Sensory play has many benefits, especially for children of young ages. In the early years, children use their senses to understand and connect with the world around them.
In this post, you can find information about sensory bottles, their benefits, and how to use them. With this tool, you can stimulate the little ones in their development while including moments of fun and many laughs!.
What is a Sensory Bottle?
They consist of a jar or bottle that we fill with different materials generating a variety of sensations and stimulating essential areas of the brain when the child moves it.
We can fill sensory Bottles with liquid or not. I particularly like those containing liquid because they generate a relaxing and attractive effect when moved. Other components can be added to the water so that the impact of falling objects is slower (it can be baby oil, glue, glycerine).
You can also have objects that make noises, objects of different sizes and textures, and various colors so that the child can identify them when moving the bottle.
At Sensory Toys Box, we have themed bottles that represent and have materials according to a specific theme (e.g., Ocean, Mermaid, Winter), which becomes an excellent gift option and creates the opportunity to learn and go deeper with the child in a specific theme.
What are the benefits of Sensory Bottles?
Motor: The simple act of manipulating the bottle exercises the muscles of the hand and arm, stimulating fine and gross motor coordination (turning, shaking, rotating). It is essential to promote motor skills development in the youngest children. Motor activities contribute to proper physical, emotional, and social development and are especially important in childhood. Through sensory skills, the child learns to control their own body, feels encouraged to explore and discover the environment, expresses themselves freely, and interacts with others more adaptively, with greater control and care of their body and that of their companion (an aspect of great importance for social interaction).
Attention: The child identifies the different objects in the bottle, focuses on one or another, and follows them with their eyes as they go up and down. Concentrating on this activity and being present sets aside other concerns that can produce tension or alter them (e.g., screens, adult meetings). This ability to focus on an activity and leave other distractions aside will be adaptive to their lives; they will need it in kindergarten, at school, doing homework, etc
Stimulate their curiosity and desire to explore: The moments of most significant learning for the child are moments of motivation. The child finds themselves interested in discovering what we present to them. These bottles promote curiosity and interest and invite the child to learn and explore.
Emotional regulation: These bottles are an excellent tool to promote relaxation, attract positive emotions in the child, and provide a moment of enjoyment to relieve their tensions. A good time to use it can be after some period of distress like a long car journey, , arriving tired from daycare, or before going to sleep. Parents need to provide a calm environment when using the bottle; this can be playing quiet music, dimming the lights, or turning off the television.
Sensory skills: We stimulate the sense of sight through the visual following of different objects and colors, the sense of sound through materials that produce noises, and the sense of touch by turning, twisting, shaking, and squeezing the bottle.
What Are the Recommended Ages for Sensory Bottles?
Sensory bottles are versatile tools that benefit children of various ages. We started using them for tummy time with our baby at just two weeks old, and they have been incredibly effective. Sensory bottles are not only great for infants but also ideal for toddlers and older children. Their engaging themes and safe, durable design make them a perfect gift that grows with your child, providing continuous developmental benefits and endless entertainment.
What are some DIY ideas for making sensory bottles at home?
Creating sensory bottles at home can be a fun and educational activity. Start with a clear plastic bottle and fill it with materials like water, glitter, sequins, or small beads for visual stimulation. For texture and sound, consider adding items such as buttons, pom-poms, or colored rice. Seal the bottle securely with hot glue to prevent spills.
If you prefer a ready-to-fill option, we offer empty DIY sensory bottles, allowing you to customize with materials of your choice, ensuring a personalized sensory experience for your little one:
What Should Parents Look for When Purchasing Sensory Bottles?
When purchasing sensory bottles, parents should prioritize:
- Safety
- Shape
- Contents
Safety is paramount; ensure the bottle is made of durable, BPA-free plastic and silicone, securely sealed to prevent leaks. The shape is also crucial; our proprietary sensory bottle is designed from scratch to meet children’s needs, featuring a narrow middle for easy gripping and textured silicone caps on both ends for a soft touch. Additionally, the contents should be appealing and themed to captivate children’s interests, enhancing their sensory experience.
Early stimulation is significant for childhood development!
