Sensory Play – low cost ideas to stimulate your baby’s development

Babies love to explore using all of their senses as they begin to understand the world around them. The trap many parents get into is supplying their little one with a plethora of commercial plastic toys that you get from commercial companies that are eager to take your money and are constantly looking to invent the next big thing.

Commercial toys are usually made of brightly coloured plastic and have been made with one specific use in mind. They are often costly and do not serve to stimulate the young imagination.

In the UK, there has been a significant drive in recent times to provide babies with resources made of natural materials that encourage open ended play. Open ended play is dependent on objects and materials that have no predefined uses to a toddler leaving them free to explore a number of uses for that item through the medium of play.

In day care and at home, babies are provided with baskets made of sea grass or wicker that are filled with all sorts of interesting goodies to the imagination of little ones. All of these objects are usually sourced from general stores, supermarkets, and craft/material stores. These baskets are often referred to as treasure baskets as they contain objects and materials that the baby sees as special treasure.

How many times have you noticed that babies and very young children prefer to play with the box and packaging rather than the toy which it contained? Many times no doubt; and the reasons for this are they are skilled at representational play instead of actually using an object for what we as adults, know that it is meant for.

Setting up a treasure basket is easy. Once you have a medium sized basket made of natural material such as willow, you can begin to acquire some interesting objects for your baby to play with.

Ideas for a treasure basket include:

• Wooden spoon
• Pastry brush
• Loofah
• Natural sponges – different sizes
• Pom poms
• Metal spoons
• Whisk
• Wooden massager roller
• Large Pine Cone
• Shiny material
• Old Cds
• Wooden nailbrush
• Honey dipper

Remember that this type of investigative play  is designed to be done alongside an adult and that a baby should never be left alone with these objects. Source non-toxic materials and check for sharp corners to ensure safety because babies naturally want to put objects to their mouths. Providing this is appropriately supervised, your child should have a really exciting and playful learning experience.

Treasure baskets are also available from commercial companies but I prefer to make my own. Before long, you will notice suitable “treasure” wherever you go and begin to collect enough to swap items on a regular basis.

The treasure basket should not be used for long periods of time because it is more effective when it is presented for a limited amount of time each day by the adult.

Whether you are a parent or work in a day care setting, nursery or at home as a childminder, this is a really valuable resource that is both fun and educational.