The days are warmer, the birds are chirping, and spring is finally here. And while we love seeing all the blooms, bugs, and muddy puddles popping up all over the place, we’re not quite sure we want to invite all those natural elements into our house (especially that rainy day mud). But not to worry, these spring sensory activities for babies and toddlers focus on all the outdoor elements they love without messing up the place.

Looking for more sensory activities for toddlers? Check out our favorite busy boxes for young kidsfun outdoor learning activities for young kids, and our ultimate list of sensory play for babies and toddlers.

1. Make Spring Sensory Soup

If you’ve got flowers, you’ve got everything you need for a spring sensory activity. Get a bin, and fill it with water, flowers, leaves, and whatever else you think will be engaging, give your baby or toddler a spoon and a cup and watch them get to work. Of course, if you’ve got a mouthy babe, be sure to watch them at all times.

2. Muddy Truck Sensory Bin

a picture of a boy playing in a spring sensory bin, a fun spring sensory activity
Mama. Papa. Bubba.

If you're not up for playing in actual mud, make your own! This spring sensory bin from Mama. Papa. Bubba is safe for kids to sneak a taste of and smells delicious. Why? Because it's made with cocoa powder! Littles can move the trucks around so they make muddy tracks, as well feeling the texture of the mud with their fingers. You can even add small scoopers and measuring cups for new ways to experience the mud. You may want to lay down a towel or plastic tablecloth underneath to help contain the mess.

3. Rainbow Water Beads

a picture of water bead bags, a fun spring sensory activity
Meri Cherry

Pop by any preschool classroom and you’re likely to find kids and parents equally enamored with water beads. Something about their squishy texture just screams “Play with me!” However, because they aren’t edible, sharing them with young children means getting creative. Meri Cherry has the great idea to fill resealable bags with these beads, seal ‘em up with duct tape, and let your little one squish, mush, and roll to their heart’s content (under your supervision, of course).

4. Nature Sensory Bag Suncatcher

a picture of a boy enjoying spring sensory activities
Hands On As We Grow

Nature lovers will be entranced by this eye-catching sensory bag from Hands On As We Grow. Head out to your backyard or local park to gather pretty leaves and flowers, and then craft the suncatcher with your child for a perfect spring sensory activity.

5. Colorful, Edible Water Beads

a picture of edible water beads, a fun spring sensory activity for babies and toddlers
Fun at Home with Kids

From our friends at Fun at Home with Kids comes this edible (safe for babies and toddlers) spring sensory activity that uses basil seeds instead of the more common water beads. These seeds absorb water, resulting in a squishy, jelly-like consistency, and can be dyed any color you like. From there, your little one can scoop, pour, fill, empty, press, swirl, and more—all without you worrying about a choking hazard. To bring spring alive in this bin, be sure to add fun touches like plastic farm animals, tractor toys, and even fabric flowers to the mix.

6. Texture Eggs

Little Bins for Little Hands

If you have plastic Easter eggs, put them to good use with this fun idea from Little Bins for Little Hands Inside each egg, place a balloon filled with items of different textures, such as rice, baking soda, or flour. 

Related: DIY All Day: 20 Sensory Activities for Toddlers & Babies

7. Chicks and Flowers Sensory Bin

In the Playroom

We love this cheery sensory bin idea from In the Playroom incorporates straw and little chicks. The littles can practice their counting, hide the chicks in the straw, and feel the different textures. 

8. Insects and Bugs Sensory Bin

Learn, Play Imagine

Little ones who don't mind getting their hands dirty will love searching for insects and bugs in this dirt-filled sensory bin from Learn, Play Imagine. Be sure to use larger plastic bugs (that aren't choking hazards) for your baby. 

9. All the Colors of the Rainbow

Happily Ever Mom

Does your little one put everything in their mouth? Katie of Happily Ever Mom shows you how to turn regular bread into a rainbow-colored activity for your little one to crunch, smash, and have fun manipulating. Because it's edible, you don't have to worry about baby taking a nibble.

10. Pom Pom Seed Bin

This easy spring sensory activity is best for toddlers since you’ll need dried black beans to create the “soil.” Throw in a few fake plants and flowers and let your kiddo dig to their heart’s content.

 

Sensory play is critical for toddlers’ and babies’ developing brains, and you’ll enjoy watching as your child discovers new textures and learns about cause and effect, all while having tons of fun. So the next time you’ve got some sensory play on your mind, try these easy DIY ideas you can put together in a jiffy. Many use household items you already have on hand, like baby-safe paint, to stimulate babies’ senses and satisfy their need for exploration. Others may require you to grab a few things the next time you’re out at the store so can create these sensory activities for toddlers and babies when the time comes. Either way, planning sensory play at your house has never been easier.

Sensory Activities for Toddlers

sensory play
Mama.Papa.Bubba

1. The Sweet Sound of Velcro

The family at Mama.Papa.Bubba discovered their little one’s fascination with VELCRO and share lots of creative ways to use it to engage your curious kid. VELCRO can be used on its own, so kids can learn about how it sticks together and comes apart, or with different materials (think shoelaces, stuffed animals, socks) so they can figure out what sticks and what doesn’t. This is a no-mess activity, making it a great choice for days when you just can’t clean up another spill.

backyard waterpark ideas
Inner Child Fun

2. Sponge Bombs

On warm days, these sponge bombs are fun for kids of all ages. Your littlest explorer will be fascinated by the shape, color and texture of the sponges, and how they absorb and release water, while older kids can play catch, surprise friends with an unexpected shower, or score baskets. These can also be enjoyed in the bath or in your kitchen (perhaps with cookie sheets or towels to contain the water). Find out how to make them at Inner Child Fun

sensory play
Mama. Papa. Bubba.

3. Bubbles & Blocks

And speaking of bubbles... Mama.Papa.Bubba put them together with DUPLO bricks for an easy way to keep kids entertained for a long time. Lay down a towel or plastic tablecloth, and fill a plastic container with blocks, soapy water (use baby wash or dish soap), and a dish brush or sponges. Then watch as your child explores the bricks, splashes the water, plays with the bubbles, and picks up the scrubber to get those bricks clean. 

Domestic Mommyhood

4. Cool Painting Trick

On a warm day, try out this idea from Domestic Mommyhood: painting with colored ice cubes. Using ice trays from your freezer, liquid watercolor, and tap water, make ice cubes and then head outside with some big sheets of white paper and watch kids use them like crayons to make their own masterpieces. Holding onto slippery ice cubes is a great way for little fingers to practice their grip strength, and we love that any mess from this activity is left outside.

Related: 20 Baby Games to Play with Your Child From Birth to Age 1

sensory play
Meri Cherry

5. Wonderful Water Beads

Pop by any preschool classroom and you’re likely to find kids and parents equally enamored with water beads. Something about their squishy texture just screams “play with me!” However, because they aren’t edible, sharing them with young children means getting creative. Meri Cherry has the great idea to fill resealable bags with these beads, seal ‘em up with duct tape, and let your little one squish, mush and roll to their heart’s content (under your supervision, of course).

sensory play
Little Bins for Little Hands

6. A Rainbow of Exploration

Fill a container of any size and shape with almost any assortment of objects and voila! Instant entertainment for your little one. Little Bins for Little Hands tells you all you need to know to make one (or several bins), using items already in your home. Raid the pantry for beans, rice or cereal; head to the kitchen for measuring cups, spoons and whisks; duck into the yard for flowers, grass, pinecones and rocks; or hit up your closet for bracelets, shoelaces, old keys and buttons.

sensory play
The Imagination Tree

7. Spectacular Spaghetti

What’s colorful, slimy and completely fascinating? Cooked spaghetti. Spice it up with a bit of color, throw in some alphabet shapes, and you have an afternoon of sensory play for wandering toes, exploring mouths and bright eyes. It's another great idea from Anna at The Imagination Tree.

sensory play
Anna via The Imagination Tree

8. Make It Rain

Rain sticks take some time and work to create, but this is a musical instrument that will keep kids engaged for a long time. The Imagination Tree shares the instructions, which involve putting nails into a cardboard tube and filling it with small items (like rice, lentils, and barley) to make interesting sounds. Use one item per tube so each will make a different sound, just perfect for an impromptu jam session.

Happy Hooligans

9. Welcome to the Coffee Shop

This coffee shop activity from Happy Hooligans combines two of our favorite things: imaginative play and sensory exploration. With just a few ingredients, including sand, water, dish soap and coffee cups, your toddler can set up a play coffee shop and explore mixing ingredients in different proportions and serving your family, all while learning about cause and effect, textures, and the basics of running their own restaurant.

Fun at Home with Kids

10. Cotton Ball Bonanza

Want to take a quick shower? Let your child entertain themselves with a container of water and some cotton balls. As with most sensory play, simpler is often better when it comes to engaging little minds. Kids can explore how cotton balls absorb water, how the water comes out when you squeeze them, and how dry cotton balls stick together and come apart. This easy, inexpensive idea comes from Fun at Home with Kids.

sensory play
Fun at Home with Kids

11. Super Seeds

Also from our friends at Fun at Home with Kids comes this edible, safe-for-little-mouths activity uses basil seeds instead of the more common water beads. These seeds absorb water, resulting in a squishy, jelly-like consistency, and can be dyed any color you like. From there, your little one can scoop, pour, fill, empty, press, swirl, and more, all without you worrying about a choking hazard.

Sensory Play for Babies

sensory play
Little Bins for Little Hands

12. Foamy Fun

Bubbles! Grab your hand mixer, dish soap, water, and food coloring to make this foamy soap that will entrance your child. Spoon it into a tray or low plastic bowl and add plastic animals or bath toys for even more fun. If you can't play outside, lay down a large towel underneath or put your tray in the bathtub for minimal mess. This good, clean fun doubles as an easy way to clean some kid toys. Get the instructions for this sensory play idea at Little Bins for Little Hands.

Related: Let's Play! Sensory Activities for All 5 Senses

Hands On As We Grow

13. Jiggling Jello

Hands On As We Grow has an anthropological spin on the snack-time favorite by suggesting you insert small toys (or beans, rice, or beads) into the Jell-o, let it set, and then let your little one study how objects are suspended inside, and dig into it to see what they can extract. Your child will probably smell the fruity Jell-o, but if they take a nibble, watch closely for any choking hazards. It can get messy, so you might want to lay down a towel or tray or take this project outside or into the tub to minimize clean-up.

Toddler Approved

14. Toddler Tunnel

The folks at Toddler Approved are onto something with this simple yet brilliant idea to attach ribbons of varying lengths, widths and textures to an old box and letting your little one crawl in and out, feel the ribbons passing over their body, drag the box around, and play peek-a-boo with it. This creation can be left out and re-used or re-purposed, given it extra longevity and entertainment value.

Fun at Home with Kids

15. Rice, Rice, Baby

One of our favorite bloggers, Fun at Home with Kids, came up with a fun and super-easy idea for rice play. Why rice? It makes a neat swishy sound and is safer than sand for babies who put everything (and we mean everything!) in their mouths. Just add a tray and some wooden toys and your tot will be occupied for a good chunk of time.

Kate via Laughing Kids Learn

16. Pinterest for Babies

Make a cool "pin" board in a flash. Just grab the hot glue and some kid-friendly scraps you may have lying around the house for an eclectic collection of textures and colors. Check out Laughing Kids Learn for the DIY guide.

Related: The Best Age for Baby's First Music Class, Flight & More

sensory play
Dayna via Lemon Lime Adventures

17. Star Light, Star Bright

Fill a jar with twinkle lights for your child's own personal light show! Watch them roll it, bang on it, even gnaw on the jar. Just make sure that the top is on tightly. Dayna and the gang at Lemon Lime Adventures show you how it’s done.

sensory play
Amanda Rueter

18. Splish, Splash!

All children love water play. To engage younger kids, you just need to dribble a little water on a cooking sheet, add a couple of balls, and watch baby explore the wet space. Get more on this from the mama at Dirt and Boogers.

sensory play
Dayna via Lemon Lime Adventures

19. Rolling in the Dough

Soft and shimmery, light and flaky, this baby-safe cloud dough is made with just two ingredients (whole-grain rice cereal and coconut oil) and is safe for wee ones to get in their hands, hair and even mouths. Head to the Lemon Lime Adventures blog for supermom Dayna's recipe for cloud dough.

Make sure to capture all the messy fun—and share it with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

This dietitian just wants you to know that not every meal you feed your kids will be perfect, and that’s completely OK

We’ve all been there. It’s dinner time. You have hungry kids, but you didn’t make it to the grocery store today, and the fridge is empty. Or you do have healthy groceries, but you had a really busy day, everyone’s already hangry, and there’s no time to cook a nutritious meal. So what do you do? You hit the fast food drive-through. Or you toss some chicken nuggets in the microwave. Or you plop the kids down at the dinner table with a plate full of popcorn (as long as they’re old enough for it not to be a choking hazard) and cookies, like this dietitian mom did. And she wants you to know that’s totally fine.

Kacie Barnes is a registered dietitian who posts on Instagram as @mamaknowsnutrition. She’s a master of toddler and kids’ nutrition, especially when it comes to picky eaters. And you may be surprised to hear that her kids don’t eat perfectly planned meals every day. In a recent video, she shared that their dinner was nothing but cookies and popcorn and that was that because it was the best they could do.

“I’m a dietitian, but I’m also a human,” she said. “My kids basically ate cookies and popcorn for dinner tonight. I haven’t gone grocery shopping yet. We have like, no food in the house except for snacks. I was like, this just is what it is.”

If that isn’t relatable, I don’t know what is. And as someone who sees a dietitian regularly, I’d just like to say that popcorn is a high-fiber snack that she would absolutely approve of. Sure, she would gently ask me to try to add some protein to that meal, but with the caveat that not every dinner is perfect. Because this is real life and we aren’t perfect all the time, especially when kids are involved!

In the caption, Dr. Barnes wrote, “You’re not a bad mom when your kids eat like this and this kind of thing happens to ALL of us. Is it ideal? Of course not. But none of us are capable of meeting the gold standard every single day. I’m never going to hold any one of you or myself to an impossible standard! Nutrition is important but it’s not the ONLY important thing.”

Amen to that. So eat those snacks as meals—just only once in a while. And try to add some protein—if you can ❤️

Teething has turned your sweet baby into a drooling, clingy, cranky mess, and none of your go-to remedies seem to be working. You’re giving them all the extra cuddles (the best treatment for most baby drama), extra boob or bottles, you panic-ordered the iconic banana teether toothbrush, and you’re now best friends with Sophie La Girafe, but your little one is still a disaster. Luckily, there are so many other ways to help soothe a teething baby. Try these teething tips to ease your babe’s discomfort fast—and don’t forget to keep wiping that waterfall of drool pouring out of their mouths! (The last thing you need is irritated skin on top of teething pain.)

iStock

1. Rub baby’s gums. After washing your hands, give your baby a gentle gum massage. The pressure from your fingers will counter the pressure of the teeth breaking through. It will feel good and offer your little one some relief from sore, swollen gums.

2. Refrigerate a pacifier. Chilling a pacifier makes it even more soothing by lightly numbing gums to dull the pain.

3. Wear baby-safe teething necklaces. Teething necklaces (jewelry for mom with chewable silicone pieces) give your child an easy-to-grab item to gnaw on when you're holding them. Just don't put any jewelry (e.g. amber necklaces) on your baby—these are choking and strangulation hazards

iStock

4. Try a mesh feeder. Freezing some fruits in a mesh feeder can be a lifesaver for cranky kids and their equally cranky parents. Not only does it chill and soothe sore gums, but your baby or toddler will be occupied for a solid chunk of time before they get through all that frozen goodness.

5. Make milk/formula popsicles. Some babies and toddlers refuse to eat while teething, mostly out of discomfort. Popsicles keep your little one fed and hydrated while soothing those gums. Use silicone popsicle forms to make them, and fill with breastmilk or formula. When eating, slip a bib on your babe or place them on a washable towel or blanket since popsicles can get messy.

6. Wear your baby as much as possible. Strap your clingy child into a structured carrier or wrap, facing inward. They'll feel comfort from being close to you, and you can still get things done. Win-win.

iStock

7. Freeze a wet, textured washcloth. Moisten a textured washcloth, wring it dry, and place in the freezer before giving it to your baby. Terrycloth or a ribbed texture will offer added relief by creating friction as baby gnaws on it.

8. Refrigerate a small spoon. A spoon is something your child can hold on their own, chew on, push against their gums, and even play with to distract themselves from teething pain. Keep a few spoons in the fridge so you always have one at the ready. Those new teeth can really sneak up on you.

9. Serve chilled purees. Chill pureed foods prior to feeding your baby so the food is cool on their gums. It will feel nice and may encourage your child to eat more.

iStock

10. Become a chew toy. Wash your hands in cold water and then offer a chilled pinky for your child to gum on. You can also show your child how to gum on their own fingers, to help them self-soothe.

11. Give your child a foot massage. Studies in reflexology have identified connections between toes and the head and teeth. Gently massage your child’s toes for comfort and a distraction from their pain.

Make sure to capture all the pics of those adorable new teeth—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

Babies don’t come with a manual, but they do come with lots of unsolicited opinions on how to raise them best. Mothers have been passing down their wisdom (and so many old wives’ tales) for generations, and while some of that info is valid a lot of it can be disregarded as outdated baby myths. “There are tons of things you can learn from the generation before,” says Dr. Whitney Casares, author of Doing It All: Stop Over-Functioning and Become the Mom and Person You’re Meant to Be and Gerber pediatric consultant. “The most important thing, however, is to fact-check them with a doctor to make sure it’s up to date with current recommendations.”

Since good advice can be a new parent’s saving grace, we’ve enlisted Casares to help us debunk the less-than-solid suggestions—everything from babies needing to poop daily (false) to the idea that you can spoil an infant (super-duper false). Here are 11 common baby myths that could definitely use a background check.

1. You can spoil a baby with too much affection.

Let’s get this one out of the way first for the folks who need to hear it: You cannot spoil a baby. Think about where babies came from—they’re used to a warm, dark, cozy space. Now they’re out in the world and it’s scary. “Our job as parents is to attend to our baby when they are feeling unsure of themselves in the world,” says Casares. “Babies are learning from their parents about attachment, safety, and security. They need to know that there’s someone to care about them.”

2. Babies need to bathe daily.

Babies never really need a daily bath, but this is especially true in the first days of life. That white, cheesy substance that’s all over your baby’s skin when they’re born is a biofilm called vernix caseosa and it’s there for a reason. “Vernix includes ceramides which are an important barrier for the skin, keeping all that good moisture in and allergens out,” says Casares. “The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents can keep that on as long as possible.” After that early stage, daily baths are a personal choice. The most important thing is to pay attention to your baby’s hygiene, comfort, and safety in the bath. There’s also research that speaks to the importance of maintaining their skin’s moisture barrier with regular moisturization after baths—this can actually help prevent allergies.

Related: 10 Totally Typical (but Weird) Things That Babies Do

3. Giving your baby a pacifier can cause nipple confusion.

Not true. Studies have shown that pacifiers do not interfere with breastfeeding, but there are some things to consider. The AAP recommends waiting until breastfeeding is well-established, meaning baby is eating well and gaining weight, but overall it’s a decision that’s best left up to parents. Plus, there are other positives beyond a happy baby; according to the AAP, sucking a pacifier at nap or bedtime can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

4. You must burp a baby after every feeding…or else.

There’s something slightly ominous when it comes to burping advice, but rest assured: “Your baby will not explode if they don’t burp,” says Casares. “It’s always good to attempt to burp them after every feed, but nothing major is going to happen.” Some gas could get trapped and they may be a bit more fussy, but it usually works its way out. In fact, a 2014 study that compared burped and non-burped babies found no difference in the incidence of colic between the two groups, though they did find that the burped infants were significantly more likely to spit up.

That being said, if you’re going to give it a good go at any time, Casares says before bed is worth prioritizing because that could allow them to sleep more easily. And, well, sleep is everything for parents.

5. Your baby will doze longer if you put some rice cereal in their milk.

While we’re on the topic of sleep, this one is patently untrue and actually dangerous, though you may have heard it from your mom or mother-in-law. While they mean well, a study back in the ’80s that measured whether babies given rice cereal in their bedtime bottles were more likely to sleep through the night found no significant trend or consistent tendency of either group to sleep better than the other. And what’s worse, the AAP has stated that rice cereal in a bottle (known as RIB) is a choking hazard for babies.

Related: How to Create a Calming Bedtime Routine for Baby

6. Babies should drink water. Or they shouldn’t.

New parents may hear both versions of this baby myth. Here are the facts from the AAP: Babies six months and over who are consuming solids can drink a small amount of water, about 4-8 oz. a day. Babies younger than that or who aren’t consuming solids get all of their hydration from breast milk or formula.

7. Babies need to poop every day.

“It’s OK if your baby doesn’t poop every day as long as they are feeding well…and when the poop does come out that it’s normal consistency, soft, without any little pebbles or blood,” explains Casares. Speak with your pediatrician if anything seems amiss, but otherwise, if your baby is happy, you can put your fecal fears to rest.

8. Babies who hit milestones early are gifted.

Simply untrue… and kind of laughable. As a mother of two, I could leave it at that, but Casares agrees. “No, a baby who hits a certain milestone early does not mean they’re going to be the world’s most important genius.” (Parents, fear not, they’ll always be your little genius.) More importantly, if your baby is not meeting any of the expected developmental milestones, make sure that you discuss it with your pediatrician.

9. Babies prefer to sleep on their bellies.

If grandma tells you that in her day babies slept so much better because they put them down on their tummies, and in your sleep-deprived state you almost relent, listen up: Casares stresses that back is best. “The AAP recommends that all babies be put to sleep on their backs in a safe sleep environment, which means that it’s a firm breathable mattress with nothing else in the crib or the bassinet.” Once a baby can roll themselves from back to tummy things might change, but there’s no need to worry. “Sometimes babies will prefer to sleep on their bellies and if they can roll over, lift their head up, and clear their airway, it’s OK.”

Related: 8 Dos and Don’ts of Baby Sleep

10. All fevers should be medicated.

“One of my professors in my medical training said, ‘Fever is your friend.’ It can be a sign that your body is fighting off an infection,” explains Casares. “I recommend that parents treat a fever with a fever reducer if it is higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit.” With that said, the younger a baby is, the more concerning a fever is to a pediatrician. Under one month is a medical emergency; under three months you still need to talk to a doctor and seek help right away.

11. You have to introduce solids in a very specific way.

Every single baby is different. What matters most when you’re introducing solids, explains Casares, is that you’re paying attention to your baby’s development and making sure that they’re physically and developmentally ready to start eating food—which means that they can sit up unassisted, that they can actually swallow the food, but also that they have interest. Generally speaking, “you want to feed the rainbow and try a variety of foods,” she says.

Furthermore, while it was once believed that a baby should be older before trying allergens, current guidelines recommend proactively introducing allergens like peanuts and eggs into their diet soon after they start solid foods. “Research is showing that introducing those allergens into your baby’s diet earlier on may help lower the risks of developing food allergies,” says Casares.

12. Newborn babies can’t see much.

From birth, babies can actually pick up on things that are across the room and see objects in their periphery, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, but their primary focus is on what’s much closer to them (around 8-10 inches). Over the first month, as their retinas develop and their pupils begin to dilate and take in more light, infants mostly see in black, white, and shades of grey and prefer items that are within a few feet of them, but soon after they start to see color, too.

And yes, little babies go crosseyed a lot and their eyes seem to jerk around without their permission, but that doesn’t mean they can’t see—rather, it’s a symptom of the fact that they don’t have complete control over their eye muscles just yet.

Related: A month-by-month guide to what babies can see

13. You will love and bond with your baby instantly.

This is a gentle reminder to all parents who have struggled with the expectation that they will fall in love instantly: It’s not always the case and that’s OK. Casares stressed that you’re not alone. “It took me a moment to love my first baby even as a pediatrician, especially because she was really fussy when she was born and had colic,” says Casares. “And now I love her until the end of the earth.” If you’re worried about how you feel, however, checking in with loved ones or your doctor is always a healthy choice.

These DIY sensory activities help babies and toddlers experience the magic of the fall season

Introduce the sounds, smells, and tastes of autumn with easy DIY fall sensory activities using items found around the house. From apple-scented cloud dough to a sweet fall sensory bin, you’ll find lots of ways to play that stimulate the senses and the imagination. Stay close by and supervise young children to avoid choking hazards.

Autumn-Spiced Play Dough with Whole Spices

fall sensory bin with play dough
Mama. Papa. Bubba.

This play dough is a treat for your child's sense of touch and smell, thanks to the addition of autumnal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add some cinnamon sticks, anise stars, and other whole spices (but avoid those that may pose choking hazards until your child is older). The spices add texture to the activity and give your child something to push into the dough. This is a fall sensory bin older kids will love to participate in as well. Get the recipe at Mama. Papa. Bubba.

Apple Foam Sensory Bin

Apple foam fall sensory bin is a fun fall sensory activity
Toddler Approved

Squeeze bottles, sponges, tear-free bubble bath solution, and the season's delicious apples are all you need for this fun, foamy fall sensory activity from Toddler Approved. To keep things clean, lay down a towel or vinyl tablecloth first, or head outside if the weather is nice. Keep the apples you use for other autumn activities, or choose plastic apples or pumpkins if you'd rather use your apples for snacking on. 

Boo Bath

Growing a Jeweled Rose

Scare up some bath-time fun for your little boo! Shaving cream makes perfectly puffy ghosts that glide over dark-colored water in this fun activity. Don’t worry about the tub or your tot staying food-colored; it washes away when playtime is over. Get the DIY from Growing a Jeweled Rose.

Fall Sensory Soup

And Next Comes L

The rich colors of fall shine bright in this fall sensory bin. Choose orange or red food coloring for the water and add acrylic leaves and kitchen utensils for your child to play with. Baby will delight in scooping, pouring, and splashing. Find out how to make this from And Next Comes L.

 

Related: The BIGGEST (& Best) List of Fall Crafts, Ever

Slimy Spaghetti

Fall sensory activity using spaghetti
Hands On As We Grow

Slippery spaghetti is fascinating for babies, and an inexpensive toy as well. Add autumn-themed food coloring, a cauldron (a bucket or large cup), and plastic spoons, and watch your little witch or wizard conjure up fun. Jamie at Hands On As We Grow suggests adding a dollop of oil to the noodles to up the slime factor.

Squishy Squashes

a little girl discovering pumpkins, which is a fun fall sensory activity
Shutterstock

Squash, pumpkins and gourds offer your baby a cornucopia of colors, textures and shapes to explore, way before you get to any pumpkin carving. Fill a small bowl with them and top with a towel to let your child discover these autumn treasures. Then cut one open and scoop out some gooey insides for your child to squish, removing any choking hazards like pumpkin seeds.

Apple-Scented Cloud Dough

apple cloud dough is a fun fall sensory activity
Growing a Jeweled Rose

As sweet as mom’s apple pie, this scented fall sensory bin will spice up playtime for babies. The cloud dough is made from a simple recipe of flour, vegetable oil, and apple pie spice, so it’s non-toxic if nibbled. Throw in some apple-shaped foam pieces, scoopers, and muffin tins for more small motor skills. If you don’t have any apple spice handy, Growing a Jeweled Rose recommends cinnamon.

Edible Eyeballs

edible eyeballs are a fun fall sensory activity
Fun at Home with Kids

Squishy, slimy eyeballs are fun to poke and smash on Halloween or any other autumn day. They’re made from gelatin, food coloring, raisins, and cooking oil, so they're edible if baby takes a bite, and they don’t pose a choking hazard. Head to Fun At Home With Kids for instructions on how to make them.

DIY Blackberry Play Dough

Rainy Day Mum

If you're looking for a break from apple and pumpkin-spiced everything, this blackberry playdough is completely non-toxic and has a luscious color and scent, thanks to the inclusion of real blackberries in the dough. Your baby can even help you squish the berries to make it. Rainy Day Mum shares the steps and all the tools you’ll need.

Leafy Adventures

looking at leaves is a fun fall sensory activity for toddlers
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Nature creates its own sensory play activity for us with fallen leaves in stunning autumn colors. Take a walk outside with your child to look at the different colors and shapes, feel the brittle texture, and listen to the crunching under your feet. Bring a bucket to collect some leaves and make a pile for playing in.

 

Hack their school lunch to keep them fueled on busy days

Welcome to back-to-school season! While many of us are sorry to see summer go, we’re also looking forward to reeling in some of the chaos it wrought on schedules and routines. I know I am. The school year may be a grind but my household runs so much more efficiently with established routines. And as a mom, efficiency makes me happy. (So does finally getting my summer night owls back to bed at a reasonable hour!)

One of my favorite daily routines is packing school lunches. I know, hot take. But it gives me peace of mind knowing that the foods I include nourish and energize my children. And we all need a little extra fuel when we’re juggling school, extracurriculars, busy weekends, and more. So I’ve compiled some of my favorite dietitian-approved tips and healthy school lunch ideas for packing an extra dose of energy into their mid-day meals.

1. Carbs are an energizing powerhouse

Cue the communal sigh of relief! You’ve probably spent some time worrying that your kid eats too many beige carbohydrates, but carbs are the body’s preferred source of energy—and kids need a lot of them! To make them count, opt for whole grains (like whole-wheat crackers, bread, tortillas, and pasta), which are rich in fiber, rather than processed grains. Consuming fiber improves digestion, balances blood sugar, and increases satiety to help you feel full for longer stretches. Brown rice, overnight oats, and quinoa are amazing sources of fiber to pop in a lunch box.

2. Double-duty foods give an added boost of fuel

Protein provides satiety and sustained energy, which can tide you over between meals and snacks. Protein also slows the digestion of carbohydrates, or sugar, which prevents blood sugar spikes that can make kids tired and moody. Like protein, dietary fat also helps you feel fuller for longer, especially when paired with carbohydrates, and keeps spikes at bay. So why not pack foods that include both? (Mom hack for the win.) Foods that contain both fat and protein include nuts and seeds, cheese, eggs, and fatty animal proteins like salmon.

Related: 9 Dietitian-Approved Packaged Costco Snacks for Kids

3. Pack in some extra oomph with shelf-stable produce

Carrot and celery sticks, apple and orange slices, fresh berries, and bell pepper strips are standard lunchbox fair for a reason: Kids love them and they brighten up their meals (after all, we do eat with our eyes first). But you can give them an added dose of vitamins and minerals with shelf-stable fruit and veggie snacks, like applesauce cups, fruit and veggie pouches, freeze-dried or dried fruits, and crispy vegetable chips.

4. Ditch the juice boxes and opt for water

What if I told you that water not only hydrates, it also energizes? It’s actually not that surprising since we’re all mostly made of water. Pack a reusable water bottle for your kids so they can concentrate, play, and go about their day without getting dehydrated. And if they’re not typically into drinking water, try adding some fresh lemon slices or berries to dazzle up their H2O.

5. Think about a lunchtime snackle box

Every now and then, consider switching up your sandwich or thermos of pasta for a bento box full of snacks. These also work well for kids who don’t like typical lunch fare. In the same way that you would design a charcuterie board, build a lunch that’s made of energizing snacks. Some great options would be nuts (just remember that whole nuts are a choking hazard for children under age 4), dried fruit, cottage cheese, yogurt, and cheese slices, which you can pair with whole-grain crackers. Don’t forget to include dips, a great source of fat! Guacamole, hummus, nut butter, and cream cheese are fan favorites. If you’re in a pinch, consider nourishing packaged snacks such as popcorn, granola bars, and whole-grain cereals.

Now that baby’s crawling it’s time to start babyproofing the house

Traffic may slow to a crawl, but when a baby starts crawling, they’re zooming. Your former stationary buddy is now heading headfirst down the stairs or digging into your purse, and you’re feeling like you’ll never get a moment to yourself again. Keep kids safe from your home’s danger zones with these clever babyproofing tricks and activities.

1. Safety First
A crawling baby means a new round of babyproofing. Padding furniture corners, covering electrical outlets, tying up loose cords, and installing stairway gates are an excellent start, but there are plenty of less obvious spots that need to be secured. Add locks to toilets and cabinets or doors that conceal electronics, toiletries, cleaners, or glassware, and secure large furniture to the wall to prevent them from tipping over. Pro tip: To get a better sense of what could harm your baby, sit down and lie down on the floor to see your home from a baby’s level. You’ll discover sharp edges, dangling cords, and other potential hazards more easily.

2. Toilet Paper Tube Trick
Crawling babies have more access to items they can put in their mouths, whether that’s dog food or an older sibling’s LEGOs. Not sure what’s a choking hazard? Use the toilet paper tube trick. If the item fits through the tube, keep it out of baby’s reach.

3. Skin Saver 
Hard surfaces can damage a crawling baby’s delicate skin. Rough floors, concrete playgrounds or even carpets can cause scraped, bruised or raw knees from frequent contact. Save your baby’s knees—and pants—by slipping leg warmers or baby knee pads, like the cute ones above from Simply Kids, over baby’s legs. Pro tip: Baby knee pads are also good protection for wobbly toddlers who take frequent tumbles.

4. Staying Alert
Any time you venture out and about with a mobile baby, you’ll have to stay on kid watch like your baby’s life depends on it (because it does). Even new crawlers are shockingly quick. If you have any doubts about whether you can stay fully focused on your little explorer, play it safe and strap baby into a stroller or carrier.

5. Timing Is Everything
If you find yourself having trouble accomplishing tasks with a baby on the loose, adjust your schedule where you can. For example, cut down on time in the kitchen by relying on meal planning or quick prep and slow cooker recipes. Consider showering at night after baby’s bedtime and saving certain tasks for naptime or moments when you have someone else to watch your little mover.

babyproofing a living room
iStock

 

6. Try Redirection
A crawling or toddling baby can leave quite a trail as they explore everything in reach. Keep a small basket of baby-safe toys and books in each room to capture their attention when necessary and keep them away from cereal boxes, markers, and other major messes.

7. Get Germ-Aware
Keeping a crawling baby clean when you’re away from home can be a challenge. Keep a stash of wipes and sanitizer in your diaper bag for outings, and a change of clothes in case of bigger messes.

8. Keep a Surprise Toy Stash
How can you entertain your little cruiser when you need to shower, take a phone call or respond to emails? Hide a stash of “surprise” toys that stay out of your regular toy rotation. Pulling out the basket of “new” trinkets can keep your mobile mini-me entertained for a few minutes while you take care of business or relax for some much-needed me time.

9. Plan a Pool Party!
Turn your blow-up pool into a ball pit by adding colorful plastic balls. Your child will have room to move freely while exploring, and you’ll rest easy knowing baby is contained and entertained.

10. Cook Up Some Quiet
If trying to prep pasta primavera with baby running amok (or attached to your leg) sounds like a recipe for disaster, put your babe in the high chair to watch you. Sing songs, tell stories, or offer an assortment of finger foods to keep them entertained. If you want to pretend you have your own cooking show, we won’t tell anybody.

11. Relocate Your Belongings
If you find yourself frequently cleaning up a certain area—whether baby is obsessed with pulling books off of your shelves or shoes out of your closet—save yourself the constant cleanup and move those belongings upward on higher shelves. Consider this the flooding stage of parenting. As your baby zooms through the house like a force of nature, you move items upwards to keep them out of baby’s wake.

12. Repeat After Us
If snagging your baby inches from the curb for the millionth time or babyproofing have you ready to pull out your (now graying) hair, remember: It’s just a phase. Trust us, “It’s just a phase” will become your new favorite parenting mantra. Bonus: This useful phrase is surprisingly versatile! You’ll likely be using it for one thing or another for, oh, the next 18 years or so.

A TikTok mom (and former paramedic) is going viral for helping to spread the word about how cucumber can be a dangerous choking hazard for young kids

When we talk about high-risk choking hazards for toddlers and young kids, there are certain foods we’re conditioned to think of right away: whole grapes, hot dogs, pieces of raw apple or carrot. But one mom is shining a light on a food we don’t tend to think of: cucumber. As a former paramedic, she says it’s a serious choking risk—but she also has tips for what you can do to feed your young kids cucumbers while also keeping them safe.

Nikki Jurcutz, a mom of two, is going viral for her video where she shares some of the reasons cucumbers can be a sneaky choking hazard.

@tinyheartseducation

Cucumbers aren’t talked about much when it comes to choking, so I wanted to shed some light so you feel more prepared. How do you prepare cucumbers for your little one? #cucumber #introducingsolids #startingsolids #firstfoods #chokinghazard

♬ sometimes all i think is you – ☁️

“Cucumbers aren’t talked about much when it comes to choking, so I wanted to shed some light so you feel more prepared,” she wrote. In the video, she demonstrates why cucumbers are so dangerous: they’re hard, slippery, and easily break off into chunks that can be the perfect size for a young child to choke on.

To make this refreshing summer snack safe, Jurcutz shared, cut it into long, thin strips. This makes it easier for toddlers to hold and bite into, without the risk of chunks breaking off.

In a follow-up video, she shared a few more options: you can steam them until they’re soft and then puree them, grate them, or cut them into slices for older kids with more advanced chewing abilities.

@tinyheartseducation

Replying to @rae_mccarthy Grating cucumbers is a great wat to make them more safe for your little one. Here’s some other ways you can prepare cucumbers to reduce the risk of choking 🥒 #cucumber #introducingsolids #startingsolids #chokinghazard

♬ sign of the times – 𝐥 𝐨 𝐯 𝐞 𝐲 𝐨 𝐮

And if you need to know how to make sure foods are safe for little ones, this video demonstrates the “squish test,” an easy way to separate safe snacks from choking hazards.

@tinyheartseducation

Every parent should know this hack 🍎🍌 Whether you are baby led weaning or your little one is ready for finger food, the squish test is a great way to ensure you give your bub foods that are safe to reduce the risk of choking. Foods that are round, hard, slippery and the size of an airway = increase the risk of choking ‼️ The squish test helps you identify if the food is too hard so you can modify it to make is softer and safer ✅ Introducing solids can be so overwhelming which is why I partnered with our incredible Paediatric Dietitian, Amy to build a course that helps you prevent choking, allergies and also gives you all the information to guide you through introducing solids with your little one, confidently. Link in bio to learn more ❤️ #introducingsolids #startingsolids #babyledweaning #fingerfoods #newparents

♬ original sound – CONTENT CREATION TIPS