5 Ways to Bring Baby Sensory Storytime Home
At Adventure Babies, we’ve been leading the way in baby sensory storytelling activities since day one. In fact—we invented it. Before the hashtags, before the reels, before the endless scroll of picture-perfect play trays… there we were, crawling around in fairy lights and feathers, watching babies fall in love with books through sensory wonder.
When the world went online in 2020, our classes didn’t stop—they simply moved into kitchens, lounges, gardens, and any space with a screen and a bit of floor. Our incredible class leaders and parents brought storytime to life with whatever they had at home: spoons, scarves, laundry baskets, cereal boxes turned pirate ships. It was scrappy, joyful, and unbelievably creative—and guess what? The babies loved it.
So in that same spirit, here are 5 simple ways you can recreate the Adventure Babies magic at home—with love, not perfection.
1. Tell the Story With Your Voice, Not Your Props
Forget the props for a moment. Your baby is most interested in you. The pitch of your voice, your facial expressions, the rhythm of your words—all of that is fascinating to a baby. Choose a favourite picture book and read it with feeling. Pause. Gasp. Whisper. Make silly sounds. It’s not about being a performer—it’s about being present.
2. Use What’s Already in the House
You don’t need themed boxes or matching sets to create baby sensory storytelling activities. A saucepan and wooden spoon make an excellent drum for a bear hunt. A soft flannel becomes a magic cloud. A piece of foil is a sparkly treasure. It’s not about spending money—it’s about seeing everyday objects through your baby’s eyes.
3. Add One Simple Sensory Element
Sensory doesn’t have to mean messy. Try waving a scarf slowly while you sing, letting your baby feel the breeze. Put a handful of rice in a sealed jar and shake it to the rhythm of a rhyme. Hold a mirror while reading a book about faces. One element is enough—it’s the focus and repetition that supports your baby’s brain development.
4. Follow Your Baby’s Lead
At Adventure Babies, we always say—every baby is different, every time. Your baby might not want to sit through a whole book. They might want to crinkle the pages or roll away halfway through. That’s normal and healthy. Follow their curiosity. If they’re fascinated by one page, stay there. If they crawl off, narrate what they’re doing like it’s part of the story. It is.
5. Keep It Short and Sweet
Your baby’s attention span is tiny—but mighty. Even five minutes of shared sensory play has an impact. Don’t stress if you don’t make it to the end of the story, or if the scarf gets eaten instead of waved. Sensory storytime is about connection, not perfection.
Want More Than Just a DIY Version?
We love seeing families bring Adventure Babies ideas into their everyday routines—but we also know there’s nothing quite like the real thing. Our classes are carefully designed by baby development experts and storytellers to support every stage of your baby’s growth—right from newborn to toddler. Whether your little one is still curled up or already cruising, we’ve got a class that fits.
Ready to join the original sensory storytelling class?
Find a class near you and see what all the (baby-safe, mess-free, joyful) fuss is about.
