When Arthur was 5/6 months he started to become really interested in zips and labels - he'd fiddle and play with them at any opportunity. I decided to make him a sensory activity mat to help him with this exploratory phase - making sure to include lots of different textures for his little hands and fingers to pull on, scratch and feel.
The mat itself is a memory foam bath mat - lovely and squidgy to press!
The most important thing is to make sure that everything is totally secure - and even so, I still make sure that this activity is always supervised just in case.
Many of the beads were threaded on and secured with plastic laces as opposed to string or cotton which is easily frayed or snapped by tiny fingers or teeth!
The other items were sewn on securely using a needle and cotton.
Some of the items I have included on Arthur's mat are:
- A zip with a 'squishy' fabric ball at the end, surrounded by sparkly beads
- A hair doughnut wrapped in green net
- Mini silicone spades (from a bucket and spade cupcake set)
- Squishy fabric hearts (velvet, cotton and satin)
- labels made from different patterned and textured ribbons
- Buttons and bows (can be untied) with glitter thread
- Micro-fibre duster
- Flashing sensory ball
- Beads on woven plastic laces ( to create 3D towers and bridges)
- Hair curlers ( with large beads at the corners to create a 3D 'goal')
- Velcro
- Felt, satin and velcro shapes
- Mesh ribbon with foil blanket underneath ( to make a crunchy sound)
And what did Arthur make of it?...
Well, he found the original label and played with that of course!!!
Looking for more home-made ideas?:
Learning through play posts
What a lovely idea! I wish I was good with sewing, I think my son would love something like this. #twinklytuesday
ReplyDeleteIt's just hand stitching and really not that neat...you don't need to be brilliant, just make sure it's secure. The little ones don't care about the sewing really!! X
DeleteThis is so nice! I love these little DIY Sensory things! They are so important to development! :D Thanks for sharing!
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DeleteThis is fantastic and absolutely gorgeous. Zach has lots of toys like this but it's so cool thanks have a homemade one! Thanks for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday
ReplyDeleteThank you! It took so long though I'm not sure I'd do it again! Hoping it lasts for the next one!
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