Sensory food play isn't just messy fun, it's a powerful way for babies to explore new textures, tastes, and sounds. During my feeding therapy sessions, I always make time for food play because it helps babies get comfortable with food using their hands and all their senses!
Skip the Rice Sensory Bin! I often see well-meaning blogs recommending dry beans, rice or small pasta for sensory bins. While those can be fun for older toddlers, they pose a serious choking risk for babies. The good news? You don't need tiny, unsafe objects to make sensory play exciting. There are plenty of safe, edible textures that allow your baby to explore, learn and enjoy—all without the worry. Here are a few of my favorite baby-safe sensory foods, and how each one supports your little one's sensory development:
- Yogurt: Explore the colors of the rainbow by adding a few drops of fruit or veggie juice (beet, blueberry, etc.) to change the color of the yogurt and expand their visual sense.
- Jell-O: I like to dunk a small toy or two into the Jell-O container. Baby can expand their sense of touch by digging into the squishy food medium to find it!
- Hummus: Let your baby slap, squish or smear the hummus with their hands. Talk about the ‘wet sounds’ it makes, to engage their hearing sense.
- Banana: A peeled banana is a great sensory tool to develop their sense of smell. Babies often bring it close to their face to smell, squish and eat this fragrant fruit!
- Sweet Potato: I bake sweet potatoes, peel them and offer one for baby to play with. Let baby explore their sense of taste with this naturally sweet food.
Feet First? Yes, you read that right…feet! If baby initiates using their toes during food play, let them! I've had babies with food aversions or reflux take their first taste off their toes. Pressure-free sensory play build confidence and establishes trust with food. This relaxed environment allows baby to unleash their curiosity and encourages adventurous eating experiences.
Manage the Mess: Sensory food play will get their face, hands (and maybe their toes) a little sticky! Be ready with gear that keeps things manageable:
- Play Mat: The ezpz Play Mat is a soft silicone surface with room for sensory play. IT helps you keep messy sensory projects under control either inside or outside the house. One of my feeding clients set up their food play outside (on a hot summer day) close to their kid-friendly sprinklers for a simple cleanup solution!
- Tiny Cup: The ezpz Tiny Cup can be filled with purees for baby to explore with their hands or practice their grasping skills. If they bring the cup to their mouth, then you are also working on those early 4-6 month-old cup drinking milestones too!
- Splash Mat: The Splash Mat by BapronBaby is a lightweight, waterproof and machine washable blanket that is perfect for sensory play at home or on-the-go!
How do you involve your baby in sensory play? Tag us in your photos using #ezpzfun!
