Toddlers are learning about their world and the new skills they need to survive in it. Sensory toys for toddlers can help with this process.
These are also called developmental toys because they support your child’s development by encouraging them to explore their senses. These toys can be used for all stages of life, although some will only be suitable for certain ages.
And some adults may not find these toys appealing, but we’ve done our best to include something for everyone!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Consider your child’s individual needs and preferences when choosing sensory toys. |
| Look for toys that offer a variety of sensory experiences, such as different textures and colors. |
| Consider the safety and age-appropriateness of the toy. |
| Sensory toys can support physical, cognitive, and emotional development in toddlers. |
| Sensory toys can also be helpful for children with sensory processing issues. |
Sensory Bottles
A sensory bottle is a water-filled glass container that has things like glitter and beads in it. The purpose of these bottles is for kids to be able to play with them and enjoy seeing the items floating around in the bottle, as well as feeling them with their hands.
They can also provide some calming effects on kids who have sensory processing issues or anxiety disorders.
Some examples of sensory bottles that you can make are:
- A water bottle filled with sand, glitter, and some toys inside (like a plastic figurine)
- Water mixed with food coloring and table salt (saltwater)
- Water mixed with shampoo and conditioner (shampoo)
If you’re new to the world of sensory toys, our beginner’s guide to sensory toys for toddlers can help you understand the benefits of sensory play and choose the right toys for your child’s development.
Sensory Bath Toys
Sensory bathing toys are a great way to keep your toddler busy and engaged in the tub. Try to give them a choice of toys that float, sink, have different textures, colors and make noise.
Avoid water-resistant toys that can’t be cleaned easily or don’t have any functions other than floating around the tub. Some examples include bath squirt guns, bath boats and large plastic sea creatures.
Bathtime Games For Toddlers
Bathtime is a great time for bonding, and it’s also a good opportunity to get your toddler involved in the process of cleaning up.
You may want to create a game or activity where they can help you wash their body parts. For example, if you’re washing their hair, hold them upright so that they can scrub their back with shampoo or soap (depending on your child’s age).
Alternatively, you could put some towels out at different heights around the tub for them to use as stepping stones into and out of the bathtub. This will give them confidence as they move around outside of the water!
Looking for ideas to fill your toddler’s toy box? Our list of 15 sensory toys every toddler should have can provide inspiration and help you create a fun and stimulating play environment for your little one
Aromatherapy Bath Toys
Aromatherapy toys are a great addition to a child’s bath. They can help your child calm down, relax and destress, allowing him or her to enjoy their time in the tub.
These types of toys will usually be scented with essential oils and come in different shapes that mimic animals or have special features like squeakers. They’re often made out of rubber and plastic so they won’t break easily when dropped into the water!
As aromatherapy toys are used in both baths and showers, they can be enjoyed by kids of all ages from toddlers through teens and even adults who want to add some fun new sensory experiences into their routine!
If you’ve got kids who love animals but struggle with sensory processing issues (like over-excitability or anxiety), then these types of scented bath products may be just what they need!
| Types of Sensory Toys |
|---|
| Toys with different textures, such as soft, squishy, bumpy, or rough textures |
| Toys that make noise or have different sounds, such as rattles, musical toys, or toys with buttons or switches |
| Toys with bright colors or interesting patterns |
| Toys that encourage movement and physical activity, such as balls, ride-on toys, or climbing toys |
| Toys that promote imaginative play, such as dolls, stuffed animals, or play kitchens |
Crayons And Coloring Books
Crayons and coloring books are a great way for kids to express themselves. They are also a great way for them to relax and focus, as well as learn about colors, shapes and patterns.
There is no right or wrong way of using crayons; there are just different ways of achieving the same result. The most important thing is that children enjoy themselves while they color!
Sensory play can be a powerful tool for your toddler’s development. Check out our guide to introducing sensory play with toys to learn more about the benefits and how to get started
Fidget Spinner
Fidget spinners are a type of toy that allows you to spin the center of a device with your finger, which then turns into a sensory object.
They’re made from plastic, metal or other materials. Most fidget spinners cost less than $10 and can be found at stores like Target or WalMart. Some people claim that these toys help relieve stress and anxiety by giving kids something to do with their hands instead of picking up things they shouldn’t be touching around the house (like their parents’ stuff).
However, there’s no scientific evidence backing up this claim so don’t expect miracles! But if you think it might help your child calm down without hurting anyone else, go for it! Just remember: too much of anything can become overwhelming for little ones so don’t overdo it!
Freeze Pops
Freeze pops are one of the most popular sensory toys for toddlers. They’re also a healthy treat that kids love to eat! If you’ve ever been in the hot sun, then you know how good it feels to come inside and sit down with a big bowl of ice cream or frozen yogurt. Well, freeze pops have the same effect on your little ones.
Freeze pops come in many different flavors like strawberry, chocolate and peanut butter cup; so there’s something for everyone!
If your child doesn’t like freeze pops though because they’re too cold or hard to chew, then try making homemade lemonade ice cubes instead – these will melt more quickly than regular ice cubes so your child won’t get frustrated trying to suck on them long enough for them not be hard anymore (and don’t forget about those colorful straws!).
Grabbing And Touching Toys
Grabbing and touching toys are a great way to get your toddler exploring their environment. They’re great for children who like to pull things apart, or throw them around the room!
These types of toys can be found at many different stores, but we recommend checking out The Toy Store in Santa Monica.
Did you know that sensory play can enhance your toddler’s learning and development? Our article on sensory play for toddlers explores the ways in which sensory play can support cognitive, physical, and emotional development.
Hanging Toys
Hanging toys are one of the best sensory toys for toddlers. They can be used as a sensory toy, helping your child develop tactile awareness and motor skills. Or they can be used as an object to help teach hand-eye coordination.
Hanging from the ceiling or attached to a wall, hanging toys provide visual stimulation for toddlers. Simply watching them move will keep children occupied for some time!
The movement of hanging objects can also help with hand-eye coordination in young children who are learning how to grab things with their fingers instead of just using their whole hands like most adults do when picking up small items like coins or beads (or even larger ones if you’re lucky).
Kids Yoga Ball
A yoga ball is a great choice for toddlers who like to bounce, roll and move in ways that aren’t always predictable. It’s also a good way to encourage them to be creative with their movements, since there are no rules about how you have to use it.
We recommend buying at least one ball per child—they should be able to sit up on their own in order to use one safely without supervision from an adult.
The size of the ball will depend on your child’s age and size; look for something that can hold him or her up while they’re sitting upright with knees bent comfortably around it. You may want more than one size available so they can discover what works best for them as they grow!
Memory Games For Toddlers
Use a box. If you want to get your toddler started on the road towards developing their memory and concentration, then choosing toys that help with these things is a great idea. The first step is to set up an activity for them that involves hiding some objects inside of a box or container.
Put the objects in the box. Once this has been done, show your child how many objects are in there by counting out loud while they look at them before closing it up with its lid or cover – whatever you prefer calling it!
Have them take out the objects one by one when asked where they think each one may be hiding until they have found each one correctly without any assistance from you whatsoever! This will give him/her confidence in knowing he/she has learned something new today which can only lead onto other things later down the line too if done regularly enough.”
Sensory toys aren’t just for fun – they can also help children manage anxiety and stress. Check out our article on how sensory toys can help children with anxiety and stress to learn more about the therapeutic benefits of sensory play
Musical Instruments For Toddlers
Musical instruments for toddlers can be a fun, unique way to introduce your child to making music. The great thing about them is that they don’t have specific “rules” and will teach your little one how to make music in many different ways.
The first step is choosing an instrument that’s age appropriate. For example, don’t expect an 18 month old toddler to play the piano but if you choose something like a drum or shaker they’ll have fun tapping away at it and discovering what makes noise (and what doesn’t).
You can use musical instruments as a learning tool too by playing along with your child! This gives them the feeling of success when they hear their own sounds come out loud and clear, plus it encourages creativity as they try new things with their instrument of choice.
When introducing musical toys into your home environment remember these key points: 1) choose age appropriate toys; 2) introduce one toy at a time so there aren’t too many distractions around; 3) encourage creative play rather than rote learning techniques such as coloring inside the lines on paper sheets.”
Play Dough And Modeling Clay
Playdough and modeling clay are good for tactile development, providing a sensory experience. They can be used to make things like animals, people and food. This can be great for fine motor skills and social and language development.
For example, you can use playdough snakes to talk about how snakes move or make playdough sandwiches at lunchtime to teach your child about food groups.
| Tips for Introducing Sensory Toys |
|---|
| Start with simple toys and gradually introduce more complex toys. |
| Allow your child to explore the toy at their own pace. |
| Provide a variety of sensory experiences and allow your child to choose which toys they want to play with. |
| Use sensory toys during playtime or as part of a sensory diet. |
| Always supervise your child when they are playing with sensory toys. |
Conclusion
There are so many fun activities for toddlers, and we have just taken a look at some of them. If you’re looking to get your child started on playing with toys or even just having fun with them, then these are some great options to consider. You can find even more on our website!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about sensory toys for toddlers:
Choosing the Right Sensory Toy: This article provides tips on how to choose the right sensory toy for your child based on their needs and preferences.
An Age-by-Age Guide to Sensory Toys: This guide provides age-appropriate suggestions for sensory toys and activities for infants through preschoolers.
Sensory Toys for Toddlers: This article provides information on how sensory toys can benefit toddlers and provides suggestions for types of toys to consider.
FAQs
What are sensory toys for toddlers?
Sensory toys for toddlers are toys designed to stimulate the senses and provide a variety of sensory experiences. They can be used to support physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
What are some examples of sensory toys for toddlers?
Examples of sensory toys for toddlers include toys with different textures, shapes, colors, and sounds, as well as toys that encourage movement, such as balls and ride-on toys.
How do sensory toys benefit toddlers?
Sensory toys can benefit toddlers by stimulating their senses, promoting physical and cognitive development, and providing opportunities for exploration and experimentation.
Can sensory toys help with sensory processing issues?
Yes, sensory toys can be helpful for children with sensory processing issues by providing opportunities for sensory exploration and integration.
How do I choose the right sensory toy for my toddler?
When choosing a sensory toy for your toddler, consider their individual needs and preferences, as well as the specific sensory experiences you want to target. It can also be helpful to look for toys that are age-appropriate and safe for your child to use.
Meet Hellen James, the multi-talented writer and nurturing mother who takes young readers on a thrilling journey through her sensory-infused blog. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences as a parent.
