Taste Safe Texture Board for Baby

Sturdy cardboard (about 12x12 inches)

4-6 fabric scraps — try fleece, satin, corduroy, terry cloth, and burlap

Strong tape or fabric glue to secure the squares

Cut 4-6 squares of different textured fabrics and attach them securely to the cardboard. Nothing should come loose.

Lay your baby on their tummy or prop them in a supported sitting position.

Place the texture board within reaching distance.

Guide your baby's hand to the first texture. Describe it: "This is so soft!" or "Feel how bumpy!"

Move to the next square and describe the difference. Watch for reactions — scrunched nose, wide eyes, smiles.

Let your baby explore freely. Patting, scratching, and mouthing are all valid ways of learning.

Narrate everything your baby does. "You're touching the silky one! Now you found the rough one!"

Make sure all edges are taped down flat — no loose corners that could be pulled off and mouthed.

Wash all fabric scraps before attaching them. Babies will inevitably mouth the board.

Rotate textures every few weeks to keep it fresh. Try adding faux fur, denim, or mesh.

This is a great tummy time motivator. Place the board just out of reach to encourage scooting forward.

You can also make a smaller version and attach it to the crib rail for quiet exploration time.