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PSPKK1234 Comments

Baby’s first sandbox

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baby's first sandbox - the measured mom

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.

baby playing with cups in box

He played with the plastic cups for a minute.

baby feeling Malt-O-Meal

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.

baby digging

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

baby playing in "sandbox"

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.

baby dumping

Dumping was fun!

baby playing in "sandbox"

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

children with "sandbox"

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.

baby playing in "sandbox"

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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Filed Under: General Tagged With: sensory play

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

Summer Boredom Buster for Preschoolers – Make a garden in a box Icy insect sensory bin Learning about Magnets – for preschoolers (sensory fun for the letter M)
Spring tulip count & clip cards
Preschool Crafts for Letter T

Reader Interactions

4 Comments

  1. Cassie @ 3 Dinosaurs

    March 24, 2013 at 6:28 am

    Thanks for linking up! I love the sand box!

    Reply to this comment

Trackbacks

  1. Unique Sandbox Set Ups for Kids - Sugar Spice and Glitter says:
    July 20, 2018 at 11:02 am

    […] Baby’s First Sandbox | The Measured […]

    Reply to this comment
  2. Today’s Hint: Another Use for Big Plastic Storage Bins – Hint Mama says:
    April 28, 2014 at 9:18 am

    […] For instance, you could easily turn a plastic bin into a DIY ball pit or “sand” box, as Anna over at The Measured Mom and Mary Catherine at Fun-A-Day both did. And if you want to get really fancy, just look up […]

    Reply to this comment
  3. It's Playtime! Spring Activities says:
    April 3, 2013 at 6:59 pm

    […] 5. Weaving Bird Nests {Reading Confetti} 6. Windy Day Science  {B-Inspired Mama} 7. Baby’s First Sandbox {The Measured Mom} 8. How Does It Rain? {Train up a Child Learn as we Go} 9. Spring Flower Pot […]

    Reply to this comment

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