You’ve probably heard of a “sensory basket” or “treasure basket,” but what is it? How will it help your baby? And how do you make one?

Popularized by Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and influential educator in the early 1900s, a sensory basket is a staple of play and learning.

The amazing thing about sensory play is that it provides children with the kind of mental and sensory stimulation that activates the development of the brain while providing richly satisfying experiences. Sensory play builds nerve connections in the brain's pathways, which enhances your baby’s ability to complete more complex learning tasks. It has been shown to support language development, cognitive growth, fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, and social interaction.

The best thing about sensory toys for babies is that they present an opportunity to explore, experiment, and make choices at their own pace. They won’t know they’re stacking their brain’s building blocks, but you will!

What is a sensory basket?

A sensory basket is a basket filled with a range of items that your little one can explore using all their senses. The Montessori ethos is based on the theory that children learn through understanding and doing, rather than being told. 

Montessori emphasized that the brain is developed by the discoveries of the hand. As the fine motor movements of the fingers touch an object, this information is sent to the developing brain. 

The idea of playing with everyday items is not new, but a sensory basket allows your little one to explore, experiment, and make choices in their own time. Each time you mix up the contents of the basket, you provide a whole new world ripe for discovery. It is an ideal experience for babies from sitting age to about 18 months. 

How to make a sensory basket

Assemble up a collection of safe items that your baby can investigate using their five senses: things that they can shake, rattle, chew, and smell. A good rule to follow is that for children under age 3, make sure that toys and their parts cannot fit inside an empty cardboard toilet paper roll to prevent choking hazards.

Arrange the toys in a shallow bamboo basket so your baby can see and access each item as they explore.

A recipe for a sensory basket

Not sure where to start? Try this simple recipe for your child’s first sensory basket:

• Select a sensory base.
• Add some objects.
• Add one or more "garnishes."

Sensory bases can be a variety of large, edible items. Rice puffs, rice, or quinoa (or any uncooked grain small enough to not be a choking hazard).

When adding objects, choose different shapes, weights, textures, and temperatures. Remember, household objects can be baby sensory toys! Objects made from natural materials, such as wood, metal, wool, cotton, silk, etc, can be a good starting point because they tend to have different properties, whereas plastic toys tend to feel, taste, and smell very much the same. 

Make a themed sensory basket

When you want to change up your child’s sensory basket, why not make it holiday-themed? For example, to make a Christmas sensory basket, you can add: 

• Objects that smell like cinnamon, cloves, or candy canes
• Wrapping paper and bows
• Red and green pasta
• Silk poinsettias
• Bells
• Pom poms
• Cookie cutters
• Christmas tree balls

Again, make sure that every object is child-safe, age-appropriate, and not a choking hazard for your child. Always supervise your baby while playing, but using the different scents of the season can be a great sensory activity.

How to play with a sensory basket

Change the contents every time you offer sensory toys to your little one, providing an entirely fresh invitation to play and stimulating your baby’s sense of wonder!

What you choose will heavily depend on your baby's age and interests. Be very selective and choose items that won't be sharp or harmful if mouthed. The objects should be large enough not to be swallowed, and the sensory base should be fine enough to not be a choking hazard.

Then place up to 15 items in the basket and hand it over for your little one to freely explore. Keep a watchful eye as they play. 

Tips for sensory basket play

1. The sensory basket should not be left out 24/7 for your baby to play with because they will inevitably become bored and disinterested in the items.
2. Set aside some time each day for your baby to explore the basket, as you actively supervise. Try to do this when your baby is alert, well fed, and happy. Creating space in your day to provide a stable and safe environment for your child to explore their ever-expanding world is a benefit to your family.
3. Set up an environment that is calm, comfortable, inviting, and free from distraction. That means for you too, so we recommend putting your phone in another room. You might like to set the basket down on your baby's playmat, or a soft blanket on the floor.
4. Resist the urge to guide your baby while they play. There is no right or wrong way for your baby to explore the materials. Your role is to sit by and be attentive, responsive, and unobtrusive. Even if it looks like your baby isn't doing much, they may actually be processing, learning to trust their own judgment, or developing confidence and concentration.
5. Once you see signs of your baby becoming disinterested, pack the basket away and move onto something else.
6. Sensory baskets are a great way to involve other family members who may not be used to playing with babies, too. The task is simple and the stakes are low.

It really is that simple. Enjoy!