So your baby is 3 months old now. She seems to be ready to play and learn about her world. But how do you play with a 3-month-old? Providing her with sensory activities each day helps her develop cognitively, begin to learn language, and gives you the opportunity to play with your baby. Initially, I was hesitant to start using sensory activities because activities that create a big mess are overwhelming to me. However with a little research, I discovered that with slight modifications, many everyday activities turn into sensory activities, becoming opportunities to play with your baby, build foundations for language development, and encourage exploration of her world.
The following are 10 activities I used with both my girls to address the five senses.
- Reading touch and feel books together (The That’s Not My… series are my girls’ favorite touch and feel books)
- Creating scent jars by filling empty spice jars with strong smelling objects (basil, orange, lemon, lavender, etc)
- Creating a ribbon box by attaching ribbons at the opening of an old box (one that is large enough for your baby to lay in/under)
- Allowing them to squish and play with their food once they start solids
- Providing toys that crinkle, make other sounds, and have many textures (Melissa and Doug’s Flip Fish was one of Juniper’s favorites from about 4 to 7 months old)
- Walking outside while talking to your baby about things you see, sounds you hear, and smells you smell
- Playing peek-a-boo and other songs that use scarfs
- Going to baby storytime and other age-appropriate mommy and me classes
- Looking at and making silly faces in mirrors
- Talking to your baby while grocery shopping about what color, shape, etc of the items you’re purchasing (sometimes I accidentally do this on solo shopping trips and get weird looks!). In the produce section, I let my girls touch and smell the produce we intend to purchase as I’m talking about it.
Having your baby do sensory activities does not require a huge mess or a lot of prep before hand. With little extra effort, you can maximize your baby’s opportunity to use their senses and learn about the world.
Becky Nagel is a stay at home mom to two girls, a three year old and a one year old, in Denver, CO who enjoys cooking for her family, running, and hiking.
