Ribbon Pull Sensory Basket for Baby

A plastic colander

5-6 ribbons of different textures and colors (satin, grosgrain, velvet, cotton)

Scissors for cutting ribbons (adult use only)

Gather five or six ribbons with different widths, textures, and colors.

Thread each ribbon through a hole in the colander so both ends hang down on the outside.

Tie a knot on the inside so ribbons stay put but can still slide when pulled.

Flip the colander upside-down on the floor in front of your seated baby.

Show your baby how pulling one ribbon makes it slide through with a satisfying tug.

Let your baby grab, pull, and feel the different textures as ribbons slide through the holes.

Name the colors and textures as they play: "That's the smooth silky one! Now the bumpy one!"

Make ribbons at least 12 inches long so your baby has plenty to grab. Cut off any frayed ends.

Always supervise closely — ribbons should never wrap around fingers, wrists, or necks.

The pulling motion is the same one babies need for tasks like pulling off socks later — you're building a real skill.

Try attaching small jingle bells to ribbon ends (knotted securely) for an auditory bonus.

When your baby gets bored with pulling, stuff the ribbons back through together for round two. The re-stuffing is half the fun for older babies.