Did you know that newborns like sensory play every bit as much as preschoolers? Of course, I'm not talking rice box or play dough sensory play but activities that engage baby using the senses (especially sight, sound and touch) are wonderfully engaging to young babies. Recently eHow's Mom Channel asked me to write a couple of posts on babies and sensory play and today I'm sharing them with you. I had a great time writing them and reminding myself of all the easy things I can do with baby M … [Read more...]
Playtime: Setting Up a Food Exploration Station for Baby
We're back today with our sponsor Ella's Kitchen giving you the low down on how to set up a food exploration station for your baby. The idea is a simple one - let baby learn about and build an interest in food through all of his or her senses, including touch! By encouraging your baby to explore new foods tactilely, you're helping to foster their interest in food in general and to grow adventurous and healthy eaters. That's a goal both Ella's Kitchen and MPMK can get behind - for even … [Read more...]
Sensory Play Must-Try: Rainbow Scented Glitter Slime
Here's something fun. Continuing with our focus on tangible ways to eat better, parent better, organize better and just generally live better this year, we're partnering with Ella's Kitchen over the next two months to bring you a collection of our favorite sensory play ideas for babies and young kids. We've covered our fair share of sensory play ideas here on MPMK, but I'm not sure I've ever really gone into why we love these activities so much. For an excellent primer on the benefits of … [Read more...]
DIY Veggie Garden Sensory Box
If you've been here since the beginning, then you'll remember the "diggers and dumpers" sensory box I made for my son as a Christmas present. It was a big hit and he still enjoys it but I've been feeling like it's time to change it up. So a few weeks ago I exchanged the pinto beans for black beans (to imitate soil) and put together this vegetable garden sensory box. I found a lot of my supplies at Target. (The gloves, trowel, and watering can were in the dollar section. The yellow tub was … [Read more...]