Sensory Bottles, Slime & Dough: How to Make Safe, Soothing Play Materials

Sensory play isn’t just about the glitter and the gooey stuff! It’s a powerful tool for calming children, building neural connections, and supporting emotional regulation. For kids who are overstimulated, anxious, or simply need a focused task, sensory materials offer a magical combination of soothing textures and mindful engagement.

The best part is that you don’t need a science lab or store-bought kits to make it happen. With a few household staples and a pinch of creativity, you can create safe, colourful, and stimulating materials using items already in your kitchen cupboard.

In this post, we’ll share:

1. Easy, non-toxic recipes for sensory bottles, slime, and dough
2. Developmental benefits of each activity
3. Real-world tips for cleanup, storage, and supervision
4. Customisation ideas for different ages and needs

For more home-based inspiration, check out Turning Chores into Games: How to Make Tidying Up Fun and Educational.

1. Why Sensory Play Matters

Sensory materials support a wide range of skills:

• Fine motor development (squeezing, pinching, rolling)

• Language skills (describing textures, colours, smells)

• Focus & calm (especially for children with ADHD or anxiety)

• Creativity & exploration through open-ended, tactile play

Pro nanny tip: A rota nanny in Geneva used sensory dough as a post-nap transition tool for a child with sensory processing sensitivities. It became part of their daily calm-down ritual, resulting in fewer meltdowns and more mindful moments.

2. Sensory Bottles: Visual Calm in a Jar

What They Are

Clear bottles or jars filled with liquids, glitter, beads, and small objects that move slowly when shaken—also known as “calm-down bottles.”

How to Make Them

You’ll need:

• Clear plastic bottle or jar (with a tight lid!)

• Warm water

• Clear glue or baby oil

• Glitter, sequins, small beads

• Food colouring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill the bottle halfway with warm water and add 2–3 tbsp of clear glue.

2. Add glitter, sequins, or beads.

3. Fill the rest with water (or baby oil for slower movement).

4. Seal tightly (use hot glue around the lid for safety).

5. Shake and watch the magic!

Why it works: Visual tracking soothes the nervous system; think of it like a lava lamp for kids. Great for quiet time or emotional resets.

Customise it: Use themes (underwater, rainbow, space) or add tiny objects like LEGO heads or alphabet beads.

3. Slime: Stretchy, Squishy, Surprisingly Soothing

What It Is

A stretchy, gooey material that kids can pull, squish, roll, and stretch—ideal for tactile exploration and stress relief.

Safe, Non-Borax Recipe

You’ll need:

• 1 cup school glue (PVA)

• 1/2 cup water

• Food colouring or glitter (optional)

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tbsp saline solution (must contain boric acid)

Instructions:

1. Mix glue, water, and colouring in a bowl.

2. Stir in baking soda.

3. Add saline solution gradually and stir until it forms slime.

4. Knead for 2–3 minutes until smooth.

Want another option? Try How to Make Oobleck (Cornflour Slime) for a taste-safe alternative.

Why it works: Manipulating slime engages both sides of the brain, offering sensory feedback that calms the body and sharpens focus.

Top tip: Store in a ziplock bag or airtight container to keep it fresh for up to a week.

4. Homemade Dough: The Classic Sensory MVP

What It Is

Soft, pliable dough for sculpting, squishing, and imaginative play.

Simple No-Cook Play Dough Recipe

You’ll need:

• 2 cups plain flour

• 1 cup salt

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 2 tbsp cream of tartar

• 1 to 1.5 cups boiling water

• Food colouring or essential oils (lavender, peppermint)

Instructions:

1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.

2. Add oil and colouring to the boiling water, then pour into the mix.

3. Stir and knead until soft and smooth.

Why it works: Dough is ideal for strengthening little hands, developing pre-writing muscles, and offering a calm, creative outlet.

Pro manny tip: One manny created a “bakery station” with rolling pins, cookie cutters, and cupcake trays as a more engaging alternative for the older kids in his care.

Combine this with 5 Quick, Easy, and Original Craft Ideas for a full sensory afternoon!

5. Cleanup, Storage & Safety Tips

Cleanup Tips:

• Lay down a washable mat or tray

• Keep wipes or damp cloths nearby

• Use aprons or old t-shirts for messy play

Storage:

• Sensory bottles require no maintenance being just 'shake and go.'

• Slime can be stored in airtight containers or plastic in the fridge

• Dough wrapped in cling film can be stored in containers in the fridge to last up to two weeks

Safety Notes:

• Always supervise children under 3

• Avoid choking hazards in sensory bottles (small beads, buttons)

• Check for allergies (especially essential oils or flour-based doughs)

Final Thoughts

Magic in the Mess!

Sensory play isn’t just about keeping kids busy; it’s about offering them tools to self-soothe, express, and explore. When they are swirling glitter in a calm-down bottle or squishing their way through fresh dough, you’re giving children a language beyond words that helps them understand better who they are and their world.

And as a caregiver, you’re not just making slime; you’re helping kids build resilience, focus, and joy through touch.

So roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and remember: sometimes the calmest moments come from the squishiest places!

Ready to share your sensory play skills with a new family? Browse current roles at Jobs in Childcare.