Sensory play activities are a fantastic way to stimulate an 8-month-old child’s developing senses and encourage exploration. At this age, babies are becoming more curious and are eager to touch, taste, and discover their surroundings. Here a list of sensory play activities suitable for an 8 month-old:
1. Tummy Time with Textured Mats:
Place an assortment of textured mats on the floor and encourage tummy time. Babies can feel the different textures on their skin while building neck and upper body strength.
2. Sensory Balls:​​
Provide soft, squeezable sensory balls with different textures for the baby to touch and grasp.
3. Exploration with Soft Fabrics:​
Offer a variety of soft fabrics, such as silk, satin, and velour, for the baby to feel and explore. You can also drape these fabrics over their body during playtime.
4. Sensory Blocks:
Soft, colorful sensory blocks with various textures and shapes can be stacked, squished, and explored by little hands.
5. Mirror Play:
Place a baby-safe unbreakable mirror in front of the baby. They will enjoy looking at their reflection and making different facial expressions.
6. Texture Book:
Provide a soft fabric or cloth book with textures like furry animals or crinkly pages for the baby to explore.
7. Sensory Bottles:
Create sensory bottles with water, glitter, or small floating objects. Babies can observe the movement and explore the visual stimulation.
8. Rattles and Shakers:
Offer a variety of baby-safe rattles and shakers with different sounds and textures for the baby to hold and shake.
9. Exploration of Safe Foods:
Introduce safe and age-appropriate foods like peeled cucumber, banana, or avocado for the baby to touch, taste, and explore with their hands.
10. Gentle Nature Walks:
Take the baby on nature walks where they can touch leaves, grass, and other natural textures. Always ensure safety and supervision during these activities.
11. Sensory Stacking Rings:
Soft stacking rings with textures can be stacked and unstacked by the baby, providing tactile stimulation.
12. Sensory Mobiles:
Hang a colorful, baby-friendly sensory mobile above the crib or playpen. Babies can reach out and explore the dangling objects.
13. Soft Musical Toys:
Musical toys with soft textures and engaging tunes can provide both sensory and auditory stimulation.
14. Sensory Tag Blankets:
Soft tag blankets with various textures and attached tags for the baby to grasp.
15. Foam Shapes:
Large, soft foam shapes with different textures can be used for sensory exploration and safe play.
16. Water Play in a Safe Environment:
Fill a shallow basin with a small amount of warm water and allow the baby to play with their hands, splashing and feeling the water.
17. Soft Play Gym:
Gym: Use a soft, padded play gym with hanging toys for the baby to reach out and interact with different textures.
18. Texture Walk on Bubble Wrap:
Place bubble wrap on the floor and help the baby take gentle steps on it while supported by an adult.
19. Soft Feely Bag:
Create a feely bag with different soft textures inside, and let the baby reach in and explore.
20. Bath Time Sensory Play:
Bathe the baby with soft washcloths, sponges, and cups of water for sensory exploration during bath time.
Always prioritize safety during sensory play activities, and supervise the baby closely. Keep in mind that babies at this age will explore with their mouths, so ensure that all materials are non- toxic and free from small parts that can be swallowed. Sensory play not only provides stimulation but also enhances fine and gross motor skills, cognitive development, and social interaction as they explore the world around them.
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Additional reading
1. Zero to Three: https://www.zerotothree.org/
- Description: This trusted resource for early childhood development offers a comprehensive guide to sensory activities for 8-month-olds, categorized by type (touch, taste, sight, etc.). Includes age-appropriate ideas like water play, textured sensory bins, and musical exploration.
2. Playful Learning: https://www.sensorylifestyle.com/baby-activities/top-activities-8-month-old-baby/
- Description: This website features creative and engaging sensory activities for 8-month-olds, like homemade play dough, edible finger paints, and DIY sensory bottles. Each activity comes with clear instructions and helpful tips for adapting them to your child’s interests and abilities.
3. The Sensory Lifestyle: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/exploring-montessori-sensory-play-with-babies-natural-beach-living–405324035201030112/
- Description: This blog post from The Sensory Lifestyle focuses on Montessori-inspired sensory play for 8-month-olds. It suggests activities like exploring different textures with natural materials, playing with bells and shakers, and creating a safe sensory bin with rice or beans.
4. NurtureSphere: https://www.sensorylifestyle.com/baby-activities/top-activities-8-month-old-baby/
- Description: NurtureSphere provides a detailed list of sensory activities for 8-month-olds, from simple tummy time variations to more elaborate water play ideas. They also offer helpful tips on incorporating everyday objects into sensory play, making it budget-friendly and convenient.
5. Mom Loves Best: https://momlovesbest.com/
- Description: This blog post from Mom Loves Best features fun and easy sensory activities for 8-month-olds using basic household items. You’ll find ideas like creating crinkly paper toys, exploring different fabrics, and making homemade musical shakers.
Bonus:
- Your local library or bookstore:Â Check out their selection of children’s books and activity guides dedicated to sensory play for infants and toddlers.
- Pinterest:Â Search for “sensory activities for 8-month-olds” on Pinterest to discover a vast collection of creative ideas and visual inspiration.
Remember, the key is to choose activities that are engaging and developmentally appropriate for your 8-month-old. Have fun exploring different sensory experiences together and watch your little one learn and grow!
I hope this list helps you find the perfect sensory activities to keep your 8-month-old entertained and stimulated!