How to Use Play + Discover for Baby Sensory Play

Quick Answer

Use the Manhattan Toy Play + Discover toy to support baby sensory play through three simple activities: grasping the loops for motor skill practice, shaking the cube for auditory discovery, and twisting the handles for cause-and-effect learning.

3 Steps for Sensory Play with Play + Discover

1. Step 1: Introduce Grasping: Place the toy within your baby's reach while they lie on their back. Let them bat at and grab the loops. The flexible design means they can grip from any angle, so they don't get frustrated. A common mistake is dangling the toy above the baby and moving it. Instead, hold it still near their hands so they can initiate the grab.
2. Step 2: Encourage Shaking: Once your baby holds the toy, gently shake it yourself to show the rattle sound. Then place it back in their hand. They will likely shake it on their own, discovering the sound. Don't shake the toy for your baby the whole time. Let them do the work so they learn cause and effect.
3. Step 3: Practice Twisting: As your baby gets older (around 6 months), show them how to twist the handles. Hold one handle and guide their hand to the other, then twist gently. The clicking sound rewards their effort. If your baby doesn't twist right away, that's okay. Let them explore the toy freely first. Twisting requires more fine motor control.

Product Facts

• Play + Discover: Designed with soft flexible loops for easy grasping from any angle, supporting early motor skills around 3 months. Babies can succeed at grabbing the toy early on, building confidence and hand-eye coordination.

  

• Play + Discover: The center cube contains beads that create a soft rattle sound when shaken. The gentle sound introduces cause and effect without startling a baby, making it ideal for early auditory play.
• Play + Discover: Each flexible handle easily twists to create a satisfying clicking sound. Twisting adds a new fine motor challenge and keeps the toy engaging as your baby grows.