Silky Scarf Face Brush for Baby

A silk scarf or smooth fabric swatch

A muslin cloth

A soft fleece or flannel square

A blanket for baby to lie on

Gather two or three scarves or fabric swatches with different textures — silk, muslin, and fleece work well.

Lay your baby on their back on a soft blanket in a well-lit spot.

Hold one scarf a few inches above your baby's face so they can see it.

Slowly brush the scarf across one cheek, then the other, narrating what you're doing: "This is so smooth and silky!"

Switch to a different texture and repeat, pausing to let your baby react. Watch for smiles, wiggles, or reaching.

Drape the fabric lightly over their open hands and let them grasp at it.

Follow your baby's cues — if they turn away or fuss, take a break and try again later.

Keep the fabrics clean and large enough that they can't cover your baby's nose or mouth.

Talk in a sing-song voice while you play — the combination of touch and sound builds strong neural pathways.

This is a wonderful activity right after a bath when baby's skin is extra sensitive.

If your baby has a clear favorite texture, that's great intel for choosing comfort items like loveys.

Try slightly cooled or warmed fabrics (never hot) for an extra dimension of sensory input.