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Why is Sensory Play Important? Unlock Your Child’s Potential

If you've ever seen a child sift through a sandbox or bang together two household objects, you've seen sensory play in action. 

Sensory play stimulates at least one of your child’s senses: touch, sight, hearing, smell or taste.

Everyday sensory play has many hidden benefits. In this article, we’ll explain why sensory play is important for children and how you can help them find new ways to engage their senses while playing and exploring the world around them. 

What are the benefits of sensory play?

Sensory play has numerous benefits for young children. It supports the physical, emotional and mental well-being of your little one. Here are some of the benefits:

What are some sensory play activities for infants?

Infants are constantly observing the world around them. Sensory play sessions help them process their senses and understand new experiences. This, in turn, sets a strong foundation for future learning. Here are a few activities to try with your infant at home to facilitate learning through play.  

1. Make edible Play-Doh.

Grab a bowl, some rolled oats and flour to make edible Play-Doh. Your child can help mash the ingredients together while experiencing the feel of all new textures. The oats and flour will form a pull-apart dough they can poke, squeeze and even eat.

2. Create DIY sound shakers.

Fill a container with rice or pasta and let your baby hold and shake it. They can start experimenting with how shaking the container faster makes the sound speed up, or shaking it harder makes the sound louder. Sing along while your baby shakes, and before you know it, you’re having your very first baby-parent jam session.

3. Do tummy time outdoors.

Tummy time is important for infants to develop strong neck muscles for crawling and walking. Having tummy time outdoors on a picnic blanket introduces new sensory experiences. Let your infant touch grass, sand and leaves to see how it feels on their skin.

What are some sensory play activities for toddlers?

When your toddler explores a new texture, sound or sight, it expands their mind and cognitive growth. Toddlers engaging in sensory play are figuring out how things work and how different objects affect their senses. Try these sensory play activities with your toddler.

1. Build a sensory bin.

Sensory bins are great for learning through play, and they’re very easy to make with objects you already have at home. First, fill a bin or mixing bowl with dry rice, pasta or beans. Then, bury small objects or toys from around your house in the bowl and add a spoon for digging. This will allow your child to experience different textures.

Important safety tip: Keep a close eye on kids while they’re playing with small objects in the sensory bin, as these objects could be choking hazards.

2. Check out your local children’s museum.

Children’s museums tend to be sensory-rich environments that have tons of interactive exhibits for children to engage in. If you live near Indianapolis, check out the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, where children can experience immersive exhibits on dinosaurs, sports, science, theatre and more.

3. Blow bubbles.

Sensory-rich experiences like blowing bubbles support emotional regulation. Plus, blowing and chasing bubbles supports visual tracking and gross motor skills.

What are the signs sensory play is making a difference in my child’s development?

There are many signs sensory play is benefitting your child. If your child is more curious and engaged when new toys are introduced, this is a great sign they’re responding well to sensory play and are eager to keep learning.

As your child gets older, you may also notice they become more vocal and start to describe the sensations they’re feeling as they play. For example, they may call out that something feels “slimy” or “rough” as they’re playing.

You may also notice in group sensory play that your child starts to share materials more and communicates positively with others. This is another great sign sensory play is supporting your child’s development.

Other FAQs

How does sensory play support a child's emotional development?

Sensory play gives children a new outlet for their emotions. Even children who aren’t young enough to speak can express themselves through sensory art activities and other types of play.

What are the benefits of sensory toys?

Sensory toys are designed to engage one or more senses. It can help children learn to respond to stimuli like sight, sound, touch and movement. Sensory toys encourage turning knobs or pushing buttons and improve hand-eye coordination.

At what age should I start sensory play with my child?

Sensory play can begin right after a child is born. Ideas for sensory play with babies 0 to 3 months old include singing catchy songs, pointing out people in photos and gently tickling your baby.

How does sensory play help children with special needs?

Sensory play grounds children and calms the nervous system. Engaging in sensory play activities can help children with special needs regulate their emotions.

What are some simple sensory play activities I can do at home?

Go on a sensory scavenger hunt around your home. Help your child fill out this scavenger hunt sheet with sounds they hear, things they feel and what they smell. Something as simple as sitting on your back lawn and pointing out the sounds of the birds can be an enjoyable sensory play activity.