As an early childhood educator, I am passionate about sensory play. Sensory play is an amazing way for your kiddo to practice many skills from exploring senses, to fine motor skills and even social skills. You can read about the benefits of sensory play here.
I love starting sensory play asap. We started around 6-7 months at my house. Once my daughter could sit, hold objects and showed interest in exploring her world we jumped in. Many sensory bins that you find on Pinterest or Google are aimed at toddlers 2-3 years old so let’s talk about some sensory bins for your one year old!
1. Pom-Poms Sensory Bin
One of our favorite sensory bins is pom-poms with collection items. In the photo below you will see that we have pom poms with small bowls. This is great for practicing putting in and taking out.
2. Water Sensory Bin
Another favorite, especially on a hot day is a water sensory bin. The possibilities are truly endless here. I often include bath toys, sand toys, or floating foam shapes. You can even cut up pieces of a pool noodle to float inside. Water tables are another great way to get in some water sensory play, and they do the hard work for you! We love this one.
3. Snow Sensory Bin
If you live in a location where it snows, this is another option, like water, with endless possibilities.
4. Edible Sensory Bins
Edible sensory bins are always a hit in our household. It is also such an easy way to ensure that a sensory bin is safe for babies who are still mouthing. Crushed crackers or cereal make a super easy sensory bin base that your little can’t choke on if they decide to put it in their mouth. You can read more about edible sensory bins here.
5. Cotton Balls
I love to hide objects inside of a bin of cotton balls. The cotton balls conceal the objects pretty good which makes for a good game of hide and seek. You can also include scoops or bowls to collect the cotton balls. Cotton balls are a great faux “snow” if you live in a location that doesn’t get snow. You could include arctic animals for your little to find.
Hopefully these will give you some ideas of sensory bins that you can do with your one year old. As always, I love to see what you create. You can tag me @sunshineinprimary on Facebook or Instagram. If you have a sensory bin that you love to do with your one your old, leave a comment below telling us what it is!
