Welcome to the first installment of our Stages of Play series! Inspired by developmental psychologist Jean Piaget—who famously said, “Play is the work of childhood”—this series is here to help you make sense of the toy chaos in your home and support your child’s natural development through play.

Today, we’re diving into the Sensorimotor Toys and the Sensorimotor Stage of play, which spans from birth to age 2. During this foundational period, babies and toddlers learn primarily through their senses and physical movement. It’s a beautiful, messy, wiggly time of growth, connection, and discovery.

Below, you’ll find expert-backed insights and real-life tips on what the sensorimotor stage entails, how to choose developmentally supportive toys, and how to create a home play environment filled with just the right sensorimotor toys that nurture your little learner.

According to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, the sensorimotor stage lasts from birth to around two years old. During this time, babies explore the world through sensory input and motor activity. They begin to understand cause and effect, object permanence, and how their bodies move in space.

Key areas of development include:

• Sensory exploration: Seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling
• Motor development: Reaching, grasping, rolling, crawling, cruising, and walking
• Imitation and repetition: Learning through observing and doing things over and over
• Curiosity and problem-solving: Testing ideas like dropping a spoon to see what happens

All of these activities contribute to your baby’s rapidly developing brain. And the best part? It all happens through play.

When choosing sensorimotor toys, think less about bells and whistles and more about how your baby interacts with the toy. Ask yourself:

• Does it encourage active exploration?
• Does it engage one or more senses?
• Is it safe and developmentally appropriate?
• Will it grow with my child, offering new challenges over time?

Montessori-style toys are popular for a reason, but great play doesn’t require fancy purchases. Silicone teethers, stacking cups, wooden spoons, and soft books can all be sensorimotor toys that support sensorimotor development when used intentionally.

Many modern toys are designed to entertain rather than engage. Toys with flashing lights, sounds, and buttons may seem exciting but often limit your baby’s role to pushing a single button. In contrast, open-ended toys invite problem-solving, movement, and creativity.

A rattling ball teaches more than a song-playing tablet ever could when it comes to building curiosity and motor skills. Let your baby lead the play with simple, stimulating objects.

More sensorimotor toys or any toys for that matter, don’t mean better play. In fact, studies show that children play longer and more creatively when they have fewer options. That’s why toy rotation and simplification can make a big difference.

• Keep: Toys that invite exploration, cause-and-effect, and movement
• Rotate: Switch out toys every few weeks to spark new interest
• Remove: Overstimulating, broken, or redundant toys

A calm space fosters focused, joyful play.

Here are a few educator- and parent-approved favorite sensorimotor toys for babies and toddlers in this stage:

• Pikler Triangle or Climbing Arch: Encourages movement, balance, and confidence
• Oball or Soft Blocks: Lightweight, easy to grasp, perfect for rolling and tossing
• Mirrors: Support self-recognition and visual engagement
• Stacking Cups & Rings: Develop coordination and early problem-solving
• Soft Books or High-Contrast Cards: Great for tummy time and language development
• My First Wagon: Doubles as toy storage and a toddler walker

Did you know food and meal time can quickly turn into sensorimotor toys at this age. During the sensorimotor stage, babies learn through every interaction, including meals. Finger foods, messy spoons, and mouthing new textures are all part of their development.

Struggling with food anxiety or mealtime chaos? Our Raising Happy Eaters Course helps parents foster a relaxed, confident approach to feeding that supports both nutrition and sensory exploration.

Many parents wonder when and how to introduce screens. The AAP recommends avoiding screen time before 18 months (except for video chatting). But more importantly, focus on meaningful interactions over passive watching.

We cover this topic in depth in our Mindful Tech Course, helping families create screen time habits that respect both development and real-life realities.

At 12 months old, Mateo loved banging spoons and crawling to chase rolling balls. His parents noticed he ignored toys that lit up and made sounds but spent long stretches pulling socks out of a basket.

This is exactly the kind of play sensorimotor babies thrive on. Repetition, sensory feedback, and movement fuel connection and learning. His parents leaned in by offering safe household objects, narrating play, and giving Mateo lots of time to explore at his own pace.

The sensorimotor stage is about exploration, messiness, and wonder. The more you allow space for sensory-rich, hands-on play, the more confident and connected your baby becomes. Sensorimotor toys are all around and don't have to be store bought. 

Want support you can trust—designed for your pace and your life? Our online courses give you expert guidance for every part of parenting, from play and feeding to tech and communication.

• Rainy Day Inspiration
• Preoperational Stage: 2–7 Years
• Simplistic Toy Philosophy

Looking for more self-paced support with sleep, feeding, development, and more? Explore our complete library of expert-led parenting courses . Whether you’re preparing for baby’s arrival or navigating your second child’s toddlerhood, we’ve got you covered.