As parents, we want the best for our children. We want them to grow, learn, and most of all - thrive. In order to ensure their overall well-being, we look for ways to support their development, especially in those crucial early years. One simple and powerful way to do this is through sensory play.
Sensory play involves activities that engage your child’s senses—touch, sight, smell, taste, and hearing. This form of play allows your tot to explore the world in a hands-on, meaningful way that helps them learn and grow. Not to mention it's fun for everyone involved - parent and child.
Understanding Sensory Play
Sensory play is any activity that involves the senses. Children might run their hands through warm sand, listen to the gentle hum of a fan, or smell fresh flowers. They might splash water, squish dough, or watch bright colors swirl on paper. Each activity builds the child’s ability to play and hone their senses as they start to understand the world around them.
Why is this so important? In early childhood, much learning happens through direct exploration.
- Babies grab and then smile
- Toddlers poke and pour
- Older children mix and match
When a child touches a sticky surface or hears a rustling leaf, their brain creates new connections. These connections help them to understand better concepts like texture, weight, temperature, and sound.
Sensory play also encourages them to use their curiosity. They can start to make sense of the world around them - one moment and touch at a time.
Developmental Benefits of Sensory Play
Children learn problem-solving skills as they figure out how things fit together or what happens when they add water to sand. In addition, it’s not just about touching but they also learn to communicate. Your toddler develops language skills as they try to describe what they feel, see, or hear.
Sensory play can also help your little one make friends and form bonds with other toddlers. When children share a sensory bin, for example, they learn to take turns. They learn to express themselves and understand others.
They might ask a friend, “Does this feel soft or rough?” or “Can you hear the bells?” These simple questions build empathy and communication skills.
Sensory play helps physical development. Activities like pouring, scooping, pinching, or kneading help strengthen small hand muscles. Large movements, like mixing mud or jumping into crunchy leaves, help develop coordination and balance.
Over time, all of these skills help children develop their skills for even greater everyday tasks—from writing their names to tying their shoes.
Cognitive Growth
Imagine your child dipping their fingers into a bowl of lentils. They feel the smooth texture of each one. They watch as the lentils slip between their fingers. Maybe they try filling a cup with lentils, and then pouring them back out. In doing such a simple activity, they learn about cause and effect. They learn about quantity, space, and movement.
All these experiences feed into their growing minds. Sensory play sparks creativity too.
Give your child a pile of leaves and some pebbles. They might arrange them into patterns or pretend they are tiny creatures. This form of play encourages them to test new ideas. It helps them think critically and solve problems. When they wonder, “What if I add water?” they’re making predictions and seeing if their guesses come true.
Children also develop early math and science skills. Sinking and floating objects in a paddling pool or water tray can teach them about density. Sorting dried beans by size or color can build early math concepts.
It’s amazing how simple sensory activities can lay the groundwork for complex thinking later in life.
Social Skills and Emotional Growth
Children often engage in sensory play with others—siblings, friends, or classmates. In these shared moments, they learn to cooperate. They see that sometimes they need to wait their turn or share a scoop.
During play, they might try to explain an idea to someone else, like how to build a “mountain” of sand. Through these interactions, they pick up social cues. They learn to listen, respond, and empathize.
Better Handle Emotions
Sensory play also helps children handle emotions. Think about how soothing it can be to run your hands through warm water or squish soft dough. Children feel calmer and more relaxed when they engage with comforting textures or rhythmic sounds.
Over time, they begin to use sensory play to regulate their emotions. If they feel frustrated, they might squish some playdough to release tension. When they feel excited, they might bang on a drum to express their energy.
The link between senses and feelings helps them understand themselves and others better.
Types of Sensory Play Activities
Sensory play takes many forms.
- For babies, it might be a simple activity like letting them feel safe objects with different textures—silky fabric, smooth wooden spoons, or a soft teddy bear.
- For toddlers, you can introduce messy activities like playing with edible finger paints or mixing water and sand.
- For older children, you can set up more complex sensory stations—maybe a “texture hunt” around the house or outdoor “sound walks” where they listen for birds, cars, or rustling leaves.
The key is to pick the best activities for your child’s age and abilities. Start small and see what captures their interest.
You don’t need fancy supplies for sensory. Everyday items often work best. Pasta, rice, pebbles, leaves, water, and mud are wonderful sensory materials depending on your child’s age. Remember, you need to use age-appropriate items
Always supervise all play, especially if your child is still exploring objects with their mouth, to avoid any possibility of choking.
Outdoor Sensory Play Activities
The outdoors is a treasure chest of sensory wonders. Take your child into the garden, yard, or a local park. Let them dig in the soil, run their fingers through grass, or collect fallen leaves.
Consider placing a small sandbox in your yard so they can dig in and play with sand. Another idea is to give them a magnifying glass and let them look at insects, flower petals, and tree bark.
Outdoor environments encourage movement. Children can climb, swing, and roll. As they move, they gain a sense of their own bodies and where they fit in the world.
Indoor Sensory Play Activities
If the weather isn’t great or you prefer to stay indoors, there are plenty of sensory options.
- Create a sensory bin with dried beans, rice, or pasta.
- Hide small toys inside and let your child hunt for them.
- Try homemade playdough—just flour, salt, water, and a bit of oil. Add food coloring or a drop of child-friendly scented oil to create a multi-sensory experience.
- Give them a glue stick and some small pieces of fabric or tissue paper. Let them layer and press different materials onto a piece of card.
- Let them finger paint with washable paints, or try cloud dough (a mixture of flour and baby oil) for a fluffy texture they can mold.
- Fill a plastic bottle with water, glitter, and small beads. Seal it tightly, then let your child gently shake it and watch the sparkles swirl.
How Parents and Educators Foster Sensory Play
As a parent or caregiver, you play a crucial role. You don’t need expensive tools or big plans. Start by setting aside a small area for sensory play.
Consider Materials
Provide a few interesting materials and let your child explore at their own pace. Offer gentle guidance, but let them lead. Ask open-ended questions like, “How does that feel?” or “What happens if you add more water?
Regularly Change Materials
Rotate materials to keep children interested. Invite them to work together, share tools, and talk about their findings. This helps foster social skills, language development, and cooperation.
Create a Sensory-Friendly Space
A sensory-friendly space doesn’t need to be large. Even a small corner can work. Consider soft lighting, comfortable cushions, and calming colors.
Provide a few baskets filled with different textures like fabrics, wooden blocks, or sensory bottles. Make sure children can move around safely and have easy access to materials.
Educators can also structure learning around sensory activities. In nurseries or classrooms, set up themed sensory stations. Maybe a water table on one side, a sand tray on another, and a quiet corner with fabrics and cushions.
Adding a Little “doddl” Sensory Play at Mealtime
Sensory play isn’t just about splashing in water tables or squishing playdough. It also includes the everyday experiences that your little one can have at the kitchen table. In fact, mealtime can become a wonderful sensory adventure—and that’s where doddl cutlery comes in.
Without a doubt, child-friendly utensils encourage toddlers to explore textures, shapes, and tastes in a safe and fun way.
Imagine your child gripping a doddl fork, spoon, or knife designed just for small hands. They feel the smooth handle and notice how it fits perfectly in their grasp. As they poke at a piece of softly steamed carrot, they feel the gentle resistance. Then, as they guide it into their mouth, they taste the sweet flavor and sense the slight crunch.
The whole mealtime process—gripping, scooping, tasting—quickly becomes a mini-sensory exploration that builds both confidence and coordination.
Avoid Sensory Overload
For children with sensory sensitivities, think about their comfort. Some children may find certain textures overwhelming.
Offer alternatives or let them watch others first before joining in. Soft, gentle music can help set a calming tone. Curtains or a small tent can create a cozy nook. This kind of mindful setup helps all children feel secure and willing to explore.
Research and Evidence Supporting Sensory Play
Experts agree that sensory experiences boost child development. Studies show that children who engage in sensory play often develop stronger language and fine motor skills. They become more confident learners because they have tested their ideas in safe and fun ways.
According to child development researchers, using the senses helps strengthen brain pathways and supports fearless exploration. Each new sensation—like the cool feel of water or the crunch of dry leaves—gives the brain fresh information. Repeated play builds stronger connections, which leads to better learning and problem-solving as your little one grows.
Educators and therapists have also found that sensory play can help children with special needs. Children on the autism spectrum may find sensory activities helpful for exploring their environment at their own pace. Over time, this can improve their social and communication skills.
Overcoming Sensory Play Challenges
Some parents worry about the mess. After all, letting children dig through flour or splash water can get a bit untidy. But there are simple solutions.
- Spread an old sheet on the floor.
- Use a large tray to contain spills.
- Keep wipes and towels nearby.
Remember that the learning benefits outweigh the hassle. You might also choose less messy options—like dry rice or pasta—or do messy play outdoors where clean-up is easier.
Time can be another challenge. Busy parents may feel they don’t have the energy to set up sensory activities. But remember, sensory play doesn’t need to be fancy.
Hand your child a bowl of warm water and a few spoons while you cook dinner. Let them run their fingers through textured fabrics while you fold laundry. Small moments can still have a big impact.
Lasting Impact of Sensory Play on Child Development
Sensory play is not just an activity. It’s a bridge for your child to better understand the world. By encouraging your child to explore their senses, you help them build a strong foundation for learning. You teach your child that the world is full of interesting and exciting things to discover.
Discover how simple it can be to turn everyday moments—like mealtime—into rich, sensory learning experiences. Visit doddl to explore their innovative child-friendly utensils. Give your little one the tools they need to develop coordination, independence, and a healthy curiosity about the world around them—one bite, one scoop, one fun-filled meal at a time!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sensory play?
Sensory play involves activities that engage a child’s senses—touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste. It includes any play that lets children explore materials in a hands-on way.
What is the common name for sensory play?
Often, people simply call it “sensory activities” or “sensory exploration.” The idea is the same—children learn best when they can use their senses to understand new ideas and materials.
Why is sensory play important?
Sensory play is important because it helps children learn about their world. It supports language development, problem-solving, social skills, emotional regulation, building friendships, and even physical coordination.
Why do we need to plan for sensory play experiences?
Planning ensures that sensory play is safe, accessible, and meaningful. It also helps you provide a variety of experiences over time. By thinking ahead, you can choose materials that best meet your child’s needs, set up a comfortable play area, and be ready to play alongside your youngster.
How does sensory play help a child’s development?
It helps by building cognitive skills, such as problem-solving and creativity. It fosters social and emotional growth through shared experiences and emotional expression. In addition, it enhances physical skills by encouraging fine motor control and coordination.
At what age should you start sensory play?
You can introduce simple, safe sensory activities from birth . For a newborn, this might mean gentle touch or listening to soft music. As children grow, you can add more varied and complex experiences.
What is a child’s sensory development?
Sensory development is how a child learns to understand and use their senses. Over time, children become better at noticing details in their environment. They learn to respond to information from their senses in more mature and thoughtful ways.
What are the developmental stages of sensory play?
Sensory play begins with simple exploration—like a baby feeling different textures. As children grow older, they use sensory play to develop language, memory, and problem-solving skills. Finally, they use sensory input to make sense of more complex ideas, like understanding size, shape, and pattern.