As a Montessori parent it is important for me that we are offering opportunities for my children to learn through their senses. While babies will mostly get what they need just by being in our homes, it is sometimes fun to offer specific opportunities to explore specific sensory experiences. Babies are often working on their visual sense in addition to their other senses.
In addition to Nora's toys at 4-months-old, I wanted to create a safe sensory experience for her. What better than mini-rainbow bottles for my rainbow baby. I had seen this pin, around Pinterest and knew I wanted to do something similar. But, I wanted something smaller and more manageable for a young baby.
What I love about these is that they are first something interesting to look at, but as a baby gets more mobile they start to engage other senses. They all make slightly different sounds as well. They are all slightly different weights. They can be picked up, thrown, or mouthed.
This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
DIY Mini Rainbow Sensory Bottles for Babies
To make these simple sensory bottles I found six baby safe plastic bottles. They are refillable craft bottles meant for sand art and other similar projects. I liked them because they were lightweight, easy to grab, and safe to explore.
(2022 update: Don't get hung up on needing the same exact bottles! Any small baby-safe bottle will work. I found these bottles and these that are similar.)
(2022 update: Don't get hung up on needing the same exact bottles! Any small baby-safe bottle will work. I found these bottles and these that are similar.)
Then, I just filled the bottles with random small objects that fit the rainbow color theme. The objects are just things I had at home. Every bottle is different, but the objects included wooden beads, Pom-poms, foam pieces, buttons, ribbon, shredded paper, wrapping bows, fabric flowers, small scraps of fabric, paper clips, colored pasta, mini umbrellas, mini erasers, confetti, and other similar objects.
Pretty much if it fit into the bottle and was the right color, it went in!
Pretty much if it fit into the bottle and was the right color, it went in!
I loved that they all turned out a little different from each other. They are truly a unique sensory experience on their own and as a group. Henry has been obsessed with these -- especially the yellow -- since I finished them.
This is also a great way for older siblings to get involved in making something for their baby sibling. Older siblings can find objects, they can put them into the containers and even sort into the rainbow!
This is also a great way for older siblings to get involved in making something for their baby sibling. Older siblings can find objects, they can put them into the containers and even sort into the rainbow!
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Nora has been completely mesmerized when I introduce a bottle to her. She also enjoyed studying the group as a whole. It turned out to be a great way for her to get some tummy time in. The bottle is an easy size for her to hold and to watch. They are pretty lightweight so I don't have to worry about her getting hurt if she drops it.
(2022 Update: These have been universally loved by my babies and those that come to my home. Gus, Teddy, and Penelope have all used and loved these easy to make DIY!)
(2022 Update: These have been universally loved by my babies and those that come to my home. Gus, Teddy, and Penelope have all used and loved these easy to make DIY!)
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After the success of these, I can't wait to make some other themed sensory bottles for her!
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Does your baby like sensory bottles?
If you liked this post, don't miss: Color Themed Treasure Baskets for Toddlers; Rainbow Sensory Jars -- An Introduction to Colors. Other ideas can be found on my Montessori Baby Activities or Baby Play Pinterest Boards.
