Simple Sensory Activities for Babies and Toddlers Under 2
Sensory play for a child under two can be as simple as touching a textured book or listening to birds together. Choose a small, shared experience and follow what your child wants to notice.
At a Glance
- Best for: Babies and toddlers under two, with an attentive adult
- Explore: Touch, sound, sight and simple cause and effect
- Start with: One age-appropriate item; no elaborate bin needed
Jump to:
Five Simple Sensory Activities
- Texture book: Explore an age-appropriate touch-and-feel book. Name a texture, then let your child lead the page turning.
- Sound pause: Sit together and listen for a bird, rain or a passing vehicle. Copy the sound and wait for a response.
- Washcloth play: Offer clean, intact washcloths and a large bowl for putting in and taking out. Remove frayed fabric.
- Watch movement: Look at leaves moving outside or roll an age-appropriate large ball slowly between you.
- Water with an adult: If you choose water play, stay within arm’s reach with constant attention; keep a hand on a baby in water and empty the container immediately afterward.
ZERO TO THREE offers more simple ways to explore textures and sounds. See the AAP’s water-safety guidance for toddlers.
What You’ll Need
Choose a clear floor space and one or two suitable items. Inspect them for damage and loose parts. Skip dry rice, beans, beads, little stones and other small fillers; “taste-safe” does not mean free of choking or allergy risks.
Follow Your Child’s Response
- Let your child watch first or stop when they turn away; touching a new texture is optional.
- Use simple words such as soft, smooth or loud without turning play into a test.
- Put small craft supplies, plastic bags and older children’s sensory kits out of reach. Follow product age labels.
Ideas to Revisit When Your Child Is Older
The original linked examples below include sensory bags, bottles, sand foam and small objects. They are inspiration for later, rather than ready-to-use activities for children under two. Review each creator’s materials and age guidance first.
Optional Products: Check Age Labels
Several existing product links below are for ages three and up. Those products are not suitable choices for the under-two activities above.
Anti-break storage organizers that double up as sensory bins. Perfect for storing small toys, flash cards, sensory activities and more!
The perfect scoops, spoons and manipulatives for your sensory bins and setups. Beautiful colors, study and durable!
Build your own water sensory bottle with this kit! Packed with high quality materials perfect to make beautiful sensory bottles with no effort!
Construction themed sensory play box for young learners. Packed with high quality materials, perfect for hours of imaginative play.
Carefully selected high quality materials and a sturdy and durable bin perfect for sensory play. Garden themed play box that strengthens fine motor skills.
Unique sensory floor tiles perfect for younger children to explore, step up and enjoy! Set of 6 tiles with anti-slip backing.
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