Get Your Craft Box Out: Make a Calming Toy
If you have ever spent time with a fidgety or anxious child, you know how tough it can be to get them to calm down. Enter the world of DIY calming bottles! They're not just fun to make- they also serve as a fantastic sensory play tool and a meltdown soother. Time to put together your craft box and follow this step-by-step tutorial to create your calming, glitter-filled toy. #DIYKids #SensoryPlay #CraftyMom #LittleKooma
Materials You Would Need
Creating a calming bottle is fairly simple. You just need a handful of easily available materials:- Clear Plastic Bottle: Choose any size depending on the age of your child. The cap should be sealable to prevent leaks.
- Clear Glue or Water: This acts as the medium to float the glitter.
- Glitter, Sequins: This adds the 'bling' to your creation. You can choose one color or a mix to make it more attractive.
Getting Started: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your homemade calming bottle:Step 1: Preparing the Bottle
Begin by removing any labels from your bottle for a clear view. Fill the bottle about half to three-quarters full with clear glue or water depending on the desired viscosity. If you want the glitter to move slowly, fill it with more glue; if you want faster movements, add more water.
Step 2: Adding the Glitter and Sequins
Here comes the fun part! Add your chosen glitter or sequins to the bottle. Give your kid's creativity a free hand. They can put one type of glitter or mix different shapes and sizes to make it more interesting. Remember, the more glitter you add, the slower it falls when you shake it!
Step 3: Sealing the Bottle
Once all your glitter is inside, fill in the remaining space of the bottle with glue or water up till the neck. Ensure not to fill it completely; leave some space, to prevent any pressure build-up. Screw the lid back tightly.
Step 4: Make it Leak-Proof
Remember, this toy is going to be in your young ones' hands. It will surely experience a few drops and throws! A hot glue gun or strong adhesive tape is advisable to seal the cap so no glittery gloop escapes to your carpets, sofas, or worse, your kid’s mouth!
Using Your Homemade Calming Bottle
So, your newly made calming bottle is ready! You will realize that they're not only glittery and fun - they have a purpose, too. The exercise of shaking up the bottle and watching the movements of glitter until it settles down is calming, promotes focus, and can be used as a timer.
Here are a few ways in which you can use the calming bottle:- Meltdown Soother: When a meltdown happens, give the calming bottle to your child. Watching the glitter slowly fall to the bottom can distract them and help them to regain control of their emotions.
- Sensory Play: These bottles offer great visual stimulation. It can be a great DIY sensory toy for children on the spectrum.
- Timer: You can also use it as a timer for brushing teeth or a timeout.
Tips for Making Your Calming Bottle
Like to add a personal touch? Here are a few tips:- You can create themed bottles by using different shapes and sizes of sequins. Try creating an underwater themed bottle by using blue-tinted water and sea-shaped sequins.
- You can also add little surprises inside the bottle for your child to find, like small, waterproof toys or beads.
- If your child enjoys arts and crafts, you can allow them to decorate the bottle exterior for added fun!
Conclusion
Creating a DIY calming bottle is a fun, crafty way to spend quality time with your kids. Not only do you end up with a cool DIY toy, but you’ve got a handy device that can help turn a potential tantrum around. So, why wait? Get crafting!
