Two-ingredients foam for sensory play (5 mins to set up)
Looking for a fun, all-natural sensory activity for your little one? Try fluffy aquafaba foam—made from chickpea water! It’s a safe, taste-safe, and eco-friendly way to encourage tactile exploration, fine motor skills, and imaginative play.
Drain a can of chickpea, whip the chickpea water with 1/4tsp cream of tartar (or vinegar) until soft peak form. Add colouring if your like!
A little dive about Sensory Play that is everywhere on the socials
Why Touch-Based Sensory Play is a Game-Changer for Your Little One
Ever noticed how babies and toddlers love to squish, poke, and smush everything in sight? From splashing in water to running their hands through a bowl of rice, they’re on a never-ending quest to touch all the things! Turns out, they’re onto something—touch-based sensory play isn’t just fun; it’s an essential part of their development.
What is Touch-Based Sensory Play?
Sensory play is any activity that stimulates a child’s senses—touch, sight, smell, taste, and hearing. But when we focus on touch, we’re talking about letting little hands explore different textures, temperatures, and consistencies. Think squishy playdough, fluffy foam, warm sand, or even good ol’ messy mud play in the backyard.
Why is Touch So Important?
Touch is one of the first senses babies develop, and it plays a massive role in how they learn about the world. Here’s why sensory play that engages touch is a great:
1. Fine Motor Skills Get a Workout
Squishing, pinching, and grabbing different textures help strengthen those little fingers and hands, preparing them for big-kid skills like holding a pencil, using cutlery, and eventually, buttoning up their own shirts (one day… hopefully).
2. Brain Power Boost
When kids touch different materials, their brains are working hard to process what they’re feeling, compare textures, and even solve mini problems—like figuring out how to get that sticky dough off their hands. Sensory play builds connections in the brain that help with problem-solving and cognitive growth.
3. Calms Big Feelings
Ever noticed how playing with slime or kneading dough can be surprisingly soothing? The same goes for kids! Sensory play can help regulate emotions, ease anxiety, and even provide a great way to wind down.
4. Expands Vocabulary
Soft, squishy, bumpy, slimy—touch-based sensory play naturally introduces new words and concepts, helping little ones build their vocabulary without them even realising it.
5. Encourages Creativity
Give a child some playdough and watch them create a masterpiece. Sensory play lets kids explore textures in their own way, encouraging open-ended play and creativity. No rules, no pressure—just pure, messy fun.
Yes, sensory play can get a little messy. But the benefits far outweigh the cleanup. Plus, there’s something pretty special about watching your little one light up as they discover the world through touch.
