Hey there mommas and dads 🌟 Today, I’m excited to dive into the world of sensory bins specifically tailored for our little ones under one year old. Are sensory bins really worth the effort? Or is it better to just let them play outside? If you’re new to this concept, you might want to check out my previous post on general sensory bin ideas and our posts on sensory bottles for some additional inspiration. But for now, let’s focus on the magic of sensory bins!
Honestly if you just want to keep your kid busy while you do housechores sensory bins are not it. You definitely have to supervise your kid. Instead I’d recommend a box of some non-breakable dishes. Ta-da keeps baby busy.
Why Sensory Bins? 🤔
You might be wondering, why sensory bins? Sensory bins provide a hands-on, exploratory experience that can captivate and stimulate your baby’s senses. They encourage curiosity, fine motor skills, and even early problem-solving abilities. Plus, they’re just plain fun! 😊
On the other hand when the kids are young they lose interest fast. They make a big mess and the set up takes time. So I’d only recommend sensory bins in certain situations and during winter, when going out is not that comfy. Or if you live in a high rise.
Safety First! 🚨
Before we dive into the ideas, a quick note on safety: Always supervise your baby during sensory play. Ensure that all materials are non-toxic and large enough to prevent choking hazards.
Luca puts everything in his mouth. Just today I took a first aid course. You’d be shocked what babies put into their mouths, nose and any other opening they find. Since we are already at it I’d like to recommend you take a first aid course too. It was eye-opening and I think it’s so important when you have little kids. They are walking danger zones. Sadly we can’t wrap them in bubble wrap…
Sensory Bin Ideas for Babies Under One Year Old
1. Water Play Sensory Bin 💧
What You’ll Need:
- A shallow plastic bin (any salad bowl will do)
- Lukewarm water
- Floating toys (like rubber ducks)
- Small cups or scoops
Fill the bin with a few inches of lukewarm water and add some floating toys. Babies love the feel of water and watching objects move in it. You can also include small cups or scoops to encourage them to practice grasping and pouring. This simple activity is a hit and perfect for hot days! Make sure to spread a towel on the floor. Your baby will get really wet. Luca loved this one and it kept him busy for a good 30 minutes at 7 months.
2. Rainbow Rice Bin 🌈🍚
What You’ll Need:
- White rice (cooked)
- Food coloring
- Vinegar
- Ziplock bags
- Large plastic bin
- Measuring cups and spoons
This one is often recommended. I do not recommend this! Luca would just eat the rice. Since some people have had luck with it I just added the idea. First, color the rice by placing it in ziplock bags with a few drops of food coloring and a teaspoon of vinegar. Shake the bags until the rice is evenly colored, then spread it out to dry. Once dry, pour the colorful rice into the bin and add some measuring cups and spoons. The vibrant colors and texture will fascinate your baby!
3. Soft and Squishy Sensory Bin 🧦🧸
What You’ll Need:
- A variety of soft fabrics (e.g., felt, fleece, cotton)
- Small stuffed animals
- Soft sensory balls
I don’t have a bin per see I just put them in the empty baby swimming pool. Fill the bin/ pool with various soft fabrics and toys. Put the baby inside. The different textures will provide a soothing and interesting tactile experience for your baby. Encourage them to touch and explore each item. This bin is especially great for introducing new textures in a gentle way. I like to use a thin see through fabric and when I sing: Where is Luca, where is Luca he pulls it off. It’s a lot of fun.
4. Taste-Safe Edible Sensory Bin 🍓🍌
What You’ll Need:
- Cooked pasta (cooled)
- Sliced fruits (like bananas)
- A shallow plastic bin
Combine cooked pasta, and fruit slices in the bin. Babies will love the squishy, wiggly textures, and you can feel confident knowing it’s all taste-safe. Just be prepared for some mess—this one can get a bit sticky, but it’s worth it for the fun and sensory benefits! Make sure the foods are child appropriate. (Later on this bin is just called eating lol)
5. Nature Exploration Bin 🍃🌸
What You’ll Need:
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Pine cones
- Stones
- Large plastic bin
Take a nature walk with your baby and collect leaves, flowers, and pine cones. Once you’re home, fill the bin with your nature treasures. Babies will enjoy the different shapes, textures, and even the smells of nature. This is a wonderful way to introduce them to the natural world around them. Make sure they don’t eat the stuff. I am personally pro spending a lot of time outside. Tho the mosquitos are a nightmare right now.
6. Bubble Wrap Fun Bin 🫧
What You’ll Need:
- Bubble wrap (various sizes)
- Small plastic bin
Line the bottom of the bin with bubble wrap. Babies will be intrigued by the sensation of the bubbles popping under their hands. It’s a simple yet highly effective sensory experience that they can enjoy over and over again.
7. Kitchen Play Sensory Bin 🍽️
What You’ll Need:
- Plastic spoons
- Plastic dishes
- A large plastic bin
- Soft play food items (optional)
Fill a large bin with plastic spoons and dishes. You can also add some soft play food items if you have them. Babies love to mimic adult behaviors, and playing with kitchen items allows them to explore textures, sounds, and hand-eye coordination. This bin can spark their interest in everyday household activities in a safe and engaging way.
8. Ice Cube Sensory Bin 🧊
What You’ll Need:
- Ice cubes
- Small plastic bin
- Food coloring (optional)
Fill the bin with ice cubes and watch your baby’s curiosity as they touch and explore the cold, slippery cubes. You can add a bit of food coloring to the ice for extra visual stimulation. This activity is great for hot days and offers a unique sensory experience. Again Luca loves to play with ice cubes. 1st. they immediately landed on the floor. Second make sure baby doesn’t try to swallow. I also used small pieces of frozen fruits once.
9. Sensory Bin with Music 🎶
What You’ll Need:
- Various musical instruments (e.g., small shakers, bells)
- A shallow plastic bin
Fill the bin with small, baby-safe musical instruments. Encourage your baby to shake, tap, and explore the different sounds. This sensory bin not only engages their sense of touch but also their hearing, introducing them to the joy of music. We did this at mothers child class. Luca just got interested at 11 months.
10. Seasonal Sensory Bins 🍂🎄
What You’ll Need:
- Seasonal items (e.g., autumn leaves, pinecones, small pumpkins for fall; fake snow, ornaments for winter)
- A large plastic bin
Create themed sensory bins based on the season. For example, during autumn, fill the bin with leaves, pinecones, and small pumpkins. In winter, use fake snow, ornaments, and pine branches. These bins help your baby explore the changing seasons and the different sensory experiences they bring.
Tips for Sensory Play Success 🌟
- Supervise, Supervise, Supervise! 👀
- Always keep an eye on your baby during sensory play to ensure their safety.
- Introduce One New Sensory Bin at a Time 🕰️
- Allow your baby to fully explore one sensory bin before introducing another. This helps them focus and fully engage with each experience.
- Keep It Simple 🧩
- Babies don’t need elaborate setups. Often, the simplest bins are the most effective. Just a bowl and some plastic spoons and dishes.
- Follow Your Baby’s Lead 🚼
- Pay attention to what interests your baby and tailor the sensory bin to their preferences.
- Clean Up Together 🧼
- Make clean-up a part of the play. It can be a learning experience and a fun way to conclude the activity.
Conclusion
Sensory bins are a wonderful way to engage your baby’s senses and support their development. With a bit of creativity, you can create endless opportunities for exploration and learning. Whether you’re using water, soft fabrics, or nature items, each sensory bin offers a unique experience that can captivate your baby’s curiosity.
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