Sticks are a great way to introduce your baby to new textures. Talk to your baby while you play with sticks together, using descriptive words like "rough", "smooth"and "knobbly".
You could decorate your stick with ribbons, tape or string and help your baby grip and wave the stick. Stay with your baby as they play and try to keep the stick out of your baby's mouth.
Make some noise! Let your baby bang sticks together or bang a pan or a bowl with the stick - your baby will realise their actions can make sounds, and this will build their confidence.