Oatmeal Sensory Bin for Toddlers

You’ve got to try an oatmeal sensory bin. Trust me.

We are BIG sensory bin people around here. Rice. Corn meal. Flour. Beans. You name it – we’ve loved it… except oats. We’d never tried an oatmeal sensory bin until now. #lovedit

RELATED: Wondering about sensory play, why it’s amazing, and how to keep it tidy? Find all the answers HERE.

The oatmeal sensory bin FOR THE WIN

With as many sensory activities going on at my house, I kind of thought we’d seen them all.

But then as I was cleaning out the pantry and found an extra / old container of oatmeal, it dawned on me: we’ve never tried oatmeal in our sensory bin before.

Faster than you could say “Quaker Oats”, I had my bin full of oatmeal.

RELATED: Did you know you can all dye oatmeal?

A quick review from my 3-year-old

“Mom!! ‘Dis is da best bin ever!”

There you have it folks. The child whose first word (after Mama and Dada) was “BIN BIN!” says this is the best ever. You can’t make this stuff up.

My 3-year-old played quietly, happily, and INDEPENDENTLY for more than 30 minutes the first time I pulled this out.

It was a smashing success.

RELATED: Want to be a little fancy? Try this Oatmeal Apple Sensory Bin.

How do you set up a sensory bin?

Making an oatmeal sensory bin was done in 3 simple steps:

1. Grab the sensory bin (aka my 28 qt storage container – you have to buy these in store).
2. Dump in the oatmeal.
3. Add in kitchen utensils.

BOOM.

Sensory bin made.

Remember, this bin is taste safe so it’s great for even our youngest sensory players. (use supervision of course)

Sensory bins don’t need to be complicated

I know there are fancy sensory bins out there. Pinterest is full of them.

They look gorgeous and I’m sure they are amazing to play with BUT kids don’t need all the extra fancy.

Kids need fun and engaging and a simple approach that puts them in the play driver’s seat. I want to see what my kids come up with NOT what I can come up with.

What do you learn from an oatmeal sensory bin?

There’s so much my son is learning here!

• Pouring skills
• Capacity / understanding volume
• Scooping and filling skills
• Fine motor skills
• Hand-eye coordination

There’s no need to be intimidated by sensory bins

Kids can learn to keep them tidy.

Kids can learn to play within the boundary of a bin.

Trust me, a little vacuuming is worth all the play this sensory bin has given us.

Will you make try this sensory bin?