Sensory Play for All Ages: From Infancy to School Age

Sensory Play Ideas That Support Growth from Babies to Early School Age

When we think of sensory toys, we often picture babies with rattles or toddlers exploring textures. But the truth is, sensory play never stops being valuable. Whether your child is taking their first steps or reading their first chapter book, sensory play remains a powerful, age-appropriate way to support development, focus, and emotional growth.

At Little Gliders, we believe sensory play should evolve alongside your child. Here’s how to adapt it across key ages, and what toys truly make an impact at each stage.

For Babies (0–12 Months)

Focus: Foundational sensory development, motor skills, early cause-and-effect

Babies learn through touch, sound, and movement. Sensory-rich toys at this stage help:

• Strengthen head and neck control
  
• Encourage reaching, grabbing, and crawling
  
• Build early confidence in body awareness and coordination
  

Great picks:

• Soft activity mats
  
• High-contrast visuals and textures
  
• Lightweight rattles or gentle swings (with parental supervision)
  
• Safe floor mirrors to promote tracking and tummy time
  

For Toddlers (1–3 Years)

Focus: Movement, balance, language, and independence

This is the golden age of climbing, bouncing, stacking, and exploring. Toddlers crave sensory feedback as they test their bodies and boundaries. Toys that engage their whole system help develop:

• Balance and strength
  
• Early risk assessment and problem-solving
  
• Vocabulary through imaginative play and texture description
  

Great picks from Little Gliders:

• Jumpspots for energy release and balance
  
• Body wheels for crawling, rolling, or rocking
  
• Soft stacking blocks or textured puzzles
  
• Low indoor swings to stimulate the vestibular system
  

For Pre-Schoolers (3–5 Years)

Focus: Emotional regulation, pretend play, cognitive focus, core control

This age group often benefits most from structured yet open-ended sensory play. Movement-based and tactile activities help with:

• Emotional expression and self-calming
  
• Learning persistence and overcoming frustration
  
• Social interaction and cooperative play
  
• Preparation for sitting and focusing at nursery or school
  

Ideal additions:

• Obstacle play bundles for climbing, jumping, and sequencing
  
• Pretend-play sensory sets (e.g. toy kitchens, mini desks)
  
• Wall bars for strength and problem-solving
  
• Balance paths or textured stepping stones
  

For Early School-Age Kids (5–8 Years)

Focus: Fine motor refinement, focus, self-regulation, and confidence

Sensory play doesn’t stop when they start school, it simply evolves. Many children this age still need movement to focus, especially before homework, during emotional lows, or after long school days.

Best sensory solutions include:

• Swings for calming after school
  
• Scooters or go-karts for physical release
  
• Stretchable, resistance-based toys to aid focus during quiet play
  
• Creative sensory bins or calming corners with pressure-based tools
  

Grow the Play. Grow the Child.

Sensory play isn’t a phase, it’s a foundation. And as your child grows, Little Gliders grows with them. From baby-safe toys to challenging climbers, every item we offer is designed to meet your child’s sensory needs with safety, purpose, and style.

Explore our age-guided Sensory Play Collection today, and find the perfect fit for every stage of their journey.