How to Make Homemade Toys for Infants

Water bottles are the key items needed for this project.

Sensory bottles make great toys for infants and they are so simple to make. All you need to start are some empty water bottles and some objects from around the house. While exploring these new toys, babies will be able to see objects of different colors and watch the way the objects move inside the bottles. They can practice grasping, rolling and shaking the bottles, while being able to feel the varied weights and hear the different sounds the bottles may make.

Things You'll Need

• Water bottles
• Beads
• Buttons
• Rice
• Water
• Food coloring
• Dish soap
• Glue
• Tape

Instructions

Sensory Bottles

1. Empty out water bottles. Wash the bottles with soap and water and remove any labels.

2. Decide which type of sensory bottle you would like to make. Fill water bottles with desired materials.

3. Glue the bottle cap onto the bottle. Wipe off any excess glue that drips from the cap. For extra reinforcement you can also secure the glued cap with a strong tape.

4. Set the bottles aside while the glue dries. Check to make sure that the bottle caps are completely glued shut before giving the bottles to infants.

Tips & Warnings

• Use water bottles of various sizes. Mix food coloring and water for colorful bottles or dish soap and water for bubbly bottles. Play with infants and tell them about each bottle as they are exploring.

• Check the bottles periodically for wear and tear. If caps become loose, either re-glue them or throw the bottles away. Small parts can be a choking hazard. Discard bottles when necessary.

References

• Sensory Activities - Nursery Activity Ideas
• Activity and Sensory Bottles for Young Children

Resources

• Sensory Bottles