Tiny Fingers, Big Feelings: How Tactile Play Shapes Your Child’s Growth
How Touching
Imagine your average day….you wake up and throw the blanket off of your body, slip your feet into comfy slippers and stumble into the bathroom to turn on the faucet and brush your teeth. In a few basic movements, you’ve probably touched at least ten surfaces within the first few moments of waking, and most probably without really thinking about one!
Now imagine each of those surfaces creating physical discomfort as you come into contact with them.
Without proper sensory introduction, infants and toddlers may find themselves extra sensitive to even the most normal tactile experiences, and research finds that disruption in their sensory development can cause emotional challenges and even impact kids’ academic and social lives later on. “Tactile Defensiveness” can keep a little one’s anxiety high, attributing to language difficulties and even problem solving issues as they grow.
Tactile play isn’t just fun—it’s a foundation for confidence, emotional regulation, and lifelong learning.
Exposing your child to a vast range of textures in a positive, affectionate, and safe manner can help them engage with the world, and teach them how to self-soothe later on when their environments feel unstable.
Get a Grip
It’s not difficult to help your baby get a better grasp on the big world around them. Simply choose a wide selection of household items for them to touch and play with while they’re lying down or enjoying tummy time. Serving up a feast of sensory experiences will keep them delighted for quite a while, especially when accompanied by your familiar, happy voice.
Need some ideas for tactile play? Here are a few items to help you get started.
A frilly pillow they can reach for and run their fingers around
Corduroy clothing
A soft (or even itchy!) sweater
A knobby rug
A rough towel
A soft animal
A pillow or piece of clothing with stitching or embroidery
A satin pillowcase
By giving your child safe and positive sensory experiences, you’re doing more than just keeping them entertained—you’re helping them build confidence in their own skin. When kids learn early on that the world is safe to touch, they’re better equipped to explore, problem-solve, and connect with others. Over time, these small moments of discovery add up, shaping their ability to self-soothe, adapt, and thrive. So go ahead—let them run their fingers over that bumpy sweater, crinkle that noisy fabric, or squish their tiny toes into a fuzzy rug. Every texture they experience is a step toward a more resilient, self-assured future.
Put It Into Practice
Did you know that experiencing different textiles develops different physical skills in an infant?
Buttons help develop the pincher grasp
Silk and Fur increase overall sensory experiences
Stitching helps fine motor skills
Mesh helps develop the hand grasp
Keep a pile of varied fabrics close at hand for your baby or toddler to play with. Chances are, they’ll go from simply fabrics meant for holding to capes and ballgowns in the toddler years!
Other Interesting Reads about Helping Your Child Thrive
