7 household items that make great sensory baby toys

Sensory activities are an important contributor to your child’s growth and development. Not only are these objects fun to play with, but sensory play encourages your little ones to explore new things and actively use their senses – something which is vital for brain development. Luckily, we don’t have to break the bank to find objects that our babies will have fun with. In fact, we might not even have to leave the house at all for this one.

Paediatric Occupational Therapist Christie Killey says that babies often enjoy – and prefer! – playing with everyday, ordinary stuff that you can find around the house. So Baby Schooling has put together a list of seven common household items that make great sensory baby toys. It goes without saying that many of these activities should be supervised by an adult at all times.

1)  Foil

Foil can provide lots of fun for a baby. Not only does the reflective appearance interest the visual senses, but the crackling sounds foil makes appeals to a baby’s hearing senses. Try simply tearing a piece off the roll for your baby to hold, scrunch up and have fun with. Another option is to tear a big piece roughly the size of your child and lay it out under them for a fun version of tummy time.

2)  Mirror

If there’s one thing babies love, it’s staring at themselves in a mirror. Mirrors can actually be really useful for encouraging your baby to lift their head during tummy time, or if bub’s a bit older, mirrors can be used to motivate him or her to crawl.

3)  Tissue Paper

Many of us receive tissue paper with gifts and throw it away without a second thought. But it may be worth saving your leftover tissue paper (you’re bound to get some at your baby shower!) to provide a sensory treat for your little one. Add some to your baby mobile within grabbing reach, or leave close to your baby’s feet so they can feel the sensation on their toes.

4)  Leaves

Leaves are one of the easiest things to get hold of, and bonus points if it’s currently fall, when leaves are crispy and brown. Scatter leaves around your little one during tummy time or maybe fill up a cup and encourage your child to empty it for fun.

5)  Baby Wipes Container/ Tissue Box

Next time you have an empty box of tissues or baby wipes, instead of throwing it away, give it to your little one. Make sure you have things on hand that can be posted through the hole, such as pom-poms, or you could even put in a scarf or scraps of fabric for your baby to pull out.

6)  A Sponge

The texture of a sponge is something that will undoubtedly be a new and fascinating feeling for your baby. For added fun, provide a small bowl of water so that your child can see what happens when the sponge is submerged.

7)  Hair Rollers

Now, we’re aware that these won’t be a common item in everyone’s household, but if you have some spare hair rollers lying around, they make the perfect sensory toy for your baby or toddler. This is a great way for little hands to develop coordination and motor skills.