Set up a baby and toddler sensory wall with all kinds of interesting toys for them to explore with all their senses.
We were privileged to be part of an exciting revamp project of the family room at our church. We decided to make one of the walls a sensory wall with toys that will keep the littlies entertained while the parents can focus on the service.
This room is catering for children ages 0 to 3. Since our own children are past this age now, we know what they enjoyed at that age and also what parents would appreciate while making use of a family room at church.
Check out these “before” and “after” photos. What a difference!
Our first step was to decide on a theme and color scheme. We wanted bright and cheery so, opted for blue and green with splashes of white. The grass and cloud cutouts were cut from wood by a laser cutting company, as well as white flowers. The walls were painted blue to represent the sky.
The center of the flowers was cut out and filled with a variety of textured fabrics.
Then we started to fill the wall up with different activities and toys. Two towel railings with toys (securely attached) were added. The toys can be pulled and explored and the little ones who are starting to pull themselves up can hold onto the rail.
The aim is to have toys attached to the wall so that they will not be moved around- keeping the room tidy and safer because toys cannot be thrown around or land in mouths. These toys included magnetic toys attached to a baking sheet, draw-and-clean board, pull-toys, wooden bead toys, spinning balls, etc. (Have a look at THESE recommendations.)
We aimed to place the activities at different heights, catering to the different stages of baby and toddler development. Two mirrors were added behind the rails(for safety reasons). These mirrors fascinate the standing babies. The small bimbo chairs can be used to place a baby in front of the wall to play while being supported in a sitting position.
We absolutely loved this sensory wall project and hope the kids and the parents will enjoy their new family room. It does look like it is a success!
A huge thank you to Pastor Natasha at New Beginnings Christian Family Church for sharing these images with us!
More Ideas for You
Nadia van Zyl says
Hi, I did not personally make this (it was sent to us by a reader) so I would not know about the colour swatches, sorry. I know the “grass” was cut-out board(the thin kind that a laser cutter cut into the shape) and attached directly to the wall. Most of the toys were attached to the cut-out board before securing the whole cut-out to the wall. Hope that helps?
Jennifer says
Wondering if you know/remember the colour swatches for the paint colours you chose?!? (Both green and blue colours I love!). Also, for the sensory wall, is just the grass a wood cut-out and then nailed/glued to the wall or is the entire wall a piece of wood attached? so then are the sensory items all directly attached to the wall or to the piece of wood attached? Would really appreciate some more insight into these things if you recall. Thx!!!
Nadia van Zyl says
No, this is a DIY project;)
Janet mcfarlane says
Is this sensory wall for shipping to Australia
Nadia van Zyl says
It was custom made by a local. Perhaps find a laser cutting company near you that can do this for you.
Carryne says
Hi there!
I’m curious how you got the wooden grass cutout to the wall? I’m looking to recreate something similar in my child’s playroom.
Nadia van Zyl says
Just normal mirrors. See the rail in front of the mirrors? This protect it.
Lisa says
Wondering where you purchased the mirrors? I would like to add some to my room but worry about breaking.
Nadia van Zyl says
Very strong glue, epoxy type
Megan says
How did you ge the manga doodle to stick to the wall securely?
Nadia van Zyl says
Hi! It is painted masonite board, a local made it for us, but I’m sure any carpenter can cut it for you
Sandi says
Hello.. Love this idea and would like to do something similar to my infant/toddler room. The green wall of grass, what is it made of and where did you purchase it? Thank you
Nadia van Zyl says
Some items were bolted to the wall, others were glued with a very strong glue. Some loose things had to be replaced, like the ribbons etc.
Katherine says
How did you attach them to the wall and how did you keep your more aggressive children from ripping them off the wall?
Nadia van Zyl says
Thank you!
Rachel Green says
HI Nadia,
You have written such a nice blog. It definitely going to help me much.
Alyssa Winters says
Hello Nadia, this is nice post. You have described on such a nice topic for toddler. It will look nice and toddler will love it and enjoy it. Thanks for this lovely post.