Sensory play is not only incredibly beneficial but it’s also one of the few ways that babies can play. However there is one problem, babies like to taste everything. Although sensory bins are wonderful, some of them also present a choking hazard. One way to give your babies these sensory opportunities, while keeping them safe, is to turn your sensory bins into sensory lids instead. With these easy DIY Sensory Lids for Babies in your toy box, you’re not only helping your little ones learn, but you’re also making yourself a fantastic hack to make tummy time 100 times easier for both of you.
Want more safe ways to play with your little one? Check out 10+ Sensory Activities for Babies for more great ideas.
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How to Make Sensory Lids
Materials needed
- Old lids, formula or ice-creams lids work great
- Hot glue gun
- Sensory Bin fillers, (for example, rainbow rice, feathers, corn), or scraps of fabric with different textures on it.
Making sensory lids is so easy. It’s simply a matter of gluing items with different textures onto the lids. I use my hot glue gun for this because I was afraid that using regular glue wouldn’t hold the smaller items, such as the rainbow rice, strongly enough. As I’m sure you understand, I didn’t want my son (and later my daughter) to put any of the items in their mouth and choke.
I also made one lid into a ribbon pull lid. All I did was to punch several holes into the lid and threaded a ribbon through the hole. With a knot at each end of the ribbon, the kids could pull the ribbon as much as they wanted. This particular lid was played with by with my kids for longer than the others because it was a fantastic fine motor activity for them as toddlers.
RELATED: 10+ Sensory Bins for Toddlers
Tummy time fun
Sensory play is so important for all kids, not just kids with special needs. If you haven’t come across the benefits of Sensory play then I highly recommend that you read the article Importance and Benefits of Sensory Play in Early Childhood by Meraki Mother.
I do a lot of sensory play with my two little ones. A good sensory bin keeps them entertained for a lot longer than most activities I try with them. The best part about making these sensory lids was that they made tummy time a whole lot easier. Giving my (then) babies something bright and colorful to look at, that also feels funny when they touch it, was a fantastic way to distract them while they were on their tummies.
As my kids were able to sit they still played with the sensory lids. Since they were now able to use both hands to explore they were more interested in the textures and the taste of everything that I had glued onto there. I learned that I could attach the sensory lids to the fridge door using magnetic clips. In one minute I had (unintentionally) created my own removable sensory wall. We were all thrilled when I stumbled upon that discovery.
RELATED: Taste-Safe Sensory Bins for Babies and Toddlers
Are you going to make some DIY Sensory Lids for Babies? Don’t forget to pin the idea for later
