Infants often dislike tummy time. Giving them a simple sensory bin for babies can keep them playing (and getting stronger) longer. Simple baby activities are a nice way to introduce sensory exploration and language to infants.
(PLUS, as moms, it gives us a feeling of actually teaching our infants and engaging with them.)
Cloth Napkin Sensory Bin for Babies
This easy-to-set-up sensory bin activity for infants only requires cloth napkins or fabric scraps. (You can even use socks!)
We have a mismatched set of cloth napkins, and I thought since they were colorful they might be of interest to the babies during tummy time.
I set a blanket on the grass in our backyard and placed the bin on it. The twins started pulling napkins out of the sensory bin for babies.
The napkins were dumped out, but I had a hidden secret in the bin…I tied a rattle to one napkin to add a little auditory stimulation!
All I did was take the corner of a napkin and tied it through the handle of the rattle. You can set a toy that makes noise into the bottom of the sensory bin for babies before placing the napkins into it.
I could shake the sensory bin so it would make noise. This kept the babies’ interest and focus. It caused them to dig into the napkins more.
The cloth napkin sensory bin for babies was a good way to get the twins on their bellies for extended tummy time. So many infants do not like being on their tummies because it is harder for them to see mom. It is also hard work for their bodies. For infants, it is good exercise though!
Even my older two joined in with the babies. It is so much fun when they all play together. I am amazed how the older ones get interested in the new skills their baby brother and sister learn.
This simple sensory bin for babies is such an easy activity to do with infants. It helps babies stay on their tummies for tummy time just a little longer. It also encourages older infants to reach and grab. These motions help strengthen an infant’s core muscles for crawling and get their fingers grabbing and pulling which helps coordination and fine motor skills.
Be sure to talk about the colors and textures as your infant touches the fabric. This is all great brain exercise introducing new words and building your baby’s language!
More sensory activities for infants:
You can find even more infant activities to try with your baby HERE and be sure to follow my Infant Activities board over on Pinterest!
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[…] napkins make a fun tummy time sensory activity […]