We at Miniware believe that meals are about more than just eating – they are an opportunity for sensory exploration and development. That's why we've teamed up with child occupational therapist Laurel McMilian of Little Roos Pediatric Therapy to bring you three simple but powerful ways to engage your child in sensory play during mealtimes.

1: Embrace the Mess: Sensory play by exploring food!

Letting your child get messy with their food is more than just fun – it's vital to their sensory development. By squeezing, smelling and exploring different textures, tastes and even sounds of food, your child builds a strong foundation for healthier eating habits. This hands-on experience can reduce picky eating habits and encourage a wider acceptance of different foods. So the next time your child wants to play with their food, let them! It is part of the learning process.

Tip: For example, use our Sensory Bowl to enhance this experience. The bowl's textured design keeps kids engaged as they explore their food, turning mealtime into a multi-sensory adventure.

 

2: Active play: Movement before the meal!

Before asking your child to sit down to eat, encourage some active play and movement. Activities such as rocking, jumping or dancing stimulate their balance and body awareness, helping them regulate sensory input. This physical activity allows them to approach the meal with more calmness, reducing restlessness and increasing their ability to focus on and engage with food. It not only supports their sensory development but also promotes healthier eating habits.

Tip: Including a short, fun activity before meals can make a big difference in how your child interacts with food. In the picture you see one of our nice backpacks which is perfect to take with you on all kinds of activities!

3: Eat with your eyes: Make the food visually appealing!

How you present food can strongly influence your child's willingness to try new things. Introduce small portions of less popular foods alongside familiar favourites, and try presenting meals in creative ways – think fun shapes, or even use a muffin tin as a mini serving tray. Visual variety and repeated exposure can help children become more comfortable with different foods, leading to more balanced eating habits over time.

Tip: Our Healthy Meal Set is perfect for this! Its clever dividers allow you to separate different foods and make it easy to offer a visually appealing and varied meal that encourages exploration.

Engaging in sensory play during mealtime is a powerful tool for your child's development. By embracing the mess, incorporating movement and presenting food in an engaging way, you can help your child build healthy eating habits while having fun.