Montessori Sensory Play at Home: Everyday Ideas for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers

It’s easy to think sensory play needs fancy kits, bins, or perfectly picked-out toys, but honestly, it doesn’t. The truth is, sensory learning is already happening all around your home.

Every texture your little one touches, every new sound they hear, and every smell from the kitchen are all part of their sensory experience.

Montessori reminds us that learning doesn’t need a strict curriculum - it just needs a little intention. Everyday routines like bath time, mealtime, or getting dressed are already packed with sensory moments.

A walk outside? A whole world of smells, sights, and sounds to discover.

Folding laundry? Perfect chance to feel different textures and sort things by color or size. When we slow down and really pay attention to what our kids are sensing, we realize we don’t need to buy anything new.

Even the simplest things like water, rice, scarves, spoons, and music can spark learning just as much as any store-bought activity.

For babies, the world is brand new, and every touch, sound, and movement is a learning experience. You don’t need to overthink it. At this age, gentle, real-world interactions are the most powerful form of sensory play at this age.

One of the best ways to incorporate sensory activities at this age is to do so during tummy time.

Here’s how you can do that:

Of course, tummy time isn’t the only way to give your baby all the sensory exploration they need. So, what else can you do? Honestly, probably not much more than what you’re already doing.

For example, when introducing first foods, focus on the taste and smell. Squished bananas, mashed avocados, and applesauce are packed with sensory goodness.

And don’t forget about movement!

Rocking, bouncing, and gentle swaying offer vestibular input, which helps with balance and body awareness. Everyday routines like diaper changes, bath time, or stroller walks are full of sensory chances - if we just slow down and notice them.

Toddlers are full​ оf energy and curiosity, and sensory play​ іs the perfect way​ tо channel both.​ At this age, movement and mess are part​ оf the learning,​ sо don’t​ be afraid​ tо get​ a little hands-on (with supervision,​ оf course).

Let’s go over some activities you can do:

By preschool age, children are ready for more imaginative and skill-building sensory play. Their fine motor skills are growing, their curiosity is blooming, and they’re eager to try “real” tasks. This is the perfect time to introduce more purposeful sensory activities that still feel like play.

You don’t need fancy activities to create meaningful sensory play. Guess what? Your daily routine is already packed with sensory goodness!

The trick is to slow down and actually notice what your little one is experiencing with all their senses.

Let’s start with some morning routines. After they wake up and rub those adorable little eyes, why not get them to feel the textures of their clothes, listen to the birds (or traffic, depending on where you live), or name the colors they see while getting dressed?

Now, a bit about eating. Meals are a goldmine for sensory exploration. Talk about how the food smells, how it feels in their mouth, and what flavors they notice. Even setting the table can turn into a sensory-rich experience when they handle different textures and temperatures.

After the belly is full, it’s time to do some chores. Errands and car rides don’t have to be boring! Turn them into mini learning moments. Play "I Spy" using sounds or sights, or turn grocery shopping into a scavenger hunt by asking them to find something smooth, cold, or red.

The next thing to do could be a really long walk in the countryside. For example, take those walks to the next level and make them “sensory safaris." Ask your child what they see, hear, and smell. Maybe it’s the crunch of leaves underfoot, the sweet scent of flowers, or the dogs barking down the street.

Now it’s time for some quiet play. Even quiet activities like building blocks or coloring can become sensory-rich. Add words like “rough,” “bumpy,” or “soft” to help your child connect language with their sensory experiences. 

Lastly, let’s not forget the bedtime routine. Bedtime is the perfect chance for sensory exploration, too! A warm bath, some gentle music, a textured washcloth, or the feel of a soft blanket can all help your little one wind down.

So, here’s the thing: sensory learning doesn’t need to be scheduled. It’s already happening - just make space for it, and let your kiddo experience the world through their senses.

Sensory play at home doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be thoughtful. So, if you want to make sure your at-home sensory play is a success, here’s what you can do:

• Follow your child’s lead: If a texture or activity makes them uncomfortable, don’t push it. Overstimulation can be a real problem, especially for sensitive kiddos, and it’s okay to take breaks or try again later.

• Control messy activities: If you’re worried about the mess, you can always start small. Dry sensory materials like lentils, rice, or felt are great low-mess options. You can also designate a “yes-space” where it’s okay to be a little noisy, get a little messy, and explore freely.

• Don’t worry about fancy toys: Rotating simple items keeps things fresh, and repurposing what you already have is usually more engaging than giving them an expensive toy. There’s nothing wrong with an old muffin tin, some clothespins, and a few cotton balls.

• Work​ оn vocabulary:​ As your child plays, try narrating what they’re doing. Saying things like “That water looks hot!” helps them build vocabulary and awareness​ оf their senses.

• Always supervise:​ We all know how easily something can happen​ іf you look away from your child for more than​ a minute​ , sо always keep​ an eye​ оn your kid during sensory play. This​ іs especially important​ when toddlers are exploring with messy​ оr mouthable materials.