I was first introduced to DIY sensory bottles when I worked in a daycare center. These sensory toys are very easy to make, are great for older kids to help make, and can be made in a variety of sizes.
 
If you do not drink bottled water, you can use baby bottles. I have both a “wet” version and a “dry” version of these sensory bottles to share with you. Here is how I made our DIY sensory bottles from old baby bottles.
 
Image of baby bottles text reads DIY sensory bottles made from baby bottles is a simple sensory activity for infants.

DIY Sensory Bottles for Babies

 
 Wet Version:
1) You need baby oil, water, food coloring, sequins, glitter, or small beads, duct tape, and a few baby bottles.
 
2) Fill each bottle with some oil.
 
I filled the one on the left 1/3 full of oil, the one in the middle was 1/2 full and the one on the right was 3/4 full of only oil.
 
I like how the bottle with 3/4 oil turned out the best.
 
 
3) Place sequins, little beads, or glitter into the bottle(s) as you like.
 
4) Place water in a cup, place a few drops of food coloring in the water, and mix to combine.
 

I used 2 cups: one with blue water and one with yellow water.Blue water was poured into the bottle on the left (in the below picture).

Yellow water was poured into the bottle on the right.

I mixed the remaining water in the two cups together (to make green) and then poured the green water in to the bottle in the middle.

The amount of water you need will be determined by how much space you have left in the bottle after the oil and decorative items.

 
5) Place the lids on the bottles, and tape around the lid to create a seal and prevent any leaks (or skilled hands from opening the bottles and spilling the contents).
 
 
6) Shake! Observe how the elements mix and settle.
 
With the young ones you can talk about the colors that are seen.  Older children can time or count how long it takes the contents to settle after the bottle has been shaken.  This can be made into an ‘I Spy’ game if you place little toy items inside the bottle before sealing: Encourage your child to try to turn and roll the bottle.
 
Dry Version:
Using rice or beans-or both-pour some into an empty baby bottle. Screw on the top and tape if desired so that the contents do not spill.

You have a sensory bottle shaker!

This is easy to make with a variety of contents and is easy to change to maintain your infant’s interest. Since this can be a choking hazard if spilled, supervise when it is in use.

 
Free gift for subscribers: How to Teach an Infant Activity cheat sheet.
 
You can make all of these DIY sensory bottles and shakers and provide your infant with an interesting sensory play experience. I love quick, easy ideas!
 

Baby bottles shown on a kitchen counter. Text reads DIY sensory bottles from baby bottles infant activity.

Here are a few more DIY toys for babies:

 
 
 
 
 
20 days of toddler activities to help your toddler play and grow to their next developmental milestone.

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