There’s no doubt about it, sensory play is fun, but did you know it’s also an essential part of how children learn, grow, and process the world around them? From touching squishy textures to pouring and scooping, sensory activities support brain development, emotional regulation, and fine motor skills. But here’s the important part: as children grow, sensory play should grow with them.
Just like we don’t expect a newborn to walk or a preschooler to do long division, we shouldn’t expect children at different developmental stages to benefit from the same type of sensory experiences. At Meemzy Magic, we design sensory kits that meet children exactly where they are—so they can thrive through every stage of growth.
Understanding Developmental Stages in Sensory Play
Developmental stages refer to predictable phases of physical, emotional, and cognitive growth that children move through as they age. Each stage brings new skills, new challenges, and new ways of learning.
Because sensory play engages multiple areas of development, including the nervous system, it’s crucial to match activities to where your child actually is developmentally. Sensory play that’s too advanced may lead to frustration, while overly simple activities can result in boredom or disengagement.
Infants (0–12 Months): Building Sensory Foundations Through Touch, Sound, and Sight
For infants, the world is brand new. Sensory play at this stage is about helping them make sense of all the sights, sounds, and sensations they’re encountering for the first time.
Focus Areas:
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Tactile exploration (textures)
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Visual contrast and tracking
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Auditory development
- Bonding and soothing
Examples of Ideal Sensory Play:
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High-contrast black and white toys
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Crinkle blankets or fabric
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Soft rattles
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Tummy time mats with different textures
These simple tools stimulate brain development and help infants build early sensory pathways that set the stage for future learning.
Toddlers (1–3 Years): Exploring Cause and Effect, Language, and Motor Skills
Toddlers are natural explorers. At this stage, sensory play becomes more active and interactive, helping them understand the concept of cause and effect and supporting their growing language and motor skills.
Focus Areas:
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Fine motor skill development
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Language and vocabulary building
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Repetition and routine
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Exploration and independence
Examples of Ideal Sensory Play:
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Scooping and pouring dry rice or pasta
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Taste-safe doughs or sensory bins
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Water play
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Simple texture-sorting games
Toddlers love to get messy—and that’s okay! Messy play promotes healthy development and builds the foundation for problem-solving and creativity.
Preschoolers (3–5 Years): Imaginative Play, Cooperation, and Emotional Regulation
Preschoolers begin to use their imagination more intentionally and start engaging in social play. Sensory activities can help them express big feelings, learn to cooperate with others, and reinforce early academic concepts in a hands-on way.
Focus Areas:
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Pretend and imaginative play
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Social interaction and cooperation
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Emotional expression and regulation
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Early literacy and math skills
Examples of Ideal Sensory Play:
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Themed sensory bins (e.g., garden, arctic, space)
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Scented dough or aromatherapy play
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Sorting by color, size, or texture
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Role play through sensory storytelling
At this stage, sensory play helps children begin to understand their emotions while encouraging creative thinking and collaboration.
Early Elementary (5–8 Years): Complex Tasks, STEM Learning, and Emotional Growth
Once children enter early elementary school, their ability to concentrate and follow multi-step directions improves dramatically. Sensory play becomes a tool for deeper learning and emotional development.
Focus Areas:
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Problem-solving and critical thinking
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Early science, math, and engineering skills
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Emotional awareness and stress management
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Executive function and planning
Examples of Ideal Sensory Play:
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DIY circuits or magnetic kits
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Texture-based sorting and categorization
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Build-your-own sensory mazes
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Mindfulness jars or calming fidget bins
Sensory play at this age isn't just about learning, it's also about helping kids cope with the growing demands of school and social life.
For Neurodivergent Children: Meeting Sensory Needs at Any Age
Not all children follow a linear developmental path. For children with Autism, ADHD, or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), sensory needs may be heightened, reduced, or simply different.
Key Points to Remember:
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A 7-year-old may need calming sensory input designed for a toddler
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Some children benefit from low-stimulation environments, while others crave bold textures and sounds
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Sensory needs can change daily, depending on environment, sleep, and emotional state
Customizable Options:
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Low-noise sensory bins
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Weighted or textured comfort tools
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Bins with reduced visual clutter
- Sensory play tailored to avoid overwhelm
How to Choose the Right Sensory Play for Your Child’s Developmental Stage
Here are a few questions to guide your choices:
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Is my child craving more input (movement, textures, visuals) or avoiding it?
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Do they struggle with focus or transitions?
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Are they getting frustrated by fine motor challenges?
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Do they light up when play feels “just right”—not too hard, not too easy?
Observing your child’s behavior and interests will give you clues. You can also refer to Meemzy Magic’s guides for selecting sensory play based on both age and developmental stage—and we offer customization options, too.
Start Utilizing Sensory Play as a Development Tool Today!
Sensory play is not just a phase, it’s a lifelong support tool that helps children build skills, regulate emotions, and feel empowered in their world. But to truly be effective, it needs to evolve with your child’s developmental stage.
At Meemzy Magic, we believe in meeting kids where they are—and giving them what they need to grow. Our sensory kits are designed with intention, so every activity sparks joy, builds confidence, and supports meaningful development. Check out our collection and start your child’s sensory play journey today!