5 Fun and Easy Sensory Play Activities for Nannies to Try with Babies
Sensory play is an excellent way for nannies to support a baby’s growth and development! Babies use sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell to explore their world, building essential skills along the way. Sensory activities can encourage brain development, strengthen motor skills, and spark creativity—all while having fun! Here are five simple, safe, and engaging sensory activities that any nanny can try.
1. Colorful Water Play
Perfect for babies 6 months and older.
What You’ll Need:
A shallow container or small water-safe tub
A few drops of food coloring or safe watercolor paints
Small, waterproof toys (like rubber ducks or plastic cups)
Instructions:
Fill the container with a few inches of lukewarm water and add a drop or two of food coloring. Place a few small toys in the water and encourage the baby to reach and splash. Babies are naturally drawn to the colors and movements, and they’ll enjoy grasping the toys as they float.
Why It’s Beneficial:
Water play is soothing and provides sensory stimulation. Babies practice hand-eye coordination while engaging their visual senses through color and movement.
2. Sensory Bottles
Great for babies of all ages, especially 3 months and up.
What You’ll Need:
Empty, clear plastic bottles
Fillers like water, glitter, beads, small pom-poms, or pasta
Optional: a few drops of food coloring
Instructions:
Create several sensory bottles by filling each one with a different item. Try a “calm bottle” with water and glitter, another with colored rice, and one with beads that rattle. Make sure to glue or securely tape the caps to prevent leaks.
Why It’s Beneficial:
These bottles offer a variety of sounds, colors, and textures, capturing babies' attention while encouraging visual tracking, sound awareness, and curiosity.
3. Soft Textures Exploration
Great for babies from birth to 12 months.
What You’ll Need:
Various textured fabrics (like a soft washcloth, faux fur, and velvet scraps)
A baby-safe play mat or blanket
Instructions:
Lay the baby on a comfortable surface, then introduce them to different textures by gently brushing or rubbing the fabric against their hands and feet. You can also hold the fabrics out for the baby to reach and touch.
Why It’s Beneficial:
Touching different materials stimulates babies’ sense of touch, building curiosity and comfort with different sensations. This activity is also calming and great for bonding moments.
4. Baby-Safe Edible Paints
Perfect for babies 6 months and older.
What You’ll Need:
Greek yogurt or baby cereal mixed with water
Food coloring (optional)
Large sheet of paper or highchair tray
Instructions:
Mix a few spoonfuls of yogurt or baby cereal with a drop of food coloring to make safe “paints.” In a high chair, let the baby use their fingers to “paint” on the tray or a large piece of paper.
Why It’s Beneficial:
This activity encourages fine motor skills and sensory exploration in a fun, safe way. Babies love the cool, smooth feeling on their fingers, and it’s safe for them if they taste it!
5. Sound Exploration with Pots and Pans
Great for babies 8 months and older.
What You’ll Need:
Pots, pans, or plastic containers
Wooden spoons or spatulas
Instructions:
Set up a mini “music station” with pots and pans, and show the baby how to tap on them gently with a wooden spoon. Encourage them to experiment with different sounds as they tap.
Why It’s Beneficial:
This introduces babies to cause and effect as they see how their actions create sound. It’s also great for building rhythm, auditory awareness, and basic motor skills.
Tips for Safe Sensory Play
Always supervise babies during sensory play.
Use baby-safe, non-toxic materials.
Watch for signs of overstimulation, and be ready to take breaks if needed.
These sensory play ideas are easy to set up, affordable, and a wonderful way for nannies to create engaging learning experiences for babies. Sensory play promotes development and joy, helping little ones discover the world around them!