Sensory And Movement Foundations in the First Three Years: Why It Matters & How to Strengthen It

Painted hands tell a story of exploration! This is where sensory experiences and movement can work together to build confidence, coordination, and joy.

From the very first months of life through the toddler years, children are not just growing; they are wiring their brains, coordinating body and mind, building the foundations of how they’ll move, explore, learn, and connect. In this post we’ll unpack why sensory and movement experiences in the 0-3 year span are so pivotal, and share practical ideas for parents, caregivers, and early childhood educators to strengthen these foundations.

Why Sensory + Movement Matter

When a baby reaches toward a toy, rolls, crawls, toddles, or a toddler climbs, wiggles, turns pages, or splashes in water, those are not just cute milestones. Each is an opportunity for the nervous system to build:

• Sensory systems (touch, proprioception, vestibular/balance, auditory, visual) provide the inputs that help the brain map the body in space, regulate responsiveness, and build self-regulation.

• Movement (gross motor, fine motor, transitions) gives the brain feedback: “I moved and this happened!”, which leads to cause and effect thinking, coordination, confidence, and physical stamina.

Together, sensory input + movement experiences form the scaffold for later skills - attention, language, executive functioning, self-regulation, and social-emotional resilience. When early experiences are limited or mismatched to the child’s readiness, those circuits may develop less efficiently.

What that looks like in kiddos 0-3 years

• Infants (0-12 months): Tummy time, rolling, reaching, shaking rattles - these movements and sensations begin the mapping process. Babies learning to belly-crawl or sit are integrating vestibular (balance) with proprioceptive (body awareness) systems.

• Young toddlers (12-24 months): Walking, climbing low furniture, exploring with hands and feet, throwing soft balls; these experiences build coordination, balance, and confidence.

• Older toddlers (24-36 months): Jumping, rough-and-tumble play, manipulating small objects, and carrying items push both the body and nervous system further, strengthening pathways for focus, self-control, and adaptability.

Practical ideas for parents, caregivers, and ECEs

Universal (for all children):

• Offer safe open space for free movement (crawling, cruising, toddler walking) and loose parts (cushions, boxes) for climbing and exploration.

• Use sensory-rich materials: water tables, sand, large textured balls, soft obstacle courses.

• Incorporate “movement snacks” into routines: transitional walks, “stretch like a starfish,” or “reach for the clouds.”

Tier 2 (for children who need more support):

• Add proprioceptive input: carrying a small backpack, pushing a wagon, “heavy work” like moving soft bins.

• Vestibular play: gentle spinning, swing time, or rolling on soft mats.

• Structured sensory play: messy bins with textures, “mystery feel” bags, balance games.

Tier 3 (when concerns arise):If a child avoids movement (prefers to sit still, resists transitions), is overly fidgety, or shows limited movement variety, consider collaborating with an occupational or physiotherapist for screening. Use observation: Can the child explore freely? Do they tolerate movement transitions? Are they engaging in active play or avoiding it?

The role of ECEs in group settings

In early childhood programs, educators can scaffold sensory and movement growth by:

• Setting up movement zones (gross-motor area, climbing/balance equipment, crawling tunnels) and sensory tables.

• Using transition cues: “Before we sit, let’s do one big stretch and jump to get our bodies ready.”

• Observing during free play: Who opts out of climbing? Who avoids textures? These observations can guide planning and screening referrals.

Why this early investment pays off

When sensory and movement foundations are strong, children tend to:

• Better regulate attention and behaviour.

• Transition between activities with more ease.

• Develop stronger body awareness and fine-motor control.

• Enjoy exploration, novelty, and challenge which results in fueling curiosity and confidence.

When these foundations are weak, you may see delays in coordination, challenges with sensory regulation, or slower progress in cognitive and communication skills.

Closing thought

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator working with children under three, remember: you’re doing more than “supervising play.” You’re shaping environments that build the body–brain connection! These are the roots of learning, self-regulation, and confidence. Every climb, crawl, and sensory adventure strengthens the architecture for lifelong growth.

Further Reading

1. Yildiz, R., Yildiz, A., Zorlular, R., & Elbasan, B. (2024). Relationship between sensory processing skills and motor skills in 12-month-old infants. Brain and Behavior, 14(9), e70052.This study found a strong positive association between sensory processing and motor skill development in 12-month-old infants—reinforcing that these systems grow together, not separately.🔗 Read the study on PMC

2. Stallings-Sahler, S. A., & Foley, G. M. (2022). Identification of Sensory Processing and Sensory-Based Movement Disorders in Infants and Young Children. In Linking Sensory Integration and Mental Health: Nurturing Self-Regulation in Infants and Young Children (ZERO TO THREE).This professional resource outlines how early sensory and movement patterns influence self-regulation, attention, and emotional development.🔗 Read on ZERO TO THREE