Kids are Sensory Learners

It’s no secret that little ones love to touch everything in sight, from the toys in the shop to the leaves blowing in the wind! But have you ever wondered why? Well, there’s a simple reason for it—kids are sensory learners, and the early years are all about building the foundation for more advanced learning.

As kids explore textures, colours, and shapes, they’re engaging their senses in ways that help them learn and grow. They’re not just touching things for the sake of it; they’re learning about the world around them by using their hands, eyes, and even their sense of smell. And yes, sometimes they even try to taste things! While they may not directly eat it, we know kids have a tendency to put their hands in their mouths.

Now, when it comes to store-bought play dough, things get a little trickier. While many brands market their products as non-toxic, they often don’t provide a full list of ingredients. This leaves parents wondering: What’s actually in the dough my child is touching, and even more importantly, what happens if they try to taste it? Little kids' skin is sensitive, and their natural curiosity might lead them to explore by putting things in their mouths. That's why it's important to know exactly what’s in the products we give them to play with.

The reality is, there are safer alternatives available. If a cleaner option exists, why not choose that?

Personally, I choose our own homemade play dough. I wanted to create something safe and fun for my kids to explore. That’s why our play dough is made from food-grade, non-toxic, and compostable ingredients. The only exception is the glitter, which, while non-toxic and compostable, isn’t intended for consumption.

What do you think? Do you also prefer safer, natural options for your little ones’ playtime? I’d love to hear what you look for when choosing sensory play materials for your kids!