Encouraging exploration

At Bloom Baby Classes, we’re great believers in letting your children explore the world around them

in as real a sense as possible.

Whilst the selection of bright and exciting newborn and toddler toys

and puzzles on offer nowadays might look appealing, it’s more likely that your little one will be

reaching for everything except when it comes to playtime. So, if they seem more interested in your

car keys or the dog’s water bowl than a motorised digger, well, that’s because their brains are

programmed to learn through touching and tasting things that you use daily.

During our sessions you’ll often find our ‘treasure baskets’ dotted around the room. These are filled

with all manner of everyday items, like wooden spoons, cups, scarves and paintbrushes – all things

that are perfectly safe for your child to interact with. Because, let’s be honest, it won’t be long

before they inevitably end up in their mouth!

The treasure basket method

The treasure basket method was actually created by child educationalist and development specialist,

Elinor Goldschmied. She believed that a baby is far more likely to benefit from exploring items made

from natural materials and that are familiar to them. The intrigue they feel will make them want to

pick up the item, bring it to their face, and see what it tastes like – so it’s really important that these

items are safe to go into a treasure basket.

1. A wooden spoon – you can usually pick these up fairly cheaply from the supermarket or

kitchenware shop.

2. A metal whisk – and don’t be concerned about the cold feeling of the metal in your little

one’s mouth. The metallic, cold sensation of the whisk will cause a real sensory awakening

for them.

3. Emergency foil heat blanket - or, as we call them, ‘space foil’! For babies learning tummy

time, place the foil underneath them and let them explore it whilst on their tummy. Or try

cutting the foil into squares and let your baby explore the sound and touch of the foil in their

hands.

4. Bells – or anything that makes noise! A little wooden tambourine would make for a great

addition.

5. A large sheer scarf. This will really awaken baby’s senses, especially if they are able to safely

drape the fabric over themselves and see you through it!

For more top tips, or to find out more about our specialist baby development sessions, contact us at