Top 5 things you can use from your pantry for sensory play

​Sensory play does not have to be complicated or difficult. You don't even have to be creative. I will always stand by the best, easiest, and most available sensory play base is water! That’s right, give your toddler a bowl of water and a measuring cup and spoon, and watch the fun begin.

This blog post will cover some other common pantry staples you can use in sensory play, and how to use them. Always monitor your child closely when doing any sensory activity. Food play with direct contact with the food is only appropriate for children 6 months and older.

1. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a favorite, because it's inexpensive, has a great unique texture, and is easy to clean up. Like most of the items on this list you can dye the oatmeal, add pom poms, or even some toy trucks and cars. Play with the oatmeal dry or cook it and cool it and let your child go to town. A follow up bath may be needed but that is all part of the fun. 
2. Rice: I will warn you now, rice gets messy. If you are brave enough to try it though you won't be disappointed. Rice is so fun to scoop and pour, feels great running through our fingers, and vacuums up nicely. Add in some fun figurines, scoops, and watch your little one light up as they play.   
3. Cereal: Cheerios are my favorite to use in sensory play because they are so versatile. Pour the cereal directly onto a baking sheet, add some spoons and cups and let your child's imagination do the rest. Cereal can also easily become sand if you blend it up. Possibilities are endless.  
4. Pasta: Pasta can get a little tricky depending on the age of the child. For younger children I suggest short pastas like rotini, elbows, or farfalle that are cooked and cooled. You can add a little oil to prevent sticking, and even dye the pasta by adding food coloring to the water as the pasta boils. For toddlers that are more comfortable eating, you can incorporate longer pasta such as spaghetti into the play.  
5. Gelatin: Plain unflavored gelatin is a great sensory experience for most children. Because the gelatin is plain you can dye it any color you like with food coloring and not have to worry about any sugar or artificial additives. Add in figurines or fruit before the gelatin sets to enhance the play. For easy clean up do outside (weather permitting) or even in the bathtub. 

So there you have it, my top 5 pantry staples you can use in sensory play. I hope this inspires you to look through your pantry and start playing today. If you have any questions about sensory play or how to play with a purpose I am available Thursdays and Fridays at the Ankeny IFM office or reach out to me through email at Stephanie@integrativemediowa.com I would love to help! Also don’t forget to register for our free sensory development classes. Come play with a purpose with us!