Throw-together these fast and fun sensory challenging activites for infants.
TOUCH-infants love to touch new textures. Their little brains are firing new pieces of information at a rapid pace. Try some of these texture rich items during tummy time and blanket time.
- Softies-rub a cotton ball gently on the palm of baby’s hands and feet. Stroke face/body gently. Find other soft “smalls” for baby’s hand.
- Fabric play-using a clean scarf or other soft material, gently lay the cloth over baby’s body and draw down from head to toe. If baby has a startle reflex, that is normal. Give it another try or two. Play peak-a-boo with the fabric. Allow baby to grab hold. Gently tug to see if baby pulls back. This can also be done with tissue paper sheet.
- Place any of these clean items in baby’s hand for a sensory experience (some should not go into the mouth) Plastic egg; Craft Pom Pom; Bath Scrubby; Damp sponge; Rings cut from Paper towel roll tube; plastic shower curtain ring; other items that do not have sharp or pointed pieces.
HEARING-your baby’s hearing is new and eager for more. Play “find the sound” and see if baby will move her head in the direction of the sound.
- Things that rattle like keys: measuring spoons; small items placed in a plastic container.
- Things that ring: small bells; egg timer/clock; metal items tapped together
- Things that clank: pots and pans; clapping items together;
- Things that make music: toys; squeakers; music instruments
SIGHT-for tummy time
- Bright objects such as a bracelet or beads (not to be touched by baby)
- Pinwheel
- Black and white objects or high contrast
- Containers with bright objects inside
- Small colorful balls or other toys
- Fabric with a loose weave that baby can grab and pull forward (pre-crawl)
Thank you for playing!
