It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by modern parenting expectations, especially with sensory play classes and activity clubs becoming so popular. Sensory play doesn’t need to involve elaborate setups, messy materials, or dedicated classes. It can be a natural part of your daily routine, engaging your child’s senses while supporting their development. Here are simple, practical ways to incorporate sensory experiences into everyday life, tailored to different age groups.

For Babies (0-12 months)

At this stage, sensory play is about exploration and building early brain connections. Babies learn by touching, tasting, hearing, and observing their surroundings. Sensory exploration at this age supports fine motor development, visual tracking, and emotional regulation through soothing routines.

Ideas for Everyday Sensory Play:

• Textured fabrics: Let your baby explore different fabrics like a soft cotton scarf, a crinkly shopping bag, or a textured towel. Drape them over your shoulder during cuddle time or while rocking them to sleep.

• Bathtime exploration: Add a spoon or a plastic lid to their bath. The feeling of water on their skin and the sound of splashes create a calming, sensory-rich experience.

• Food experiences: When introducing new foods, let your baby touch and squish pureed vegetables or mashed fruits. Even the texture of a banana peel is fascinating for little fingers.

Incorporate into Routines:

• During diaper changes, hand your baby a small object like a clean silicone brush to hold and explore.

• While out for a walk, let them feel a leaf or listen to birdsong. Point out gentle sounds like the rustle of leaves or a bell.

For Toddlers (1-3 years)

Toddlers are naturally curious and love to move. Sensory play can help channel their energy into meaningful exploration. These activities strengthen fine and gross motor skills, enhance sensory integration, and nurture their budding independence.

Ideas for Everyday Sensory Play:

• Water play (without the fuss): Set up a small container of water on a towel and give them a paintbrush to "paint" the floor or wall. This activity combines touch, sight, and fine motor development.

• Kitchen helpers: Let them help in the kitchen by exploring safe ingredients. Show them the difference between flour and rice or let them squeeze a lemon (closely supervised).

• Outdoor textures: Let them feel different surfaces, such as rough bark, smooth stones, or soft soil. A short walk can become a treasure hunt for interesting textures.

Incorporate into Routines:

• Add a drop of food colouring to bathwater occasionally and ask them to guess the colour. They’ll love the novelty!

• Involve them during chores by letting them wipe a table with a damp cloth—it’s both sensory and practical.

For Preschoolers (3-5 years)

Preschoolers are ready for more imaginative and complex sensory experiences. Play can now incorporate storytelling, problem-solving, imaginative play, and strengthen sensory pathways that support focus and emotional regulation.

Ideas for Everyday Sensory Play:

• Nature’s kitchen: Create “mud recipes” outside with soil, leaves, and twigs. You can give them a small bowl and spoon to pretend they’re chefs.

• Frozen finds: Freeze small, safe toys in a bowl of water and let them “rescue” the toys using warm water or a spoon. It’s a tactile and engaging challenge.

• DIY smell jars: Fill small jars with household scents—like coffee, cardamom pods, or orange peels—and ask them to identify each smell.

Incorporate into Routines:

• During family meal prep, let them mix dough or sprinkle spices. These tasks provide rich sensory input while making them feel included.

• On lazy afternoons, make simple sensory bins with dried pulses, lentils, or chickpeas, and let them sort by size or colour.

Sensory play can fit seamlessly into your family’s existing routines, whether it’s during a walk, at mealtime, or while doing chores together. By keeping it simple and using what you already have, you’re not only making sensory play accessible but also creating memories of connection and joy.

If you’d like more personalised ideas to fit your family’s unique needs, Peas and a Pod can help. Together, we can find playful ways to integrate sensory experiences into your daily life - no stress, no mess, just meaningful moments.