Sensory bottles are used to help children (and adults) calm down when they become upset or anxious. The idea is to give the individual a safe object on which to focus their attention, thereby diffusing anxieties within. It’s kind of like an interactive “I Spy” book inside a bottle. Grab an empty bottle and fill it with water and tiny objects that will interest your child. It really is just about that simple. Read on for 6 suggested sensory bottles for kids that will calm them when they are upset. You may or may not catch me using bottle #3 to calm down on rough days in my classroom…
Sensory Bottles For Kids
1. Do You Want To Build A Snowman Bottle?
Rhythms Of Play shares a snowstorm in a tube with this Frozen-inspired sensory bottle. Fill the bottle with snowflake confetti, sparkles, glitter, and any other Frozen related items. This sensory bottle will be sure to help freeze all those anxious feelings.
2. In A Galaxy Far, Far Away
Space enthusiasts and Star Wars fans in particular will get great use out of this galaxy sensory bottle. Use mineral oil, blue candy dye, glitter, and any space themed trinkets you can find. Read more from Preschool Inspirations.
3. Just Keep Swimming
Don’t let a meltdown get in your way. Keep your little Ocean Explorer swimming with an ocean-inspired sensory bottle. The sand is the best part! A Little Pinch of Perfect shares how to make your own.
4. It’s Nice With Rice
Keep everyone nice and calm with a rice-filled sensory bottle. The colorful pom poms are fun pops of color. Get the DIY tutorial from Mama Instincts.
5. Glowing Attitudes
This glow-in-the-dark sensory bottle will help get upset attitudes glowing again. Use a Sharpie to draw on a Jack-O-Lantern face at Halloween time for an extra haunt of fun. Get the directions here.
6. Where Bluebirds Sing
I don’t know if bluebirds really do sing “somewhere over the rainbow,” but hopefully your child will with a rainbow sensory bottle. Fill the bottle with colorful water beads to make the rainbow effect. Get more details from Ryan and Marsha.
Looking for more things to make? Check out my post on how to make a kid-approved lava lamp in 3 groovy steps.
