Chia Seed Sensory Bin

Hands playing with chia seed sensory mix.

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This easy DIY sensory bin with chia seeds is perfect for infants and toddlers who like to put everything in their mouths!

Prep Time5

Cook Time0

Soaking Time4

Total Time4 5

Course: Sensory Bin

Cuisine: American

Servings: color

Calories: 207kcal

Author: Sacha

Ingredients

¼ cup chia seeds whole
1 ¾ cups water
food coloring optional, as needed

Instructions

Pour chia seeds into a medium-sized container. Add water and stir with a spoon until combined.
If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and stir until the color is visible throughout.
Close the container and place it in the fridge. Let the chia seeds soak for 3-4 hours (or overnight), until they develop a thick, slimy texture. Pour into a bin and play immediately.

Video

Notes

1. Choosing your chia seeds: White chia seeds will produce a brighter color, but both white chia seeds and black chia seeds will work for this recipe.

2. Making multiple colors: Repeat the process as many times as you wish to make multiple colors.

3. Storage instructions: Store the chia goop in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, checking for signs of spoilage before play.

4. Limiting the mess: Consider protecting your table with a plastic tablecloth, setting up the activity on a plastic tarp on the floor, playing in the bathtub or shower, or taking the sensory bin outdoors. Make sure to avoid carpets and hardwood floors, remove your child's clothes (or have them wear a smock) and tie up long hair. Be prepared to give your child a bath when they're done playing.

5. Helpful tips:

Use stackable containers: When making multiple colors, save room in your fridge using stackable containers.
Take it out in advance: Take the mixture out of the fridge a couple hours before play to allow it to warm up.
Try different soaking times: The longer the chia seeds soak for, the thicker the mixture will be.
Switch up the theme: This activity can be modified to suit a variety of themes using different colors and accessories. (Make sure you use accessories that are easy to clean.)
Turn it into slime: Once your child is done playing, turn this sensory bin into a whole new activity by slowly adding cornstarch to make chia seed slime.

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