Sensory activities for babies aged 6 to 12 months

Between 6 and 12 months, your baby will start to go through a whole host of changes: they’ll begin to touch everything, look more intently, put objects in their mouth, roll over, move around and discover that every texture, sound and colour tells them something new about the world. At this stage, sensory activities do more than just entertain: they also help to develop curiosity, coordination and learning through play.

The good news is that you don’t need a house full of toys or complicated plans. Often, the best ideas are the simplest ones: a soft piece of fabric, a soft ball, a wooden spoon or a safe space where they can move around freely.

What are sensory activities for babies?

Sensory activities are games or experiences that help babies explore their senses: touch, sight, hearing, taste and movement. At this stage, learning happens primarily through the body. That is why touching, shaking, squashing, looking, gently tapping or moving around on the floor are all part of their daily development.

What’s more, these kinds of activities fit in very well with free play, as they allow babies to experiment at their own pace, without rushing and without needing to ‘get it right’.

Benefits of sensory activities for babies aged between 6 and 12 months

At this stage, sensory play can offer much more than meets the eye. It’s not just about keeping the baby entertained for a while, but about giving them real opportunities to discover, explore and connect with their surroundings.

They promote coordination and motor skills

When a baby grabs a soft ball, bangs an object on the floor or tries to reach for a toy, they are practising their hand-eye coordination and body control in ways that contribute to their motor development. That’s why this type of play complements other stages of motor development so well, such as tummy time. These activities can be done on the floor whilst strengthening the neck, back and arms.

They stimulate natural curiosity

At this age, almost everything surprises them. A new sound, a rough texture or a piece of fabric that moves can become a fascinating experience. Sensory activities tap into precisely this spontaneous curiosity.

They help with learning through exploration

Your baby doesn’t need complex instructions just yet. They need opportunities to experiment. This active and respectful approach to learning is very much in line with the Montessori philosophy,

7 sensory activities for babies aged 6 to 12 months

Here are some ideas for sensory activities to do with your little one. We recommend that these are always carried out under adult supervision.

1. Homemade treasure basket

Fill a basket with safe objects of different textures and materials: a wooden spoon, a new sponge, a soft brush, a cotton cloth or a sensory ball. The idea is for your baby to be able to touch, pick up, observe and compare them.

2. Playing with fabrics and handkerchiefs

Soft handkerchiefs or scraps of fabric with different textures are usually a big hit. You can let your baby touch them, crumple them up, lift them, or even play hide-and-seek by hiding and uncovering objects underneath.

3. Soft balls with different surfaces

Sensory balls are perfect for this stage. Some have raised patterns, others make a soft sound when moved, and others are softer to the touch. They encourage the baby to grasp, throw, chase and pass them from one hand to the other.

4. Sensory bottles

You can make tightly sealed bottles filled with rice, large pom-poms, ribbons or water mixed with coarse, safe glitter. They’re great for observing movement, colours and sounds without overcomplicating things.

5. Playtime on the play mat

A good play mat can become the centrepiece for a whole host of sensory activities. Being on the floor gives your baby more freedom to roll over, crawl, sit up, reach for toys and explore their surroundings safely.

6. Gentle sounds with everyday objects

There’s no need to fill the house with toys that light up. A closed container that makes a sound, some silicone spoons or a simple rattle can provide a very rich and enjoyable auditory experience.

7. Exploring in front of the mirror

Many babies really enjoy looking at themselves, touching the mirror and watching their movements. It’s a simple, sensory activity that’s highly stimulating both visually and socially.

How to carry out these activities safely

The key lies in supervision and choosing age-appropriate objects. Avoid small parts, fragile materials or items that could come apart. And remember one important thing: there’s no need to overstimulate. Sometimes, a single simple activity in a calm environment works much better than five games in a row.

The best sensory activity is one that respects your baby’s own pace

At this stage, less is usually more. You don’t need to get it perfect or draw up an ‘educational plan’ every day. The most valuable thing is to provide a safe space, time, your presence and the freedom to explore. That’s where the magic happens.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What sensory activities can a 6-month-old baby do?

At 6 months, simple activities such as touching fabrics of different textures, looking at sensory bottles, playing with soft balls, exploring soft rattles or spending time on a play mat with safe objects in front of them can work very well. The most important thing is that the activity is simple, safe and suited to their stage of development.

How long should a sensory activity last?

It doesn’t need to last long. In many cases, a few minutes are enough, especially if the baby is tired, hungry or easily distracted. Ideally, observe their interest and end the activity when they stop enjoying it.

What materials are safe for sensory play with babies?

The best materials are large, clean, sturdy and age-appropriate objects, such as soft fabrics, wooden spoons, soft balls, rattles, teething rings or securely sealed sensory bottles. You should always avoid small parts, sharp objects or materials that could break.

Do sensory activities help a baby’s development?

Yes. These activities help stimulate the senses, improve coordination, encourage the baby to move and explore, and support their learning through play. Furthermore, they are a very natural way to support their development without overstimulating them.