A Promising Invention: Sensory Bottles

Teacher Maria Montessori has made a promising invention: sensory bottles.  It is a tool to help children relax in times of stress. But do not think that this miracle cure only calms children. Along with calming the little ones, they can also help us as parents.

Tantrums are normal at certain ages. But when they become more frequent, we start to worry. We may even lose hope.

It is usually very difficult to control a child ‘s crying or annoying behavior. As a result, we end up giving in to many of their requests because we don’t know how to act.

But there are several theories and recommendations about helping parents control the infamous tantrums.  There are a few that stand out that are practical, reputable and widely proven.

On the one hand, we must take into account the fact that children can act negatively because of their age. While in other cases it may be due to a conduct disorder.

In any case  , sensory bottles are intended for those temporary situations, the origin of which can be clearly identified.

What you need to know about sensory bottles

Maria Montessori is a teacher who has created a multi-level educational method. This method is implemented with different activities and formats. The  aim is to raise the child without the need for punishment, but by taking advantage of their natural abilities.

We know that there are many things that children do not understand.  That they do not yet have our ability to adapt to certain environments or to communicate. That is why little ones can act in an incomprehensible way. This can make us feel frustrated.  It makes it difficult to give the correct response.

The sensory bottle is one of the inventions that is part of the Montessori method. It is designed for children between two and six years old.

According to studies, this object is ideal for occupying children, when its purpose has been previously established and known to the child.

How to make one yourself

A feature of sensory bottles is that you can make them at home. For this you will need the following materials.

• A transparent or clear jar or bottle with a lid.  Preferably made of plastic to prevent it from breaking in the event of a fall.

• 1 or 2 parts tacky crystalline glue containing glitter. This can be tablespoons or the desired amount.
• In addition to the glitter in the glue, we recommend adding 3 or 4 extra teaspoons of glitter in bold colors.
• A little food coloring in your child’s favorite color or perhaps the color you most identify with.
• Shampoo, preferably a neutral variant for children. Glycerin can also be used.
• Hot water.
• A glue gun.
• Glue sticks.

Bringing it together

• Put all materials in the bottle, in the correct amounts for the size of the container. It is necessary to leave space in the top of the bottle with no liquid, but only a little more than an inch.

• You can also put small toys in it, such as boats, geometric figures and hearts. Be careful not to overdo it so that they are still visible from the pot.
• Mix all materials and make sure the lid is properly sealed with hot glue. This is to prevent the child from opening the jar.

In a well-made sensory bottle , the materials move in a very interesting way. The different densities of the shampoo, water and glue allow each of the elements to move at different speeds and in different ways.

The benefits of sensory bottles

Sensory bottles have many behavioral benefits as they give the child a chance to calm down. To use them, the child shakes the jar and observes the movement of the components contained in it. As a result, they are entertained and they are focused.

The sensory jar is a great way to hold your child’s attention for a short period of time. It is particularly recommended to help children recover from their tantrums.

The time it takes for the glitter to settle can act as a kind of time penalty in which the child has to wait. Only then can the conversation continue.

Other benefits of sensory bottles  include:

• It expands their attention span.
• Among other things, it stabilizes their energy levels.
• It is ideal for both relaxing the mind and building sleeping habits.
• Handy during long journeys or times when your child has to wait patiently.
• They can work in restless children, as well as those at increased risk of hyperactivity.