Balls encourage the strengthening of hand muscles and fine motor skills. Baby hands need to stretch to hold them tight. Use a tub or baby bath you can contain the roaming balls. But also encourage throwing, picking up and reaching in and out of the tub.

02# Cloud Dough

It is made using 2 cups of flour and 1/4 C oil. Place is a heavy dish and add some of your baby’s favourite toys, a carrot to munch and some scoops. Other great objects to include are bright popsicle sticks and silver beet leaves.

If you can spare some pasta, place a couple of cups in a plastic tub and stretch rubber bands around it. The more rubber bands, the trickier the puzzle becomes. Pasta is a great size and shape for little hands to grasp. A lot of hand eye coordination is called upon in this activity as your baby reaches between rubber bands, wiggles their fingers to grasp the pasta and “un-trap” each piece.

Need a little helper while your making dinner? Use a tub, some rubber bands, and fill with carrots, celery or baby cucumbers. Your baby can manoeuvre the long veggies out of the tub and have a munch while the dinner is cooking.

We are still on the trapping objects theme here ... this one include blocks; they're a different shape, texture and require little hands to stretch to grab them. Arrange the rubber bands in a zig-zag pattern. The triangular openings contrast with the square/rectangle shapes of the lego blocks encouraging the use of pincer grip and fine motor control.

Chia Seed Goo

Not only is this sensory tray taste safe, it is also very healthy! Chia seeds are packed with protein and when left overnight to soak create the most wonderful slimey texture for baby play. You need 2-3 tablespoons of chia seeds with 2 cups of water. You can add some food colouring too and leave to set over night. Do this activity outside or on a waterproof mat.

Use gelatin powder and add hot water + food dye as per the recipe. I add at least 1-2 extra tsps of gelatin so it sets firm. Line dish with baking paper and pour in liquid. Leave over night to set. Let baby enjoy the cool, jelly texture.

Mirror Boxes

This is for the babies that love their reflection. Silver cellophane and some empty boxes will engage your little one with the shiny texture. To add a sound element, place some chickpeas in each box to create a rattle effect.

This activity encourages your baby to peel and sticky felt pieces using their pincer grip (thumb and forefinger) and develop hand muscles. To make this you need contact, double sided tape, an empty frame and felt. Tape the non-stick side of contact to the backing inside your frame. Peel off contact backing, place in frame and add felt pieces. This activity can also be done vertically if your baby is up to standing, just tape contact to your wall.

Rainbow Ice

For the hot days! Pour a water + food dye mixture into an ice tray. Cut popsicle sticks in half and place them in to set. Make sure you find a waterproof mat or make a mess outside for this colourful watery mess session.

A box with a hole for baby to find the hidden objects. This is for babies who are cementing the concept of object permanence - an object still exists even when you can't see it! A smaller hole in the top of the box develops spatial awareness.

Find a canvas or a thick card (cereal box will do!). Squeeze contrasting colours of paint on top and place inside a zip lock bag. Let baby squish and mix the bright colours beneath the plastic. For tiny ones you can set them up in a large plastic tub to support sitting. Or tape the zip lock bag to the high chair. Once your little artist is finished, remove the canvas and leave to dry. The kaleidoscope of colour created is just gorgeous!

Using the same recipe as 'gelatin squish' add some plastic toys like lego and set over night. Enjoy watching your baby 'dig' for each block of lego. A large tub encourages baby to manoeuvre their body and reach into the tub.

Rainbow Rice Shakers

Place 1 cup rice + food colouring + 1 tsp vinegar in a zip lock bag and shake shake shake. Leave to dry overnight then place in a plastic bottle. These are great to play with during tummy time and for car rides.