Foot Texture Mat Explore for Baby

A terrycloth square (a washcloth works)

A satin or silk fabric piece

A faux fur swatch

A corduroy or burlap square

Gather four or five fabric squares with distinct textures — terrycloth, satin, faux fur, and corduroy.

Lay your baby on their back on a comfortable surface.

Hold one fabric square gently against the sole of your baby's foot and press lightly.

Watch for reactions — toe curling, kicking, smiling — and narrate: "Ooh, that's so fuzzy!"

Switch to a different fabric and repeat on the same foot.

Move to the other foot and cycle through the textures again.

End with your baby's favorite texture, giving them extra time to kick and feel it.

Bare feet are important here — socks block the sensory input you're trying to create.

Narrating what you see builds language connections even at this young age.

This activity is perfect for diaper-changing time when baby's feet are already free.

Watch for turning away or fussing — some textures may be too rough for your baby's preference, and that's useful information.

You can tape the squares to a piece of cardboard for easy storage and repeat use.