play: Blocks, playdough, and soft figurines help toddlers connect imagination with tactile exploration.

Encouraging Sensory Play at Home

Sensory play doesn’t need special equipment—everyday objects can provide rich learning opportunities. The key is to let children lead: give them time to explore at their own pace and describe what they’re experiencing.

When parents join in—asking gentle questions, sharing smiles, and encouraging curiosity—sensory play becomes more than playtime; it becomes a moment of connection, discovery, and growth.