Under 5s - For Parents with Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers (2024)

Sensory bags are easy to make and perfect for sensory play for babies and toddlers – without all the mess!

Sensory bags help young children to develop their sense of touch and fine motor skills as they manipulate the small objects around the bags.

The types of sensory bags you can make is endless!

Get creative and use things from around your home or from the craft shop.

Sensory bags for babies & toddlers

What you will need for each sensory bag

• A good quality zip lock bag that’s robust enough for kids to play with and doesn’t split or leak. You can use any size zip lock bag you have to hand.

• A base solution*

• Small activity items*

• Packing tape

* see suggestions below

To make your sensory bag

1. Add a solution to the zip lock bag until the bag is approx. a third to half full.

2. Add a small handful of activity items to the solution. Don't add too many as they won't be able to move around the bag.

3. Zip up the bag, letting as much air out as you can before it’s fully closed.

4. Secure the seal of the bag with packing tape to ensure there are no spillages and small items can't escape and end up in your little one’s mouth.

5. You’re ready to go! The sensory bag is perfect for your baby or toddler to draw pictures, shapes and letters as they move their fingers around the outside of the bag.

*Suggestions for sensory bag solutions

• Hair gel
• Dishwashing liquid
• Shampoo
• Paint
• Shaving foam
• Body wash
• Slime
• Baby oil
• Play dough
• Flour
• Uncooked rice or pasta shapes
• Salt
• Herbs or spices
• Sand
• Water

If your solution is clear, you can add a few drops of food colouring to make it more interesting.

* Suggestions for small activity items

• Googly eyes
• Stars
• Foam stickers
• Beads
• Flowers and leaves
• Small sea shells
• Glitter
• Buttons
• Confetti shapes

You can also theme your bag with small activity items for Christmas, the beach, underwater world etc.

More kids sensory play activity articles to enjoy:

• Make your own sensory board
• Tapioca pearls sensory play activity
• Make your own zip sensory board

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