Simple Sensory bins for children under 3

I have received lots of questions on how to introduce sensory bins to little ones under the age of three. Our Sammy’s Sensory bins are recommended for kids 3 and up. So here is a list of bins I used to introduced my kids at a young age.

Tip - Anytime you are introducing a sensory bin, make sure you put it in the same bin. This way your children will begin to associate that bin with play and not food! So when it comes to introducing rice, beans, hard pasta, they will understand this is a play bin not a food bin!

Spaghetti Play

Cooked spaghetti - Now this one is fun! Grab a handful of spaghetti and boil it. While it is boiling feel free to add food coloring if you’d like. This is not necessary but can make things more exciting. Once cooked let it cool off. Once cool to the touch place it in a sensory bin with some utensils ( spoons, cups, tongs, etc.). Spaghetti is a great first sensory items to help with those fine motor skills!

• Inhance this play by hiding large plastic toys in the spaghetti!

• Grab a strainer and let them attempt to stick the spaghetti through the holes

Water Play

Water - so simple and easy! Place floating toys, cups, and measuring spoons in a bin on the ground in front of your little one. This can even be useful for babies to just splash in while outside on a warm day. You can add large ice cubes to this bin to add an even colder sensory item! If you are choosing to do this bin inside I highly recommend putting down a towel first. All sensory play can be messy!