How Sensory Toys Can Help Your Child Learn & Grow
Sensory toys are essential for your little one’s early learning journey.
Ever wonder why babies love crinkly paper or why toddlers can’t stop squishing playdough? That’s because young children learn about the world through their senses. Sensory toys are specially designed to stimulate touch, sight, sound, and even smell or taste, helping your little one explore and develop essential skills.
But how exactly can sensory toys help your child's development and when can you start using them? In this blog, we’ll answer all your questions and explain why sensory play is so important for young children.
What Are Sensory Toys & How Can They Benefit Your Child?
Sensory toys are any toys that engage a child’s senses – touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell. They come in all shapes and sizes, from textured balls and musical toys to water play sets and sensory blocks. These toys help kids explore different sensations, making learning fun and interactive.
Read more: The Best Sensory Toys For Autism
Sensory toys do more than just entertain. They help kids develop important skills:
- Fine and gross motor skills: Toys like stacking cups and sensory blocks help strengthen little hands and fingers.
- Cognitive growth: Sensory play encourages problem-solving and creativity.
- Emotional regulation: Many sensory toys, like fidget spinners or squishy balls, help children manage stress and emotions.
- Language development: Talking about how things feel, sound, or look builds vocabulary and communication skills.
At What Age Can I Start Using Sensory Toys for My Baby?
You can introduce sensory toys as early as three months old! Babies love high-contrast patterns, soft rattles, and crinkly textures. Newborn sensory toys are designed to gently stimulate their developing brains while keeping them engaged.
As your baby grows, you can introduce toys that encourage grasping, reaching, and exploring, such as sensory balls, teething toys, and fabric books.
Product: Lumagic
What Are the Benefits of Newborn Sensory Toys?
For newborns, sensory toys play a crucial role in:
- Stimulating brain development: New sights, sounds, and textures help form important neural connections.
- Encouraging exploration: Babies begin to understand their environment by touching, looking, and listening.
- Providing comfort: Soft, soothing toys can help calm fussy babies and support better sleep.
How Do Sensory Toys Improve Motor Skills in Toddlers?
Toddlers are always on the move, and sensory toys encourage active play while strengthening their muscles. Some great options include:
- Stacking and nesting cups: Improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Push-and-pull toys: Strengthen leg and arm muscles.
- Textured balls and playdough: Build grip strength and finger dexterity.
Many sensory toys, like fidget spinners, stress balls, and weighted stuffed animals, help children calm down and self-regulate when they’re feeling overwhelmed. These toys can be especially helpful for kids who struggle with big emotions, anxiety, or sensory processing challenges.
Related blog: 7 Ways To Boost Your Child’s Development With Sensory Play
Play Forward & Enhance Learning Through Play
At Play Forward, we believe that learning should be fun, engaging, and developmentally enriching. Our sensory toys are designed to support your child's growth through hands-on exploration and interactive play.
Whether you're looking for newborn sensory toys, sensory blocks, or calming fidget toys, we’ve got something for every stage of your child’s journey. Explore our collection and give your little one the best start in life!