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Messy Play for Babies: Why It’s Essential for Development (Plus Fun Ideas!)

Messy Play for Babies: Why It’s Essential for Development (Plus Fun Ideas!)

Making cute crafts or playing in a sensory bin sounded fun at first, but the reality of paint, rice, pasta, and toys getting everywhere puts many parents off of messy play. However, many studies have shown that messy play (or sensory play) is one of the best ways for babies to learn.

Messy play fosters curiosity, imagination, and exploration

There is no right way to carry out messy play; it is all about letting your baby explore different objects and materials without any end goals to restrict them.

Messy play encourages communication and language development

Your baby might not be able to describe things verbally yet, but messy play allows him to share his discoveries in different ways through the use of objects and gestures.

Messy play promotes physical development

Babies can play with tools (cups, spoons, bowls) to develop and practice their fine motor skills as well as their hand-eye coordination.

Messy play supports independent play

Messy play can teach your little one that he can make his own entertainment.

Get involved and get messy with our messy (and not-so-messy) play ideas:

  • Get outside - play on grass and sand. Let your baby pick up leaves, sticks, and flowers as he explores.
  • Make the most of mealtimes - Allow your baby to feel, smell and taste their food to engage all of their senses.
  • No beach? No problem! - If possible, invest in a sandpit or make some taste-safe sand. Sand invites you to dig, pour, and eventually build. 
  • Explore your pantry - get rid of stale cereals, old pasta and overripe fruits & vegetables - anything you can crunch, mash or manipulate.
  • Make bath time playtime - water is one of the best natural materials to play with, so why not add some sponges or empty plastic bottles and allow your baby to play.


In photo: Silicone Stacking Cups in the Observe With Me Play Box

Start the development journey with MonkiBox. Montessori-inspired toys designed to give your child the best start.

    Tags: 11-12 month Activity Cognitive development Creativity & Cognitive Skills Fine motor skills Learning Through Play Playtime Sensory play
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