Pinterest has convinced parents everywhere that sensory bins are the magical solution for everything from burning off excess energy to enhancing fine motor skills, and even sparking creativity. The moment your little one starts to drool, you’re expected to scavenge for a container from your kitchen, fill it with beans, pasta, or rice, and hand over some utensils. The result? A “sensory bin” or, more accurately, a “mommy needs a breather” bin that will captivate your child for a precious five minutes—just enough time to enjoy a cup of coffee that isn’t lukewarm.
While the advantages sound impressive, the reality often comes with a hefty price tag in terms of cleanup. I’ve experimented with everything from slime to rice, and they all share two common traits: kids adore them, and they create an unbelievable mess. This is the part Pinterest conveniently omits. You can set your kids up with a sensory bin, but be prepared to clean your entire house afterward because whatever you let them play with will end up everywhere.
Believe me; I’ve had oobleck stuck to my ceiling for what feels like eternity.
When my eldest was a toddler, I embraced sensory bins wholeheartedly; I had no qualms about tidying up since I had only one child who was content to be strapped to my back while I tackled household chores. One cold winter, when outdoor play was off the table, I devised a brilliant plan. I dyed some rice—yes, I had time for that back then—and bought an enormous amount of rice. I dragged a baby pool into the kitchen and filled it to the brim. With sand toys in tow, I invited my son’s friends over for a playdate. It was a huge success; the kids played for hours, though they inevitably ended up tossing rice at each other. The mothers were relieved because they didn’t have to deal with the aftermath. We eventually relocated the pool to my son’s room for a few days, and even now, at age seven, I still find dyed rice hiding beneath furniture.
Moms’ Perspectives on Sensory Bins
Moms have distinct opinions on sensory bins, even though most of us have embraced them at some point—perhaps we’re just gluttons for punishment. “If you can’t get messy outside, then you should get messy inside,” says Laura, 36, who is all in on sensory bins. Conversely, Sarah, 40, takes a more cautious approach: “It really depends on the materials and the child.” Her observation rings true; my oldest would quickly lose interest in cups and spoons and resort to flinging items—hence the oobleck on my ceiling. My youngest, however, can be trusted with a sensory bin filled with plastic sea creatures and salt without causing chaos.
Sarah shares a similar experience with her two children. “My oldest was always careful; the messes were manageable. We’ve tried beans, water beads, kinetic sand, and more—it was an obsession for a while.” However, her younger son, like my oldest, is a little tornado. “I have to set limits and be in the right mood before starting because he doesn’t hold back and will just start slinging items,” she explains.
Not all moms are keen on the mess. Jessica, 37, has done rice and water beads but ensures to lay down towels for easier cleanup. “I only allow them to play when I’m mentally prepared because I need to be okay with cleaning the floor afterward.” She only attempted water beads once due to the frustration of them rolling everywhere.
For numerous moms, the hassle isn’t worth it. “All that stuff that ends up on your floor and then in the landfill—like water beads and sticky foam pellets—isn’t worth the energy,” remarks Megan, 37. And a word of caution from Kate, 49: “Don’t use couscous unless you want to find it under your couch forever! It rolls everywhere.”
Some parents restrict sensory play to the outdoors. “Sand is strictly an outdoor activity, unless it’s kinetic sand,” asserts Rachel, 31. I, however, would argue otherwise. My local children’s museum once featured a massive sensory bin filled with kinetic sand, and the mess—both on the floor and the kids—was nothing short of epic.
Jessica has no issue with sensory materials involving water and will use sand as long as it stays outside. Rachel acknowledges that dried pasta can get messy but finds that using rocks or buttons is much easier to clean up, as they simply require a sweep. Kate enjoys water beads and shaving cream. Sarah, a public school teacher, lists the materials she hasn’t been reprimanded for by janitors: “Rice, various beans, lug nuts, plastic melt beads, and kinetic sand that matches the carpet.” Bless the janitors for their patience—they must have a high tolerance for mess.
Finding Balance with Sensory Bins
Ultimately, the success of sensory bins hinges on your tolerance for chaos. If you can handle rolling water beads, rogue couscous, or rice that lurks under your couch for years, then your kids will dive into an array of sensory activities. However, if, like Jessica, you need to be in the right frame of mind to cope with the inevitable aftermath of a sensory bin—and let’s be honest, there’s always an aftermath—then your kids might not be handed a bin filled with water and soap.
It also depends on the child; if they have a penchant for throwing things, then avoid giving them oobleck. But if they’re more careful, feel free to hand them a bin filled with salt and step out for a moment of peace. Whatever you choose to put in the bin, your children will love it, and you’ll get those few precious minutes to sip your coffee in tranquility. Isn’t that what we all desire?
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Summary
Sensory bins can be both a blessing and a challenge for parents. While they offer a way for children to explore and learn, the cleanup can be overwhelming. Each child interacts differently with sensory materials, and understanding their behavior can help parents decide when and how to incorporate these activities. Ultimately, a sensory bin can provide a much-needed break for parents while allowing children to engage in imaginative play.