Are you looking for more ways to play with your little one at home? Talking, singing and reading books to your baby are all great things to do. But sometimes you want to add variety to your day and change it up a little. And water sensory play for babies is the perfect place to start!
The activities and ideas I tried with my little one when he was a baby, often hit and miss. Some of them worked. Others were a disaster. However, seeing him playing in water was a memorable activity for both of us. So today, I’m sharing a super simple way to set up water play for your baby at home.
But before we take a look at the activity, let’s talk a bit more about water play.
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Why Is Water Play Good For Babies?
Water sensory play for babies is a great way to stimulate your 3 month old. It’ll give them a new experience and get them used to the concept of water. Your baby will enjoy feeling the water on their skin. Listening to the splashing sound and watching different objects float.
Playing in water will also help your little one to meet the following milestones:
- Follow objects with their eyes
- Kick their legs
- Show more interest in toys
When Can a Baby Play In Water?
I first tried this activity when my baby was 3 months old. But older babies will also love it too. Just make sure you watch them closely at all times, whatever age they are.
How Do You Do Water Play With a Baby?
You will need to spend a few minutes preparing before letting your baby play in water.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A shallow pan or dish – a baking tray or glass dish work well
- Warm water
- 2 towels
- Bath toys (optional)
First place one of the towels on the floor. Then fill your shallow dish with warm water – make sure you check the temperature! After this, place the dish on the towel.
Undress your baby so that their feet and legs are uncovered. I found undressing my baby to his vest worked best.
Now the activity is ready, you need to get yourself in position. The best way to do this is to sit in front of the dish with your legs either side of it. Then hold your baby on your lap.
Place their feet over the dish. And use your hands to trickle water onto their feet. Try putting their feet into the water too and encourage them to kick and splash around!
Add in floating bath toys so your baby can watch them move. Munchkin float and play bubbles are great for this. Unlike traditional bath toys, water doesn’t get inside them. So you don’t need to worry about them getting mouldy! Check them out on Amazon (US | UK).
When your baby has finished playing in the water, use the spare towel to dry their feet. Then clear away the water.
Other Ways You Can Encourage Your Baby to Play In Water
Once you’ve introduced your little one to this activity, use the water sensory play for babies as part of tummy time too.
First, cover their play activity mat with a towel. Then place your baby on their tummy, in front of the dish. Trickle water on their hands.
Add in floating bath toys and watch how your baby reacts. Move them around a bit so your baby can watch them bob up and down. This is a good opportunity to encourage visual tracking! Try using a tummy time pillow so they can reach into the water too.
Conclusion
Water sensory play for babies is a great way to stimulate and help their development. Babies learn by touch in their early days and this activity will also remind them of life in the womb.
Don’t forget to try it as your baby gets older too! You can add in different items of interest like plastic stacking cups.
Looking For Other Baby Activities?
Check out our mirror play for babies activity idea.
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