Treasure basket

A great way to explore different objects around the house and learn new words. Fill a basket or box with different objects and talk to your little one about each one.

Let your baby lead the play and encourage them to try to reach and grab items.

Household items

Wooden spoons
Whisk
Metal linked measuring spoons
CD
Keys

Natural items

Seashells
Pine cones
Smooth pebbles (large enough not to be a choking hazard)
Driftwood

Sounds

Homemade rattles made from small plastic bottles filled with rice and lentils
Bell
Egg shakers or mini maracas

Smells

Lemon
Orange
Lavender bags in muslin
Large fresh bay leaf or mint leaf
Herbs/spices in socks and tied

Textures

Different materials; shiny, leather, tweeds, furry etc.
Velvet jewellery bag
Knitted sock or glove that they can put their arm in
Loofah or sponge

All items should be thoroughly cleaned and not with something that could harm your baby if they put them items in their mouth e.g. strong disinfectant. Children should be supervised at all times as bits and pieces can fall off some of the items suggested, such as pine cones.

Sensory socks

A quick and easy idea for supervised baby exploration!
Fill some clean socks with items such as buttons, marbles, dried pasta or rice. Make sure that the sock is tightly knotted, so nothing can escape. For an extra sensory experience, add something scented, such as pieces of lemon or fresh mint leaves.
This is only safe when you are watching the baby, to make sure that none of the filling comes out!

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