Supplies Needed:  Washable project paints or liquid food coloring, baby shampoo or bubble bath, corn starch and water.

Utensils Needed: Mixing bowl, measuring cups/spoons, spoon, paint brush or brushes.

Extra Supplies: Paint palette, small silicon muffin pan, plastic divided container, or small plastic bottles/cups.

This activity provides multiple sensory experiences while creating something that toddlers can enjoy. They can touch and feel the cool of the paint. They can see the different colors and how they blend as they create and use them. Plus, they practice their fine motors skills and learn about cause-and-effect, all of this while getting clean in the bathtub.

1. Combine ¼ cup of cornstarch with ¼ cup baby soap in bowl or container. You can combine the ends of different bottles or maybe one you didn’t like. While no-tear is always good when dealing with youngsters, it isn’t too likely the paint will get in their eyes, so some leeway is allowed.
2. Add 1-2 T of water (½ T at a time) to the mixture while stirring (use small spoon or the end of a thick paintbrush). Continue adding water until mixture is thick enough to stick to paintbrush without too much dripping. If it seems too runny add a bit more cornstarch and if too thick add small amount more of water. {Remember, when used, a paintbrush will add more water to your mixture.}
3. At this point if you want only one color, you can add 3-4 drops of food coloring or washable paint to the mixture and stir – adding more if a stronger color is desired. However, you can also take the colorless mixture and divide it into small sections on a paint palette, in a muffin pan or in small plastic containers and then add a drop of color to each section. A little color goes a long way, so start small. This will allow your toddler to have a variety to use in the bathtub.

Additional Information:  The recipe makes about a baby food jar size of paint. It will keep if stored in an airtight container.

Special Note: If using food coloring, there may be a small amount of finger staining when mixture is first stirred. However, it washes and wears away quickly. I have not had any problem with the paint staining the bathtub.

*** If sealed paint separates or gets thick, stir with wet brush until remixed. ***

SENSORY PLAY SOAP DOUGH

Supplies Needed: Washable project paints or liquid food coloring, baby shampoo or bubble bath, corn starch and coconut oil.

Utensils Needed: Mixing bowl, measuring cups/spoons, and spoon.

Extra Supplies: Airtight containers

This activity provides multiple sensory experiences while creating something that toddlers can enjoy. They can touch and feel the cool of the dough. They can see the different colors and how they blend as they create and use them. Plus, they practice their fine motors skills and learn about cause-and-effect, all of this while getting clean in the bathtub.

1. Add 1 t of coconut oil (melt if using solid) to bowl. This can be left out by increasing the bubble bath amount, but it makes the dough smoother and is good for the skin.
2. Add ¼ cup of baby bubble bath/shampoo to the bowl. You can use any kind, but using one that makes lots of bubbles makes the dough more fun.
3. If you want to make single color dough, add 2-4 drops of food coloring or washable paint to the mixture at this time. Otherwise, you can wait and separate the dough for different colors or create a marbled effect by adding it at the end.
4. Add ½ cup of cornstarch and begin to mix. If it doesn’t pull together, add up to another ¼ cup of cornstarch. Mix into a nice solid ball and knead until smooth texture is obtained. This is also where you can add the coloring to create either a marbled look or separate and make different colored dough balls.
5. You will want to use about a tablespoon size ball of dough for play in the bathtub. When rubbed under the water, bubbles will be created. While this dough will melt in the water, using too much at one time is not good for your water pipes.

Additional Information: Store the dough in an airtight container. If you use a scented bath soap, such as lavender or eucalyptus, the bubbles created while playing will release the scent into the air like aroma therapy. Also, you can keep this soap dough in a container near the sink, and give your toddler a small amount to wash their hands. You can also put it in a baggie or sealed container and take it with you when going out.

Special Note: If using food coloring, there may be a small amount of finger staining when mixture is first stirred. However, it washes and wears away quickly. I have not had any problem with the paint staining the bathtub.

*** If sealed dough seems too thick or stiff, add a small amount of coconut oil or bath soap and remixed. ***

Watch The Tutorial