Sensory Play

You can introduce your baby to different textures and senses from day one. Guide your newborn through simple sensory play – find out how here!

Baby sitting next to father as father smiles to her
Supplies List
  • Different textured fabrics

  • Different textured toys that are appropriate for newborn babies

  • Water

Instructions
  1. Hold your baby or lay him down safely on his back. Gently apply different textures on his skin – his arms, legs, hands, feet, and face. Describe how the textures feel before and while you are having your baby experience them. Note how things are different and/or similar. Allow time for your newborn to experience each texture separately.

  2. While you’re introducing these different textures to your baby, watch how he reacts. For example, if your baby doesn’t like a particular texture, he may develop different ways to get it away from him, like moving his face and body. Chances are, your baby will grasp and move toward things that feel good to him! 

This activity helps your newborn develop motor skills, sensory skills, language, vocabulary, and social-emotional skills.

First 5 California
Contributed by:
First 5 California
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