Make your own sensory board

A sensory board or busy board is a fun, hands-on activity for babies and toddlers to help them touch, explore and learn about different objects all in one place. They have lots of developmental benefits too and are really easy to make at home with things you have to hand.

Sensory experiences are vital for young children's brain development. They rely on sensory input to learn about their environment, and sensory boards help them to explore a range of textures and sensations and to stimulate their senses of sight, sound, smell and touch. 

Sensory boards also encourage natural curiosity and investigative skills and help them to develop their fine motor skills as they coordinate their movements to feel the different materials. 

Babies and toddlers gain a sense of themselves as they begin to develop preferences to which textures they like and dislike. A sensory board can also help children learn new words too as you describe the different things they are feeling.
 

Make your own Sensory Board

Your sensory board can be made from strong card, wood or even a big plastic lid. Then just use strong glue, nails or screws to stick on the various items you have.
 
There are no set rules when it comes to sensory boards, so make yours as cost-effective as possible with items you already have at home.

Here are some ideas on what you could use for your sensory board. Have a look at our zip sensory board idea too.
 

Ideas on what to include on your sensory board

 

• Pieces of ribbon, wool or lace

 

• Small off cuts of carpet

 

• Door handles, door knockers, door locks or even old door numbers

 

• Craft items such as coloured pompoms, lolly sticks, pipe cleaners or googly eyes

 

• Sequins or glitter

 

• Light switches or old reflective bike lights

 

• An old compass or bell

 

• Wheels in different sizes

 

• Chains

 

• Foam

 

• Bubble wrap

 

• Feathers

 

• Tissue paper or silver foil

 

• Shells

 

• Cotton wool

 

• Dried coloured pasta

Ensure your baby or toddler is always supervised in case any small items come loose from the board and they try to swallow them.

More kids activities articles to enjoy:

• Getting creative with your under fives
• Make your own sand foam
• Rainbow salt tray

^{Image source: via Pinterest}