Looking for ideas on how to keep toddlers busy? Find deeds to the best tool ‘sensory bin’ that can keep your toddler busy and entertained for a really long time.

So, what is a sensory bin? I am pretty sure you'll have heard this word before but did you know that sensory bins can be your best tools to keep your toddlers entertained and as well as it is a great educational tool for your little ones too.

But just like me, you all must be fretting to the idea of the mess that comes with playing with a sensory bin. I get that! For the longest time I had kept sensory bins out of my home but this past year with me homeschooling my toddler, I finally decided to give in to the bandwagon and jump onto the train of sensory bins.

And honestly, I am glad I did that. Sensory bins have been my greatest assets in the last few months that have been able to get my daughter entertained for as low as 20 mins to sometimes even more than 1-2 hours at a stretch and the best part it has given me enough time to just relax and get my other things done.

So how do you set up a sensory bin? Does it require a lot of tools, a lot of space and more?

No, it does not!

With sensory bins ‘sky is the limit’ but I am here to give you an idea on how to set up a very simple sensory bin for toddlers. And once you master that, try experimenting with different things that your toddlers will enjoy playing with.

Also, before we get into the post, here is a list of 21 amazing sensory bins ideas for your toddlers that I have enjoyed setting up for my daughter. All these ideas are simple, mostly requires stuff lying around your home and have been a great hit.

Pin this post to keep it handy all the time!

sensory bins for toddlers

What is a sensory bin?

Sensory bins are little bins filled with imagination and creativity for your child to explore. It teaches your child to feel his senses. From mastering hand-eye coordination or fine motor skills via learning to transfer materials from one cup to another or from exploring their imagination by rescuing animals or digging up dinosaurs from these bins.

‘Sky is the limit’ when it comes to sensory bins ideas.

Related. Wondering how to introduce sensory bins to your toddler? Find helpful tips and tricks here on how to introduce sensory bins to toddlers.

Why is it so amazing for your toddlers?

Sensory bins are your biggest tools in keeping toddlers engaged for long but besides that, they are also a great educational tool for your toddlers. Just to give an idea of a few amazing benefits of sensory bins. They can –

  • strengthen fine motor skills as your child plays around with all the tongs and cups to transfer and feel the sensory materials
  • encourage critical thinking as your child learns to transfer, scoop and pour the materials from one cup to another and more
  • fosters imagination in your toddlers as they will love exploring and making stories while playing with the sensory bins
  • keeps them entertained for a really long time

Related: Wondering how to introduce an activity to a toddler? Here is everything you need to know to make that activity a great hit for your kids.

Things to remember while setting up a sensory bin!

Setting up a sensory bin is a lot of fun and watching your kids play with them is so entertaining. But before you set one up for your little one, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

  • It’s going to messy for the first few times. So, keep patience. They will eventually learn to play in the boundaries.
  • Stay close to your kids as leaving young kids with sensory bins can be dangerous due to choking hazards
  • Let the kids know when they create a mess and as a last resort give them time out if they still don’t listen
  • A plastic mat an old bedsheet comes in handy and can save you a ton of time from having to clean up on the sensory bin mess once your little one is done playing

Tools needed to set up a basic sensory bin at home

Setting up a sensory bin is not rocket science. All it requires are a few basic tools and the best part they can be reused again and again.

So, let’s get started!

Sensory Bin Tools:

  • The bin
    • Storage tub – A basic storage bin to house all the sensory bin materials
  • Sensory bin hands
    • Tongs – These are like little tools for your little one to transfer all the material in the bins
    • Learning resources helping hands – These helping hands from learning resources are my personal favourite.
  • Tools for transferring sensory materials
  • Measuring tools

Sensory Material:

The perishable items like rice, lentils, oatmeal etc. I store them in airtight Ziploc bags once they are used. I have made individual bags for rice, lentils, cornmeal, cereals etc. and they have lasted me for years.

How to set up a simple sensory bin?

In the storage tub, empty a bag of rice or lentils or anything. Throw in a few cups, tongs, funnels and let your toddlers have fun transferring the rice through the funnels, cups. To make it more interesting hide a few animal toys and let your toddler rescue / pick them using tongs.

Amazing activity for toddlers to develop hand-eye coordination, critical thinking and be creative!

10 Amazing ideas of sensory bins that are my favourite

Here are another 10 easy to do and my favourite sensory bin ideas for your toddlers that you can try out at home. I have been lately doing these on repeat with my daughter.

Related: Looking for more activities for your toddlers. Here are 25 fun and learning activities that your toddlers will love that the readers have been loving on the blog.

Are you guys ready to try a sensory bin with your toddler?

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