Exploring Textures Helps Baby Learn Through Play

From the moment Baby is born, they learn about the world through their senses. Every soft blanket, smooth spoon, or fuzzy toy is a new discovery. Through these touch experiences, Baby’s brain lights up with activity that helps them understand how things feel and how their body moves. Sensory play through texture exploration encourages early learning, builds coordination, and deepens the bond between Baby and you as you share the wonder of discovery together.

Why texture exploration matters

When Baby’s skin brushes against something new, tiny receptors send messages to their brain about texture, pressure, and temperature. These signals teach Baby how to tell the difference between soft, rough, cool, and warm. This process strengthens neural connections that support coordination, fine-motor skills, and body awareness (1). Texture exploration also supports Baby’s Body Awareness system (proprioception), which helps them learn how much effort or pressure to use when grasping, pushing, or rolling (2).

Simple ways to help Baby explore textures

You don’t need special toys for sensory play. Everyday items are perfect for Baby to explore. Let Baby rub their hands across a soft towel, pat a wooden spoon, or kick their feet on a crinkly blanket. You can also offer gentle texture experiences during tummy time by placing different fabrics beneath them or show them natural materials—like smooth stones, leaves, or pinecones—while you supervise closely. These moments help Baby connect what they feel with what they see, smell, and hear (3).

How texture play supports emotional growth

Texture play also helps Baby feel calm, curious, and secure. Soft, warm fabrics can soothe Baby’s nervous system and help them relax before sleep. Rougher or bumpy textures can spark excitement and curiosity. When you respond to Baby’s reactions with smiles and gentle encouragement, you help them learn that exploration is safe and joyful (4). Over time, these experiences nurture emotional regulation, confidence, and a strong sense of trust (5).

Ideas for textured play items from around the home

1. A Soft Washcloth or Towel
   A freshly laundered washcloth offers a gentle, slightly bumpy texture that’s perfect for little hands to squeeze or explore. The soft surface comforts Baby while stimulating their sense of touch and helping develop fine-motor skills.

2. A Wooden Spoon
   Smooth wood feels firm and cool compared to fabric. Baby can grasp and mouth it safely (while supervised), learning the difference between hard and soft surfaces while strengthening their grip.

3. A Silicone Baking Spatula
   Silicone has a smooth, flexible texture that bends and wiggles. It’s easy for Baby to hold, safe to mouth, and offers a fun contrast to wood or cloth.

4. A Crinkly Fabric Book or Soft Sensory Blanket
   Fabric books or small sensory blankets often include crinkle material between layers. The gentle sound and feel capture Baby’s attention, encouraging them to reach, grab, and explore during tummy time or quiet play.

5. A Large Textured Teether or Silicone Sensory Toy
   A single-piece silicone teether or large sensory toy with ridges or raised bumps lets Baby safely mouth, squeeze, and explore without any choking risk. The changing surfaces provide rich tactile feedback and strengthen Baby’s hands and coordination.

Within the Best Beginnings Infant Massage and Movement Program, parents learn how touch, movement, and texture work together to support sensory integration and healthy brain development. These shared experiences bring joy, connection, and lifelong benefits for Baby’s learning and growth.

References

1. Bremner, A. J., & Spence, C. (2017). The development of tactile perception. Advances in Child Development and Behavior, 52, 227–268.

2. Case-Smith, J., & O’Brien, J. C. (2019). Occupational therapy for children and adolescents (8th ed.). Elsevier.

3. Gascoyne, S. (2021). Messy play in the early years: Supporting learning through materials and textures (2nd ed.). Routledge.

4. Field, T. (2017). Touch and emotional development. Infant Behavior and Development, 49, 71–77.

5. Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Handlin, L., & Petersson, M. (2020). Self-soothing behaviors with oxytocin involvement in human infants. Hormones and Behavior, 119, 104655.