Sensory Bin 101: Sensory Bin Bases

Ever wondered about what sensory bin bases to use for your kids’ sensory bins?

Welcome back to Sensory Bin 101, your introductory course to one of the most loved preschool sensory activities. Last week we looked at what is a sensory bin and a few benefits. Today we shall learn about sensory bin bases. Let’s walk.

What Are Sensory Bin Bases?

A base is exactly what it sounds like. It is the filler for your container and can take many forms.

Almost anything in your home that is safe and in abundance can be used as a base. When I say anything, I mean anything.

Ideas for Sensory Bin Bases

Water

The simplest and easiest base is water. Yup you heard me, water. simply ensure that you are supervising your preschooler while they are using the bin. You can colour the water and you can also scent the water.

Rice

This is a big hit in my house as rice is cheap and you can buy huge bags. I use about 2 cups of rice for each of our sensory bins. I can even colour and scent my rice.

Barley

I recently discovered this gem when I was cleaning out my cupboards and realized that my pearl barley was expired. I didn’t want to simply throw it out so I used it in our Frozen Winter Bin and I think this bin is J’s favourite to date.

Cotton

I have used cotton on several occasions especially when I want to replicate snow.

Other Bases to Consider

• shredded paper
• pompoms
• cornmeal
• shaving cream (really want to try this one soon)
• cereal (stale Cheerios anyone?)
• flour
• snow
• dirt
• straw
• oats
• beans
• beads
• Ice (chipped or cubes)

Below you will see a few links for some of the popular sensory bin bases to try via Amazon. Please note that affiliate links are used below for your convenience.

 Happy Belly Pearled Barley 1lb 365 by Whole Foods Market, Rice White Thai Jasmine Organic, 32 Ounce Barbasol Thick and Rich Shaving Cream, Original 10 oz (Pack of 2) Perfect Stix – Perfect Stix M Cotton Balls- 1000ct- 1M Medium Cotton Balls 2 Packs of 500. Total 1000 Cheerios Cinnamon Oat Crunch Breakfast Cereal, 24 oz Giraffe – Magic Water Beads – Over 55,000 Beads – 10.50oz

 

Like I said, once you have it in your home and in abundance and its safe, you can use it as a base. Well that concludes our second lesson in Sensory Bin 101. Thanks for walking with me.

Are you feeling more confident in making a sensory bin today?