How does a sensory hoop help my baby?

The frontal lobe in a baby’s brain is important for sensory processing. Using a sensory hoop like this helps build brain neurons as they touch different textures.

Sensory hoops encourage tummy time, build upper body strength and coordination when baby stretches her arms to reach for toys.

The older your baby gets the more s/he will spin, roll, or crawl to the toy that s/he wants. These large body movements help lateral and bilateral development. These movements are the foundation for future gross motor and fine motor activities and are important fundamental skills for future learning.

Today I’d love to share with you what I made for my own baby and the equipment I used to create my sensory hoop!

How to make a Sensory Hoop

Purchase a Hoola Hoop
Use a hoop big enough to have space to fit your baby inside. I suggest you find a big hoop as your baby will outgrow a smaller one much quicker.

Cover the base with materials
If you have any random ribbons or materials like a bath sponge, colourful cloths, scarves, or any items with different textures, sew these around your hoop first.

Make sure to sew it nice and tight to your hoop to avoid it coming loose.

Add some toys
Find teething toys, soft toys or sensory items that can be tied onto your hoop.

I chose one musical toy, one soft toy, three of my baby’s favourite teething toys.

Make sure you choose items that will not break or are potential choking hazards.

Tie and sew your sensory items nice and tight around your hoop.

Let’s play!
Place your hoop onto a firm but soft surface like a play mat, gym mat or carpet.

Always try to place your baby on their tummy first when they use their sensory hoop. That way you are guiding them through play and are encouraging tummy time.

I recommend that when you see your baby touching different textures give them a word that describes what they are touching or doing and repeat it three times. For example: “rough, rough, rough” or “soft, soft, soft.” This adds meaning and purpose to your baby’s play. S/he is listening and learning and trying to make sense of what you have created for them. By communicating and using words describing what they are touching, this type of play has a profound purpose and supports their speech development.

I hope you are inspired to create your own sensory hoop for your baby with what you have around your home, to save on your budget and to stimulate your baby in a fun and creative way.

Enjoy this time with your baby!

DEONIE MILLER
Franchisee and Owner of Clamber Club Sports – Claremont
Tel: 076 565 8598
sportsclaremont@clamberclub.com
www.clamberclub.com