This is the perfect at home activity to do with your baby and they can get involved usually from about 6months, or when they’re sitting up and can reach out and pick things up themselves. Put together a selection of everyday items, as many as possible made from natural materials. Treasure baskets and trays are a great way of allowing children to explore different textures and sensory items. Babies explore using their mouths and so much of what we give children is plastic, which really has its limitations in sensory appeal! Let your baby access the tray and make their own choices of what to explore, with parents nearby for support and encouragement. This activity is ideal for children from 6-18months but toddlers and older children love to explore these trays too and will use them in different ways! Enjoy!

Ideas of what to include:

• If you don’t have a tray, use a basket or a cardboard box!

• Shells

• Wooden or metal spoons

• Wicker coasters

• Lavender bags

• Herbs in a thin material bag

• Pinecones

• Brushes/ make up brushes

• Purses (you can hide things in here for your baby to find)

• Jewellery (chunky bangles which are safe, nothing with small beads)

• A bunch of old (cleaned) keys

• Small gift or jewellery boxes to open and close

• Natural sponge

• Musical instruments e.g. wooden/natural ones or bells

• Off cuts of different material