Easy Sensory Play for Babies 0–12 Months at Home

Sensory stimulation at home: games for babies from 0 to 12 months

During the first year of life, a baby's brain develops at an impressive rate. Every sensory stimulus they receive—a texture, a sound, a soft light—is an opportunity to learn and connect with their environment. Early stimulation not only supports neurological development, but also strengthens the affective bond with their caregivers.

In this article we show you ideas for homemade, easy, safe sensory games adapted to each stage of the baby between 0 and 12 months. All are based on evidence about child development and designed to be enjoyed as a family.

Why are sensory games important?

Sensory games activate the baby's senses – sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste – and promote cognitive, emotional and motor development. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, early interaction with the environment through play stimulates key neural connections and reinforces future skills such as attention, language or coordination.

Sensory games help baby's brain and emotional development

Sensory games for babies from 0 to 3 months

In these first months, the baby perceives the world in a very limited way. Still, you can feel, hear, and observe, and that's enough to start with gentle, repetitive stimuli. Here are some ideas:

• High Contrast Mobile: You can hang black and white figures near their crib or changing table. Stimulates developing vision.
• Massage with natural oils: Through touch and smell, the baby perceives security and pleasure. Use slow movements and speak softly.
• Homemade rattle with rice or lentils: Use a tightly closed small plastic bottle. Shake it back and forth to stimulate hearing and visual tracking.
• Skin-to-skin contact: Although it may seem simple, it is one of the most powerful stimuli for their emotional and sensory regulation.

Sensory Play for Babies 4 to 7 Months

At this stage, the baby is already holding his head, begins to grasp objects, and reacts more actively. Their world expands and so does their curiosity. Try these games:

• Texture box: Fill a box or basket with soft, fluffy, wrinkled, or rough fabrics. Always supervise so that they do not put them in their mouth.
• Secure Mirror: Place a plastic mirror in front of your baby when he or she is on his or her tummy. You will enjoy seeing your reflection.
• Coloured handkerchiefs in a box: Put several lightweight tissues in a wipes box and let him take them out one by one. Stimulates hand-eye coordination.
• Sensory bottles: Fill plastic bottles with water, glitter, buttons, lentils, or baby oil. Close them tightly and let them observe or roll them.

From 4 months, the baby begins to explore with his hands and mouth

Sensory Play for Babies 8 to 12 Months

By 8 months, many babies are already sitting alone, crawling, or even standing up. This greater autonomy allows for more active and varied games:

• Bubble wrap on the floor: Let him crawl on it (supervised) to stimulate touch and hearing.
• Surprise box: Use a box with a lid and put safe objects inside (a wooden spoon, a soft ball, a tissue). Encourage them to explore without looking.
• Homemade sensory sachets: Fill zip bags with hair gel, dye, lentils, or cotton. Tape them to the floor or low wall for him to handle.
• Bath with sponges or fruits: In the bathtub, try inserting soft sponges or large pieces of fruit. Stimulates touch, smell and free play with water.

"Play is an essential activity of child development. Through play, children learn to know the world and themselves."

Safety Tips for Sensory Play

While sensory play is very beneficial, safety comes first. Here are some key recommendations:

• Always supervise your baby, especially if the play involves small objects or liquids.
• Use only non-toxic materials, no loose parts, sharp edges, or breakable elements.
• Make sure your baby is awake, calm, and free of signs of hunger or tiredness.
• Clean all materials thoroughly before and after use.

Play, connect, grow

You don't need to buy expensive toys or follow a rigid plan. The most important thing is the interaction with you, your voice, your hands, your gaze. Each sensory game is an opportunity to connect and discover the world together, step by step, from home.