Make a noise!
Make a Noise! Simple Sound Play for Your Baby
Your baby’s sense of hearing is the most developed sense at birth. In fact, that’s why newborns are able to have their hearing tested within hours of being born.
It can take many months, though, for little ones to truly understand the sounds they hear and to work out where noises are coming from. This is where we, as parents and caregivers, can support them through simple sound play.
Getting Started with Sound Play
Dive into your toy box and look for toys that sound different from one another. Babies love contrasts, and giving them a variety of sounds helps them learn that not everything they hear is the same.
For young babies lying on their backs:
- Shake a toy in front of them, starting and stopping often.
- Pause to let them look at the toy and listen to the noise.
As they get a little older:
- Hold the toy to the side and shake it. See if your baby turns their head to find the sound — this is an important developmental milestone.
- Try another toy with a different sound to help them learn to distinguish between noises.
Once your baby has some head and neck control, you can move this activity into tummy time. This not only supports hearing but also strengthens their muscles.
As their grip develops, let them shake the toy themselves. This encourages both gross motor control (bigger body movements) and fine motor control (smaller, more precise movements).
Our Favourite Toys to Shake
Some of our go-to toys for sound play include:
- Bright Starts Links (find out more about why we love them here)
- Halilit Rainmaker – a sound and visual treat in one
- Halilit Cage Bell
- Egg shakers
- Mini maracas
You don’t need special equipment, though. Homemade shakers are just as effective. Simply fill a bottle with items that look and sound different — beads, lentils, or pasta are great options. Always make sure the lid is tightly secured so it cannot be opened, as loose items can be a choking hazard.
Keep Repeating and Scaling Up
Sound play isn’t a one-time activity. The more you repeat it, the more your baby will understand. As they grow, you can scale it up with new toys, more complex sounds, or songs and rhymes. It’s a simple, joyful way to support both sensory and motor development.
Safety First
As always, make sure your baby is within sight and arms’ reach during play. Safety comes first, especially with small toys or homemade shakers.
Join Us for More
At The Sensory Sessions, we include sound play in many of our themed classes — helping babies explore the world through their senses while giving you plenty of ideas for play at home.