Introduction
Sensory play is more than just fun for babies and young children—it’s a crucial part of their growth and development. Through sensory toys and activities, children explore the world around them using their senses: touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell. In 2025, families continue to seek out evidence-informed guidance for choosing toys that nurture curiosity, foster skills, and support healthy development. In this article, we’ll explore what sensory play is, the benefits it offers, how to select and use sensory toys, and practical tips for making sensory play a joyful part of everyday life.
What Is Sensory Play?
Sensory play refers to activities that stimulate a child’s senses. This includes tactile experiences (like squishing playdough or feeling different textures), visual stimulation (bright colors and patterns), auditory input (bells, shakers, or crinkly materials), olfactory exploration (safe, scented items), and even taste (where appropriate and safe). Sensory toys are designed to encourage this type of exploration in a safe, engaging way.
For babies and toddlers, sensory play supports brain development by helping them build neural connections as they process and respond to new experiences. It also lays the foundation for later skills in language, problem-solving, and social interaction.
Benefits of Sensory Play for Babies and Young Children
- Supports Brain Development: Sensory play encourages children to use scientific processes while they play, investigate, and create new connections in the brain.
- Builds Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Activities such as squeezing, pouring, or stacking help strengthen hand muscles and coordination.
- Encourages Language Development: Describing sensations, actions, and objects boosts vocabulary and communication skills.
- Promotes Social Skills: Group sensory play teaches sharing, cooperation, and turn-taking.
- Supports Emotional Regulation: Sensory activities can help children manage emotions by offering calming or stimulating experiences.
- Fosters Creativity and Problem-Solving: Open-ended sensory toys invite imaginative play and experimentation.
Types of Sensory Toys and Materials
The market offers a wide range of sensory toys, each designed to promote exploration of different senses. Here are some common types:
Tactile Toys
- Textured Balls and Blocks: Soft, bumpy, or ridged toys help children explore through touch.
- Playdough and Sensory Dough: Moldable materials encourage squeezing, rolling, and shaping.
- Fabric Books and Sensory Blankets: Different textures sewn into cloth books or blankets provide varied tactile feedback.
Visual and Auditory Toys
- Colorful Stacking Rings and Sorting Toys: Brightly colored, high-contrast toys stimulate sight.
- Light-Up Toys: Toys that glow or flash in response to touch or movement.
- Musical Instruments: Shakers, bells, and drums allow children to explore sounds and rhythms.
Other Sensory Materials
- Water and Sand Tables: Pouring, scooping, and sifting offer both tactile and visual experiences.
- Scented Toys (for older babies and toddlers): Scented playdough or scratch-and-sniff books introduce safe olfactory experiences.
- Mirrors: Safe, shatterproof mirrors help babies observe their own movements and expressions.
Choosing Safe and Developmentally Appropriate Sensory Toys
When selecting sensory play toys, safety and developmental stage are key. Here are evidence-informed tips for choosing the right sensory toys for your child:
- Check for Age Recommendations: Always follow manufacturer guidelines regarding age appropriateness.
- Look for Non-Toxic Materials: Choose toys made from BPA-free plastics, untreated wood, or food-grade silicone, especially for babies who mouth toys.
- Avoid Small Parts: For children under three, avoid toys with parts smaller than 1.25 inches in diameter to reduce choking risk.
- Easy to Clean: Babies and toddlers often put toys in their mouths. Select sensory toys that can be easily washed or wiped down.
- Sturdy Construction: Well-made toys withstand mouthing, squeezing, and dropping.
- Inclusive and Accessible: Consider toys that engage multiple senses and are usable by children with varying abilities.
Integrating Sensory Play into Daily Routines
Making sensory play a natural part of your family’s day doesn’t require elaborate setups or expensive toys. Here are practical ways to integrate sensory experiences:
- Bath Time: Water play with cups, sponges, and floating toys offers tactile and visual stimulation.
- Outdoor Exploration: Touch leaves, feel grass, listen to birds, and play with sand or mud.
- Kitchen Play: Use safe kitchen tools for scooping, pouring, and mixing with dry beans, rice, or pasta (always supervise closely).
- DIY Sensory Bins: Fill bins with safe materials like pom-poms, fabric scraps, or large pasta shapes for babies and toddlers to explore.
- Music and Movement: Dance to music, shake homemade maracas, or move scarves through the air.
- Storytime: Choose books with textures, flaps, or sound buttons.
Supporting Individual Needs Through Sensory Play
Every child is unique, with their own sensory preferences and sensitivities. Some children may seek out certain sensations, while others may avoid them. Observe your child’s reactions and follow their lead, offering a range of sensory experiences at their own pace. Sensory play can be especially supportive for children with sensory processing differences, providing both stimulation and soothing opportunities tailored to their needs.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing toys with small parts that present choking hazards for babies and toddlers.
- Overstimulating with too many bright lights or loud sounds at once, which can overwhelm sensitive children.
- Relying solely on store-bought toys and missing out on everyday sensory opportunities (e.g., nature, household materials).
- Not supervising closely during sensory play, especially when using loose parts or messy materials.
- Ignoring manufacturer age guidelines or safety recommendations.
- Expecting all children to engage in the same way—sensory preferences vary widely.
- Neglecting to clean sensory toys frequently, increasing risk of germs or allergens.
Quick Checklist
- Have I checked the age and safety recommendations on all sensory toys?
- Am I supervising my child during play, especially with small or messy materials?
- Are the toys and materials clean and in good repair?
- Do the toys provide a variety of sensory experiences (touch, sight, sound)?
- Have I included some homemade or everyday items for sensory exploration?
- Am I following my child’s lead and observing their preferences?
- Do I rotate toys to keep play fresh and stimulating?
- Have I created a safe, comfortable play space for sensory activities?
FAQ
+What age should I start sensory play with my baby?
+Are sensory toys necessary, or can I use household items?
+How do I know if a sensory toy is safe?
+My child seems overwhelmed by sensory play—what should I do?
+How often should I clean sensory toys?
+What if my child isn’t interested in sensory toys?
+Can sensory play help with my child’s development?
Conclusion
Sensory play toys are powerful tools for supporting your child’s exploration and growth. By choosing safe, age-appropriate materials and making sensory play part of your daily routine, you nurture curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning. Remember, sensory play doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive—follow your child’s lead, use what you have, and delight in the discoveries you make together. With thoughtful choices and a supportive environment, you can help your child thrive through the simple, joyful power of sensory play.
Sensory play is a cornerstone of early childhood development, offering children hands-on opportunities to explore, discover, and learn about the world around them. In 2025, the US toy market continues to innovate with a wide array of sensory toys designed to engage children’s senses—touch, sight, sound, smell, and even taste. These toys do more than entertain; they nurture cognitive growth, fine motor skills, and emotional regulation.
Parents and educators are increasingly recognizing the value of sensory play in supporting language development and social skills. Simple activities like squishing playdough, sorting textured blocks, or exploring water tables encourage curiosity and problem-solving. The latest sensory toys also emphasize inclusivity, catering to children of all abilities and ensuring that everyone can benefit from multisensory experiences.
When selecting sensory toys, it’s important to consider a child’s age, interests, and developmental needs. Look for toys made from safe, durable materials that invite open-ended play. By incorporating sensory play into daily routines, caregivers can create joyful, meaningful moments that support healthy development while fostering creativity and self-confidence.
- Encourages curiosity and hands-on learning
- Supports motor and language development
- Promotes emotional regulation and social skills
- Inclusive options for children of all abilities
I love the idea of sensory play but am concerned about the cost and storage. Are there budget-friendly or DIY sensory toys you recommend that also don’t take up much room in a small home?
It’s completely understandable to want sensory play options that fit your budget and limited space. You can create simple sensory bins using items like dry rice, pasta, or beans in a small container—just supervise closely with toddlers to prevent choking. Fill a zip-top bag with hair gel and small buttons for safe, squeezable fun, sealing the edges with tape. Reusable silicone muffin cups are great for sorting activities and take up little room. Rotating a few homemade sensory items also keeps things fresh without clutter. This isn’t medical advice; if you have safety concerns or questions about age-appropriateness, check in with your pediatrician.
We just started introducing different sensory toys to our 9-month-old, and I wonder if you have tips for safely including edible or taste-based sensory play at this age, especially since we are slowly introducing allergens like peanut or egg. What precautions should parents take when combining sensory play and allergen exposure?
You’re thoughtful to consider both sensory exploration and allergen safety with your 9-month-old. Start by introducing only one new allergen at a time, outside of play, to watch for possible reactions. For edible sensory play, use very small amounts of single-ingredient foods and supervise closely to avoid choking. Avoid small, hard pieces and stick to soft, safe textures. Clean hands and surfaces before and after play, especially when allergens are involved. If your baby has known allergies or reactions, discuss safe introduction with your pediatrician. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
Are there any safety concerns I should watch out for when using sensory toys near the bathroom during potty training? For example, are certain sensory materials better suited for the bathroom environment, where things might get wet?
You’re wise to consider safety when using sensory toys during bathroom-based potty training. Choose waterproof or washable sensory toys, avoiding items with fabric, small parts, or electronics that could get damaged or pose a choking hazard. Favor silicone, rubber, or plastic toys without holes that trap water and grow mold. Always supervise your child in the bathroom to prevent slipping or accidental ingestion. Double-check that any sensory materials are non-toxic and easy to clean. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
As a parent wanting to be mindful of environmental impact, how do I balance my concern about plastic waste with practical factors like durability and cleaning when picking sensory toys for young children?
It’s thoughtful to consider both your child’s needs and the planet when choosing sensory toys. First, look for toys made from natural materials like wood, cotton, or silicone, which are often more eco-friendly and still durable. Second, choose items that are easy to wash—machine-washable fabrics or toys that can be wiped clean are practical for young children. Third, opt for open-ended toys that can be used in many ways as your child grows, reducing waste over time. Finally, always check for non-toxic finishes and avoid small parts for safety. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.