There is not always a reason to explain why a child has a sensory issue. It may be just something they deal with at a certain age or it’s an issue they’ll have long term. There may be nothing you can do to get your child used to certain textures. However, some children eventually adapt to unusual textures on their own. Since your child may have an actual issue with touching certain objects/textures, sensory bags may be ideal for you.
The ingredients for sensory bags are pretty simple. You will need:
-Ziploc baggies (enough to double up)
-Tacky Glue
-Glitter Glue
-Baby Oil
-Shaving Cream-
-Sprinkles
-Bread Crumbs
Bread Crumb Sensory Bag aka Sand
Have a child who’s not handling the beach very well? I came across something that feels just like sand that will help your child deal with the feel of sand a little better. This sensory bag is pretty simple. You just double up a Ziploc bag and pour the desired amount of bread crumbs in. You will want to leave a little bit of space, so your child can move the sand around and manipulate it with his or her fingers.
Sprinkles Sensory Bag aka Rocks/Gravel
Do you have a child who can’t stand to walk on gravel or rocks? Perhaps they struggle with touching dirt or gravel with their hands. Placing sprinkles in a doubled up baggie will help your child gain experience with touching various forms of gravel. The sprinkles are in the baggie, so your child still gets to feel the “gravel” but also has a safety net in place with the baggie there.
Shaving Cream Sensory Bag aka “It’s okay to get messy”
A lot of children who deal with sensory issues just have trouble wanting to get messy. Shaving cream is a safe bet when it’s in a plastic baggie. You might want to even triple bag this one because the shaving cream has the potential to leak through. Shaving cream is a positive way to introduce a way to get messy and learn at the same time. If your child struggles with the texture of shaving cream, anything sticky, or fluffy, then this is perfect for them. After your child gets comfortable with this sensory bag, it might be possible to introduce shaving cream outside of the bag.
Baby Oil & Glitter Glue Sensory Bag aka A Fun Feeling
There’s really no way to explain the feel of baby oil. But there may be a time when your child isn’t comfortable with the feel of baby oil, shampoo, cooking oil, the slime on spaghetti and so on. This baby oil feeling isn’t something that’s explainable, until you touch it. Place two baggies together and add about a ½ a cup of baby oil, ½ cup of water, and mix together. Add tacky glue to help the water and baby oil to get that ‘glass timer’ feel. You don’t want to add too much tacky glue or else everything will move incredible slow. After you’ve added the tacky glue, feel free to add as much glitter glue as you’d like. The look of this sensory bag will be like oil and water together. Your child can feel the “slimy” feeling without actually getting slimy.
Build Your Own Sensory Bag
The best part of this whole project is letting your child make their own sensory bag. If you want the “glass timer” feel to your sensory bags, then use water, tacky glue, glitter glue, plus whatever else you would like. You can add things like stickers or scrapbook supplies you have lying around. You can add as much or as little as you’d like. Let the kids take the reins on this one and see what fun they can come up with.
A child doesn’t need to struggle with a sensory issue to have fun with these baggies. As a part of growing up, children should be exposed to things like this to help them transition to activities throughout the day a lot easier. No one knows when they will come up on textures like sand, gravel, or spaghetti, but it’s nice to be prepared.
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FAQs
Children can also work on sensory challenges by doing chores and other activities around the house. It's an easy way to integrate sensory activities into daily life while helping them build essential life skills. Some examples include: Cooking: Have the child wear disposable gloves to roll dough or mold cookies.
What is in the bag sensory activity? ›
Take 6-8 brown paper bags and put a different object in each. Number the outside of the bag to keep track of the contents. Next, help your child to use their sense of touch to identify objects. Have them reach into the bags without looking.
What liquid do you put in sensory bags? ›
You can use canola oil, vegetable oil or baby oil. It really doesn't matter. Next stir several drops of food coloring into a half cup of water. Pour the water and food coloring into the bag.
Why are sensory bags good for children? ›
Sensory bags help young children to develop their sense of touch and fine motor skills as they manipulate the small objects around the bags. The types of sensory bags you can make is endless! Get creative and use things from around your home or from the craft shop.
Can a child outgrow sensory issues? ›
Sometimes they resolve on their own, but even when they're severe and continue for many years, sensory processing issues do improve. Often, this improvement can be enhanced by skills learned in occupational therapy or by providing the child with environmental accommodations.
What age to start sensory bags? ›
Babies explore all the time. It's how they learn. A sensory bag is full of things that babies can touch, taste, look at and more.
What are the learning outcomes of sensory bags? ›
Build neural connections within the brain. Develop fine motor skills handling and manipulating objects. Learn social skills by sharing or playing. Be calmed and soothed.
What are sensory activities good for? ›
Supporting brain development, enhancing memory, complex tasks and problem solving. Developing fine motor skills through tactile play (useful when children want to hold a pen or use scissors for example). Supporting language development, communication and social skills. Enhancing memory and observational skills.
What is the best fillers for sensory bags? ›
Fill a resealable plastic bag with tactile materials like hair gel, pumpkin seeds, shaving cream, or marbles. Reinforce the seal with strong tape, then use painter's or washi tape to secure the edges of the bag to the floor or a table where your baby can play.
What can I put in water for sensory play? ›
Provide one part water for two parts cornstarch. I love to make TONS and the children get so much joy out of mixing up a huge batch of this goopy, drippy mixture. Feel free to add a few drops of coloring, but I really like to keep things simple and natural and typically go without the coloring.
Our sensory bags are designed to help sensory needs in both adults and children. Filled with items that can help lessen sensory overload and also engage, the bag items are also easily cleaned and sterilized for multiple uses.
Why is sensory play important for children with disabilities? ›
It helps children to develop their speech and language through engaging with their environment. It can help with social interaction and aid children in engaging with their peers. Children will learn sensory attributes and how to react to them, for example whether something is too hot or too cold.
How will a sensory pack help my child? ›
These types of toys benefit children on the spectrum by helping them engage with their senses, provide feedback to their sensory systems, and regulate their sensory needs.
How are sensory issues treated? ›
The most common treatment used as an intervention for individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder is sensory integration therapy. This focuses on activities that will challenge the individual with sensory input.
Do kids with sensory issues get better? ›
Some kids grow out of these issues completely. Some kids, especially autistic kids, have them their whole lives. But as they get older, they usually learn to cope with many of the things that bothered them as young kids. Sometimes as people grow up, they're more able to handle distress than they were as kids.
Can sensory issues be fixed? ›
There's no cure for sensory issues. Some children may experience fewer issues with age, while others may just learn to cope with the experiences. There is currently not a lot of research on the outlook for children with altered sensory processing.
Can a child have sensory issues and not be autistic? ›
Sensory issues are considered a symptom of autism because many people on the autism spectrum experience them. But not everyone with sensory issues is on the spectrum. Some have ADHD, OCD or developmental delays. Or they may not have a diagnosis at all.
