How to Introduce Sensory Play with Manhattan Toy Skwish
By Mastermind Toys | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: How-to Guides
Learn simple, age-appropriate steps to introduce the Manhattan Toy Skwish Color Burst to your baby for tactile, auditory, and visual sensory play.
Quick answer
Introduce the Manhattan Toy Skwish Color Burst by letting your baby explore it freely during supervised tummy time or seated play, focusing on its rattle sounds, sliding beads, and return-to-shape action.
Why the Skwish works for early sensory development
The Skwish combines a rattle, teether, and tactile toy in one design. Its elastic cords let the toy return to shape, which encourages repeated grasping and hand-eye coordination. The primary colors and sliding beads provide visual tracking practice, while the gentle rattle sound adds an auditory element.
What to expect as your baby grows
Newborns (0–3 months) may only bat at the toy or track it visually. By 4–6 months, babies typically start reaching, grasping, and mouthing the Skwish. The rubberwood material is safe for teething, but always inspect for wear after heavy use.
How to introduce the Skwish in 4 steps
- Step 1: Start with visual exploration: Hold the Skwish about 8–10 inches from your baby’s face and slowly move it side to side. Let them track the bright primary colors and the sliding beads. If your baby loses interest, try moving the toy more slowly or pausing to let them focus.
- Step 2: Add auditory stimulation: Gently shake the Skwish near one ear, then the other, to encourage head turning and sound localization. The rattle beads produce a soft, non-overstimulating sound. Avoid shaking too close or too hard; the goal is a gentle auditory cue, not a startle.
- Step 3: Encourage grasping and mouthing: Place the Skwish within your baby’s reach during tummy time or supported sitting. The easy-to-grasp wooden pieces and elastic strings invite grabbing and chewing. Always supervise mouthing and check the elastic cords regularly for any signs of wear or fraying.
- Step 4: Progress to cause-and-effect play: Show your baby how the Skwish squishes and springs back. Let them experiment with pulling, squeezing, and releasing to discover the return-to-shape action. If your baby gets frustrated, gently demonstrate the action and then place the toy back in their hands.
Product spotlight
- Manhattan Toy Skwish Color Burst (Unboxed): The award-winning Skwish is a wood rattle and teether toy made from renewable rubberwood, strung with durable elastic cords that let it return to its original shape. This design encourages repeated grasping and fine motor practice because the toy always springs back, inviting another reach.
Manhattan Toy Skwish Color Burst (Unboxed)
