The Super Benefits Of Sensory Play For Your Newborn

Little ones love their playtime! And while it may look like it’s all fun and games, a lot is going on behind the smiles as they take in their exciting new world. Sensory play is super important for babies and toddlers. It helps to stimulate the five senses, from introducing new flavours to the feel of different fabrics, as well as providing heaps of other benefits for their development. Before we get to those gold stars, let’s take a moment to understand what sensory play is and how it can help your baby’s healthy growth.

What is sensory play?

Sensory play is a type of activity that engages a child’s senses, such as touch, sight, smell, and sound, to encourage exploration, learning, and development. It often involves materials with different textures, colours, and shapes, such as sand, water, play dough, and baby muslins, and can be beneficial for children’s cognitive, physical, and emotional growth. We are so used to using our own senses that we forget how exciting that journey of discovery is. Looking for ways to let little ones explore these curious new senses in their early years is incredibly beneficial, especially for those under five who are eager to learn and try new things. If you are stuck for ideas on where to start, relax. Being a parent is hard enough! Here are five easy ways to stimulate their five senses every day. 

Easy-peasy ways to provide sensory play

Being a kid is heaps of fun, everything is so exciting! From new sounds to rolling around on the floor, life is one big adventure. There are plenty of things in their daily routine that provide sensory stimulation, the key is to try to keep them balanced to promote healthy development across all senses. With that in mind, here is a handy, gentle way to stimulate each one!

To move –  Movement encourages proprioceptive development and is driven by your little one’s sense of touch. And boy, do they love touching stuff! Having gentle fabrics to play with, like soft, natural baby muslins, can help to strengthen a connection with their surroundings.

Swaddling your baby can also help with development. Try to explore swaddling in a range of motions while they are safely cradled in soft muslin. Having a few baby muslins in your handbag is a life-saver for every parent. Muslins double up as great comforters for bedtime or even long car journeys. The swaddles come in a variety of oh-so cute designs, enjoy a browse to find the perfect pattern to keep your baby smiling. 

To taste – Nom, nom, nom! Babies and toddlers get excited when they try new foods. Every day try and introduce them to something different, whether it’s a little mashed banana or homemade mixed fruit juice. Trying things little and often will help you learn what tastes they like, trying a good variety can help prevent fussy eating as they grow. 

To see –  Kids are very visual. A little reading time every day with a picture book, pointing at the different animals or letters even from a very early age can help encourage a healthy appetite for learning. Enjoy a daily dose of storytime with your little Panda and give their eyes and growing brains a treat. Letting them play with our various designed baby muslins can also encourage them to recognise different shapes and animals. 

To Hear – Introducing your little ones to new sounds every day will help stimulate their sense of hearing and get them used to be in different environments. Having some talking toys or even simple things like bells and clapping can get them used to the magic of sound and clapping along happily. 

To Smell – Babies noses can be very sensitive, though letting them try new smells is important in aiding development. Grab some items from around the house that are as natural as possible, from fresh laundry to baby-friendly bubble baths. This is a great way to expose them to new environments and let them explore through their noses, let them get sniffing!

The Benefits of Sensory play

Want to know the best part? Practicing these fun sensory stimulation activities daily will have super benefits for your little one’s growth. Here are a few of them!

Big brains – Sensory play helps develop the brain’s bridge nerve connections. Starting early could be the secret to growing big, clever brains. Regular sensory play encourages a healthy appetite for learning. Keep at it and before you know it they will be ready for big, kid books!

Enhances memory – You may think that memories are all stored in your phones and photo albums through our senses collect incredibly strong memory links. Sensory play involving smell, touch, and sounds can help enhance your little one’s memory. So they won’t be forgetting that playtime or those sweets you promised.  

Soothes little minds – If your baby gets agitated or uncomfortable, perhaps as they are not feeling well or are overwhelmed in a new situation, gentle sensory play can give them something to focus on helping to calm the mind. Having something in your handbag whether a squidgy toy or soft baby muslin can be a lifesaver if they turn on the tears, keeping them calm and smiling. 

While all of these benefits are essential to grow big and strong, remember above all sensory play is fun! It allows your little one to experience the magic of the world through their unique power of sense. From discovering their favourite fruits, laughing along to new sounds to cuddling up to their baby swaddle to sleep, enjoy every precious moment of their wonderful adventure.