Montessori Sensory Toys

Babies and toddlers learn about the world by touching, looking, listening and mouthing. Our Montessori sensory toys give them simple, hands-on ways to explore textures, colours, sounds and movement, with one clear thing to discover at a time.

What Are Sensory Toys?

Sensory toys invite a child to use their senses rather than just watch. That might be a high-contrast card to look at, a soft cloth book to feel, or a silicone string to pull back and forth. Montessori sensory play keeps things simple, so your child can stay with an activity and repeat it until it makes sense.

Sensory Toys by Age

• Young babies: things to look at and follow, such as visual stimulation cards and a tummy time mirror.
• 6 to 12 months: textures to feel and things to grasp, including a sensory cloth book and a pull string toy.
• 1 to 2 years: cause and effect play, like a switch board or stacking cups.
• 2 years and up: sorting and pretend play, such as a colour sorting board.

Always check the age on each product, as some include small parts.

What Do Sensory Toys Help With?

Sensory play gives children practice with fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, concentration and early language, as you talk together about what they can see and feel. It also teaches cause and effect: "I pull this, and the string moves."

How to Choose a Sensory Toy

Start with what your child is doing right now. If they are reaching and grasping, choose something easy to hold. If they keep pressing buttons around the house, try a switch board. Offer one or two toys at a time, and stay close during play with young babies.

Looking for more ideas? Read our tummy time guide or browse toys for 0 to 12 months and toys for 1 year olds. Free worldwide shipping and easy 30-day returns on all sensory toys.