Sensory toys – how do they affect a child’s development and which ones are worth choosing?

Sensory toys for children play a key role in their development. By stimulating the senses, they support motor, cognitive and emotional development. With appropriately selected toys, children learn through experience, exploring the world through touch, sight, hearing and smell. In this article, we will discuss how sensory toys affect a child's development and which ones are worth choosing for each age group.

How do sensory toys support child development?

Sensory toys engage different senses, allowing children to better understand the world around them. Regular use:

✔ supports the development of movement coordination,

✔ stimulates speech development by learning different textures and sounds,

✔ develops visual perception and cognitive skills,

✔ helps in learning to focus and concentrate,

✔ influences emotional development by helping children express and regulate emotions.

Sensory toys for the youngest (0-3 months)

Newborns learn through contact with the environment. It is worth choosing sensory toys 0-3 months, which stimulate the senses and help develop basic skills.

✔ contrasting books with white, black and red patterns,

✔ rattles with different textures,

✔ soft stuffed animals that make subtle sounds,

✔ sensory educational mats.

Sensory toys for a 3 month old baby

Three-month-old babies start to take an interest in their surroundings and try to grab objects. It is worth choosing sensory toys for a 3-month-old baby that will encourage them to explore.

✔ colorful balls with different textures,

✔ soft teethers with protrusions,

✔ rattles with light and sound elements,

✔ toys with mirrors supporting the development of visual perception.

Sensory toys for a 6 month old baby

Six-month-old babies are developing hand-eye coordination and learning new manual skills. Sensory toys for a 6-month-old should support these processes.

✔ interactive mats with studs,

✔ cooling teethers,

✔ plush toys that make sounds,

✔ cups for arranging and pouring water.

Sensory toys for 15 year olds

Children aged 1.5 years begin to explore the world in a more conscious way. Sensory toys for a 15 year old child should engage different senses and develop motor skills.

✔ sensory blocks with different textures,

✔ sound puzzles,

✔ finger paints,

✔ sensory touch books.

Sensory toys for a one year old child

One-year-olds are very active and eager to learn about the world through touch and movement. Sensory toys for one-year-olds help improve motor skills and motor coordination.

✔ sand and plastic mass,

✔ musical instruments for children,

✔ ball tracks,

✔ blocks with different textures.

Sensory toys for children with autism

Children with autism often need special sensory stimuli to help them better regulate their emotions and cope with their environment. Sensory toys for children with autism should be tailored to their individual needs.

✔ squeezable anti-stress balls,

✔ sensory mats with different textures,

✔ handheld massagers,

✔ rocking sensory chairs.

What to look for when choosing sensory toys for children?

✔ Safety – toys should be made of non-toxic materials.

✔ Multifunctionality – it is worth choosing toys that engage more than one sense.

✔ Age-appropriate – each age group has different sensory needs.

✔ Easy to clean – Babies often put toys in their mouths, so it’s important that they’re easy to keep clean.

Summary

Sensory toys for children play a key role in their development, helping them discover the world and develop motor and cognitive skills. When choosing sensory toys for a one-year-old child, sensory toys for a 6-month-old child or sensory toys for children with autism, it is worth paying attention to their functionality and safety. By choosing the right toys, you can create the perfect conditions for your child to learn and play.