Baby’s first sandbox

Here’s an idea for  those of you who are enjoying the beautiful spring weather — and for those of you (like us) who are still stuck inside.  If you have an older baby or young toddler who just can’t wait to get into that sandbox – but eats the sand – here’s a wonderful alternative for a first sandbox.  I first saw it on Small Potatoes.

First I put my 14-month-old into a big plastic bin.  Until I have a giant plastic tablecloth, this is what I use to contain the mess.

He played with the plastic cups for a minute.

Be sure to let your baby feel the cereal (I used Malt-O-Meal) pouring into the bowl or tub.  This was his favorite part!  I used about 2/3 of the box.

Digging in!  Such fun to feel the “sand” between his fingers.

This was funny — instead of scooping the “sand” with the cups, he pinched it and dropped it into the cup.  A little slow going that way :).  I tried to show him how to scoop, but he wasn’t ready for that yet.

Dumping was fun!

While my Two was waiting for his turn at the big kids’ indoor sandbox, he had to get in on the fun.

My Four couldn’t stay away, either.  This was a nice sibling-bonding activity.   The big kids couldn’t get too close (which irks the baby) because of the giant bin, but they could also have fun with their little brother and show him how to play.

The big boys thought he could use some sand toys in the bin.  The fun continued for a few minutes after this, at which point my One started throwing the cereal onto the floor. That was my clue to wrap it up!

Like this idea?  Check out Baby in the Oatmeal.

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