Mouthing, squeezing, shaking, banging—every sense is on full alert as your baby investigates their world.
These activities refine sensory discrimination across multiple channels, build body awareness, and support the calm, focused attention that sensory integration enables.
Your five-month-old is becoming a sophisticated sensory learner. They transfer toys between hands, examine objects from multiple angles, and use their mouth as a precision sensory tool. This isn't random mouthing — it's systematic investigation.
Offer a sensory-rich environment: textured mats for tummy time, musical toys that respond to touch, water play on a warm day. Every new sensation builds connections between sensory areas of the brain, strengthening the integration skills that support learning and regulation.
Sophisticated multi-sensory investigation at five months builds the sensory integration skills that support attention, learning, and emotional regulation.
Your baby can transfer toys between hands now. Offer objects of different shapes and textures—this two-handed play builds brain connections.
Supported sitting opens up a whole new world. Prop your baby with pillows or sit them between your legs so they can play with both hands free.
Everything goes in the mouth, and that's fine—it's how babies learn about textures and shapes. Just make sure materials are safe and large enough.
Place your baby on an inflatable water mat and watch them press, pat, and track colorful floating toys — tummy time with a sensory twist.
Let your baby splash tiny hands in warm water for a soothing sensory experience that introduces temperature and water play.
Place different textured balls within reach during tummy time to encourage reaching and tactile discovery in young babies.
Set jiggly, colorful gelatin on a tray and let your baby squish, poke, and mouth this completely safe sensory material.
Seal paint inside a zip bag and tape it down — your baby presses, squishes, and watches colors blend without any mess on their hands.
Gently brush soft fabrics across your baby's cheeks and hands to awaken their sense of touch — a calming sensory activity for newborns.