Babies don’t need much to keep them entertained, but adding some 6 month old sensory activities to your baby’s day has so much more value than just entertainment!
We’ll talk about some fun activities that you can set up for your baby that are affordable and easily put together.
The Sensory World of a 6-Month-Old Baby
At six months, babies enter a world brimming with new sensory experiences. They don’t need elaborate toys or gadgets; a simple sensory play can be profoundly beneficial for their development. Imagine the joy as they explore different materials with their little hands, each touch sparking connections in their growing brains.
Engaging in sensory activities lays the foundation for critical developmental milestones. It strengthens their fine motor skills, serving not just as a fun pastime but as a key element in their cognitive growth. Through play, they start uncovering the complexities of the environment around them, each new texture a lesson, every squish and squelch a discovery of how things work.
Parents will find these sensory play exercises straightforward to set up. They’re easy opportunities for infants to learn about their world, one sensation at a time. More than mere entertainment, these activities support baby’s journey in making sense of diverse stimuli, paving the way for a well-rounded sensory development.
Putting Together 6 Month Old Sensory Activities
There is a list of sensory play ideas further down in this post (just scroll on down if you want) but we’ve also broken it up into a few categories. That way, it might prompt your own ideas for simple activities you can do with your baby.
Discovering Through Touch: Easy DIY Sensory Bins
Sensory bins are a fabulous way to engage your baby in learning through active play. They’re simple to set up with items you likely have at home.
Start off by choosing a container large enough for play, but shallow enough to ensure your baby’s safety. One of the challenges of baby’s development at this age is simply that they will try to put everything in their mouths! New textures are especially tempting.
Therefore, making sure you’re monitoring them constantly is super important.
Okay, with that out of the way, let’s get back to setting up a sensory bin.
Go ahead and fill it with a variety of textures; think rice, cooked spaghetti, or large pom poms. Be mindful to choose materials that are large enough not to pose a choking hazard.
Next, sprinkle in some everyday objects. Think about items like plastic cups, silicone muffin holders, or wooden spoons – these can contribute to the tactile experience.
Your infant will grasp, poke, and explore, boosting those fine motor skills with each interaction. This activity lays the groundwork for touch-based learning and the early stages ofproblem-solving.
Lastly, let the fun unfold. You sit back and watch as little fingers delve into the wonders within the bin. Excitement grows as they discover and learn through each touch and grab. Remember, the key to successful sensory play lies in the variety and safety of materials provided for these junior explorers.
Splash & Giggle: Water Play Ideas for Little Hands
Babies love the sensation of water on their little hands. Creating a safe and engaging water play activity for your 6-month-old can be as simple as filling a shallow tray with water.
Place it on the floor where your baby can easily reach it during tummy time. Drop in lightweight, colorful toys that float and encourage your little one to splash and grab. This introduces them to new sensory experiences and can significantly improve their hand-eye coordination.
Dipping their fingers into a bowl of lukewarm water can captivate their attention. Try adding a few drops of food colouring to the water for a visual treat. Watching the colors swirl and blend not only provides visual stimulation but also offers a gentle introduction to the world of science and art.
Just remember, safety comes first. Never leave your baby unattended during water play, and always use a minimal amount of water to avoid risks.
Tactile play with water can be more enjoyable with different materials.
Introduce sponges, cloths, or even food items like cooked spaghetti. These items can float or sink, presenting your child with a variety of textures to explore. Such activities aid in developing their sense of touch while keeping playtime fresh and exciting.
Remember, through play, your baby is making sense of the world, and water play is an excellent way to engage their curiosity and motor skills.
A little mom tip that I was given was to do activities like this during the late afternoon when babies tend to be more fractious.
Tummy Time Treasures: Engaging Sensory Play Mats
Transform tummy time into a multisensory experience with a variety of engaging play mats. Select mats that boast a myriad of textures and colors to captivate your baby’s attention. Vivid hues and intriguing patterns not only entertain but also encourage visual development.
Begin by laying out a soft, cushioned mat in a safe area. Ensure it’s clean and free from small objects. Scatter around a mix of smooth and textured toys. This allows your six-month-old to explore with their little fingers, developing fine motor skills as they grasp and reach.
Introduce items that crinkle or rattle to add an auditory element to their exploration.
As your baby presses up and looks around, they’re not just having fun; they are strengthening their neck and core muscles. These activities are crucial for their physical development. Arrange a small mirror on the mat to fascinate them with their own reflection. Such simple steps pave the way for hours of joyous discovery.
You can actually purchase sensory mats specifically that are perfect for baby play. It’s such a great activity that will help with gross motor skills at the same time as they play.
Easy Sensory Activities for Developmental Fun
#1 Fabric Play
Gather a variety of soft fabrics and let your baby feel the differences. Silky scarves, cozy cotton, and fuzzy felt stimulate their sense of touch. Each texture invites little fingers to explore, which aids in tactile development.
#2 Shaker
Engage your baby with a homemade shaker. Fill a secure, clear bottle with colorful beads and watch as your baby shakes it to hear the sounds. This simple activity not only fosters auditory processing but also strengthens hand-eye coordination. You could also create sensory bottles that are more of a visual sensory play activity.
#3 Sensory Bags
Create a sensory bag by filling a durable ziplock bag with hair gel and a drop of food coloring. Add glitter or small, lightweight objects for visual stimulation. They’ll press and pat the surface, intrigued by the squishy sensation and the way items move through the gel.
#4 Peek-a-Book
Play peek-a-boo with different fabrics. Drape cloth over toys and gently lift to reveal what’s underneath. Your baby’s anticipation heightens their cognitive skills and teaches object permanence. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate laughter into playtime.
#5 Water Play
Set up a water play area by placing your baby in an empty bathtub with a small amount of water and various containers. Scooping and pouring helps with fine motor skill development. Always keep a close watch to ensure safety during water play.
#6 Homemade Paint
There are many recipes online for homemade paint that are safe for children. This is a really fun activity to do with your baby. You can create different colors and have them explore. I would definitely make sure to set this up in an easy-to-clean area.
#7 Ball Pit
This may not be something you already have but it’s definitely an easy way to set up some sensory stimulation for your baby.
Sensory Exploration
Engaging a 6-month-old in sensory play is more than just fun and games. It paves the way for crucial developmental milestones. Each activity enhances your baby’s sensory development, shaping the pathways in their ever-expanding brain.
Little hands grasping different textures helps cement fine motor skills. Fascination with the babble and clatter of everyday objects nurtures early language skills. All in all, sensory play activities transcend mere playtime; they are building blocks for your infant’s future learning and growth.
As a new mommy, your days are full. However, incorporating simple sensory experiences doesn’t have to be daunting.
Whether it’s a ziplock bag filled with colorful pom poms or a DIY sensory board at the foot of the baby’s crib, these interactions can fit into the rhythm of your daily life.
By making sensory play a part of your routine, you gift your child joy and a firm foundation for their journey of exploration and discovery.
Take it one step at a time, and watch your baby thrive. The best part? You’re right there to witness each giggle, each wide-eyed wonder, as they meet the world through their senses. It’s truly a great time for you and your baby; one filled with developmental triumphs and heartfelt memories.
So, embrace these easy-to-set-up activities and know that each little moment contributes significantly to your child’s sensory journey.
Christine Keys
Hi! I’m Christine – a homeschooling mom of three. I see homeschooling simply as another facet of parenting. Just as you teach your child to tie their shoes, you can also teach them how to read and do arithmetic.
As a second-generation homeschooler, I know the endless benefits that homeschooling offers. I went on to complete a Bachelor of Nursing and have now chosen to stay at home with my children (while also running an online business).
I have a heart for mothers that feel as though they are just existingfrom day to day and are longing for more. You can find out more about me and my family over on my ‘About Me‘ page.
As well as the abundance of posts you’ll find on my blog, you can also find me over at iHomeschool Network and Today Parenting.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in child development and sensory play, I can provide valuable information related to the concepts discussed in the article. I have extensive knowledge and experience in this field, backed by research and practical application. Let's delve into the different concepts mentioned in the article:
Sensory Play for 6-Month-Old Babies
At six months, babies enter a world full of new sensory experiences. The article emphasizes that babies don't need elaborate toys or gadgets for entertainment; instead, simple sensory play can be profoundly beneficial for their development. Sensory activities lay the foundation for critical developmental milestones, strengthening fine motor skills and cognitive growth.
Setting Up Sensory Bins
Sensory bins are a fabulous way to engage your baby in learning through active play. The article suggests using a container large enough for play but shallow enough to ensure your baby's safety. It's important to choose materials that are large enough not to pose a choking hazard. Fill the bin with a variety of textures, such as rice, cooked spaghetti, or large pom poms. Sprinkle in everyday objects like plastic cups or wooden spoons to contribute to the tactile experience. This activity allows your baby to explore different textures and develop their fine motor skills.
Water Play for 6-Month-Old Babies
Water play is another great sensory activity for babies. The article suggests filling a shallow tray with water and placing it on the floor where your baby can easily reach it during tummy time. Drop in lightweight, colorful toys that float and encourage your baby to splash and grab. This activity introduces your baby to new sensory experiences and improves their hand-eye coordination. It's important to never leave your baby unattended during water play and to use a minimal amount of water to avoid risks.
Sensory Play Mats for Tummy Time
Tummy time is an essential activity for babies' physical development. The article suggests using engaging play mats with a variety of textures and colors to captivate your baby's attention. Lay out a soft, cushioned mat in a safe area and scatter smooth and textured toys for your baby to explore with their fingers. Introduce items that crinkle or rattle to add an auditory element to their exploration. This activity strengthens your baby's neck and core muscles while entertaining them.
Additional Sensory Activities for Developmental Fun
The article provides a list of easy sensory activities for babies, including fabric play, homemade shakers, sensory bags, peek-a-boo with fabrics, water play with various containers, homemade paint, and a ball pit. These activities stimulate different senses, such as touch, hearing, and sight, while promoting fine motor skills and cognitive development.
The Importance of Sensory Play for Development
Engaging a 6-month-old in sensory play goes beyond fun and games. It lays the foundation for crucial developmental milestones. Sensory activities enhance sensory development, fine motor skills, and early language skills. By incorporating sensory play into your daily routine, you provide your baby with joy and a firm foundation for exploration and discovery.
As an expert in child development, I can provide further guidance and answer any specific questions you may have about sensory play or other related topics.
