These are used as added sensory and stimulation during parts of the classes.

Puppets

Sit or lie the baby facing you and put a finger puppet on both index fingers then bringing the puppets close to the face. Wiggle them to get the baby’s attention. Move the puppets to your upper right and slowly draw a figure of eight a couple of times, bring the puppets down, to rest the baby’s eyes. Then get the baby’s attention again this time bring the puppets up above their heads to they look up then down to their chest so they look down then to each side. The song ‘Two Little Dickie Birds’ is a good song to use for this exercise.
They can also be used on the parachute to bounce up and down.
Benefits: Exercises the muscles in the eyes, co-ordination, body awareness.

Scarves

Use the scarves to make a tent between you and your baby and have a little conversation or whisper (share secrets!) then uncover yourselves. Repeat 2 to 3 times, then take the scarf and cover yourself only to play ‘peep poo’. Repeat 3 to 4 times. Cover the baby’s face with the edge of the scarf; gently pull it away from the face so that they feel the sensation of the fabric and say “peep poo!” Repeat this until you or the baby has had enough.

Now roll the scarf up so that you are left with a single flap. If your baby is lying down then bend down so that you are close to your baby’s face. Being careful not to blow into the baby’s face, gently blow the scarf until you see it flutter. Repeat this 4 or 5 times or until the baby has had enough. Some older babies will mimic what you do and will attempt to blow back. The scarves can also be used as a visual by waving them in the air and up and down to songs such as ‘Dingle Dangle Scarecrow’ and ‘I Can Sing a Rainbow’. Could also be used on the parachute.
Benefits: Teaches baby breath control which has many benefits including calming and focusing the child.
Caution: Stop if baby is not enjoying it. Let the babies join in if they want to pull the scarf off themselves (this will increase their self-esteem).

Ribbons

Ribbons can be used as a visual tool; they can be waved about to a song. When singing ‘Row your Boat’ you can all sit in a circle with the babies either in between your legs or sitting by your sides depending on their age and ability and hold with the ribbons. Hold the ribbons so that they are linking the people next to you to form one big ribbon. It can be bought up above the head, to either side held in the air or stretched down low and in any direction which will cause a stretch of the body. Can be used for spinal twists holding the ribbon with the baby seated between your legs and their back to you. Encourage the baby to hold the ribbon whilst you are holding the ends or you hold their hands on the ribbon and twist to left then the right and repeat 4 or 5 times. They can be used in arm circles and diagonal work also.
For very young babies they can be used to work the core muscles by laying the baby on his back and dangling the ribbon just out of reach ,encouraging the baby to then stretch for it.
Benefits: Stretches out the torso, good for core muscles.
Caution: Remember to remove ribbons after use to avoid misuse.

Musical Instruments
You can use most musical instruments in any of the arm exercises or twists, ideally with bells or shakers. If you use instruments they are best kept until the end of the session because once a baby has one in his grasp he is loath to give it up.
Suggested uses: Sing a rhyme and shake the instrument to the beat. You can also bang the instrument against different surfaces like your hand or the floor. You can count to a rhythm or shake quietly then loudly. Make sure that any musical instruments are age appropriate. It is a good idea that different musical sounds are played such as a drum, shaker, bells, tambourine etc. Pass them around, playing them to a nursery rhyme or song, gently stretching the body as they play.
Benefits: Improves co-ordination and listening skills, good for confidence.

Caution: Use age appropriate instruments and never leave unsupervised.

Other Props:

Pom-Poms — Good for any standing stretches for parent/carer and
good sensory item for baby.

Treasure Basket — this can be themed as in metal, plastic, natural
fabric and wood. Make sure there is always adult supervision, that
there are no sharp edges and the items used are to EC standards.
Sensory Balls — different textured balls, they can be rolled to a
partner for partner work, turn taking and visual learning.

Mini Pom-Poms – Use as a sensory item for baby to gently stroke
around the perimeter of the face, the ears, hands and feet, bare
arms and legs. Parent/carer can blow pom-poms from their hands or
along the floor to teach baby about breath control. Make sure pom
poms are for adult use only in case babies put them in their mouths.

Mirrors – Brilliant to use for tummy time.
Feathers – Blowing or stroking fleshy parts.
Parachute — Let the babies go on top of the parachute first before
putting them underneath

Floating Ball – Can be used with parachute or in centre letting babies
touch and watch the ball.
Space Blanket — great sensory item and good for tummy time.

Sensory Band — Good sensory item for baby. Use in ‘Row Your Boat’
and get parent/carer to lean back to the biting point of their stomach
for a core workout (care should be taken if have had a C-section).
Count to 5 and pass the band around the circle, which is good for
EYFS and group bonding.