How to Make Sensory Bins at Home

Interested in sensory bins but unsure how to create them? This guide will show you how to make sensory bins at home with minimal effort and cost.

Sensory bins are gaining popularity for good reason – they are essential for child development. They are beneficial for all children, including those with sensory processing disorder and autism. Starting with sensory bins may seem daunting, but it is actually quite simple to incorporate sensory play into your child’s routine.

Sensory bins engage a child’s senses of sight, taste, smell, touch, and hearing. They promote development and learning through exploration, offering significant benefits for children with autism and sensory processing disorder. Sensory bins can help reduce sensitivities, improve language skills, memory, and fine motor skills while providing a calming daily activity.

While each sensory bin may not stimulate all senses, they combine different senses to create a unique experience. Similar to sensory bottles, sensory bins may lead to a mess – but that’s part of the fun!

Sensory play aids in brain development by forming nerve connections, aiding in information retention, and memory. For children with autism and sensory processing disorder, sensory bins can help them learn new words, find calmness, reduce sensitivities, and enhance fine motor skills.

Parents often use sensory bins to engage and distract children while completing household tasks. For children with special needs, sensory bins serve as valuable learning tools. As a parent of a child with autism, I have found sensory play to be incredibly beneficial. I now create sensory bins to help my son learn new words, reduce sensitivities, and manage emotions.

Creating sensory bins may seem overwhelming, but it is actually quite simple. You just need to include some basic items in every sensory bin for your child.

1. Storage Bin

I recommend using clear plastic bins with lids for sensory bins. Lidded bins help contain the mess and store sensory items for future use. Choose a bin size based on your preference, available storage space, and the sensory activity you plan to create.

Personally, I prefer small plastic bins with lids for easy storage. Shoe-sized containers work well as they hold plenty of sensory items and can be stacked in a closet.

2. A Base/Filler

The base or filler is the main sensory item in the activity. There are countless options available, including everyday objects like leaves or rice. Here are some filler ideas to get you started:

• Rice
• Pasta
• Aquarium rocks
• Water beads
• Pom poms
• Water
• Kinetic sand
• Stones
• Shaving cream
• Dirt
• Ribbon
• Balls
• Cotton batting
• Loom bands
• Beads
• Crepe paper
• Silk scarves
• String

Consider your child’s sensitivities and interests when selecting fillers for a sensory bin. Tailor the items to engage and relax your child while also addressing any sensitivities they may have.

3. Tools

Tools are essential for manipulating the sensory base or filler. They help with fine motor skills and can include items like cups, tongs, funnels, measuring cups, and a cupcake tin.

4. Fun Extras

Fun extras are additional items added to the sensory bin for extra stimulation or enjoyment. These items are ideal for themed sensory bins and can engage additional senses.