Messy play is a great way for toddlers to explore their senses, getting their hands stuck into different textures.
It's also a great chance to teach them some different describing words like 'slippy' and 'wobbly' as well as action words like 'splash'.
The video below has loads of sensory play inspiration to get you started.
What are the benefits of messy play?
Sensory play doesn't always have to be messy but sometimes getting your hands dirty can be really good for your child's development.
Children learn through experimentation and discovery, so messy play is the perfect way to encourage your child to explore new textures and manipulate different materials through touch.
Messy play with open ended materials like spaghetti, jelly, or play dough helps kids learn to play independently, increases attention span, provides opportunities to problem solve, and builds self-confidence and self-esteem.
Messy play can also support your child’s language development. As your child plays, you can narrate their actions and describe what they’re doing. This teaches them to use words for description and introduces new vocabulary.
For example, you might use words for textures like 'squishy', 'lumpy', 'soft' or 'crunchy' as they play as well as action words like 'splash', 'scrunch' or 'squash'.
Messy play ideas
There are all sorts of things you can use for messy play with babies. Here are just some of our suggestions:
- Dry pasta, paper and glue
- Cold, cooked spaghetti and mud
- Jelly
- Pom poms and clothes pegs
- Bubble bath water and bath toys
- Measuring cups and dried or cooked porridge oats
- Sticky tape and sponges
You could try making a sensory table
Edible messy play, like in the video, can be especially fun. Using safe foods for messy play like jelly and cooked spaghetti means baby can also have a taste - giving you more sensations to describe to them.
Find out more about what sensory play is and why it's important for a baby's development.
Image caption, Foods like cooked spaghetti and jelly are great for some sensory fun.
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