Clean and ‘low tox’ doesn’t have to just apply to your skincare- although it’s a great start!
Another simple swap is changing out our kids high carcinogenic sensory play items for food grade and often what’s already in your pantry.
There has been increasing concern among parents and educators regarding the safety of sensory play materials that are widely available in the mainstream market. Many of these products are high in chemicals, which can pose a risk to children's health and well-being. According to a study published in the journal "Pediatrics" in 2018, some of the most popular sensory play materials, such as slime, putty, and kinetic sand, may contain potentially harmful chemicals.
The study tested 51 different types of sensory play materials that were widely available in stores and online. The results showed that many of these products contained high levels of boron, which can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even reproductive issues when ingested or absorbed into the skin over a prolonged period of time. Some of the products also contained other potentially harmful chemicals, such as lead and arsenic.
Sensory play is a great way to engage children's senses and promote their development. Clean sensory play involves using materials that are safe and non-toxic, such as chia seed slime and sugar sand.
Let’s explore the benefits of clean sensory play for children and some examples of materials that can be used.
Benefits of Clean Sensory Play for Children
- Develops Fine Motor Skills
Sensory play involves using the hands and fingers to manipulate materials, such as pouring, squeezing, and pinching. This helps to develop fine motor skills, which are essential for tasks such as writing, using utensils, and dressing.
- Encourages Exploration and Creativity
Sensory play allows children to explore materials in an open-ended way, encouraging creativity and imagination. This type of play can help children to develop problem-solving skills and think outside the box.
- Enhances Cognitive Development
Sensory play can enhance cognitive development by engaging children's senses and helping them to make connections between their experiences and the world around them. For example, children can learn about cause and effect by experimenting with different materials and observing how they behave.
- Promotes Language Development
Sensory play can also promote language development by providing opportunities for children to describe their experiences and engage in conversation with adults and peers. This can help to build vocabulary and communication skills.
Examples of Clean Sensory Play Materials
- Chia Seed Slime
Chia seed slime is a fun and easy-to-make material that can provide hours of sensory play. To make chia seed slime, mix 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a bowl. Stir until the mixture thickens and forms a slime-like consistency. Children can play with the slime by squeezing, stretching, and shaping it. Ditch the cornflour to make a looser version that can be used as ‘water’.
- Sugar Sand
Sugar sand is a great sensory material that feels like beach sand but is edible and safe for children. To make sugar sand, mix 4 cups of granulated sugar with 1 cup of vegetable oil and a few drops of food coloring. Children can use sand toys, such as shovels and buckets, to play with the sugar sand.
3. Dried peas and lentils can also be great materials for sensory play, especially when used as grass and pebbles etc. To create a sensory grass texture, place dried peas or lentils in a blender and pulse until they are broken down into small pieces, but not too fine. Then, pour the blended peas or lentils into a shallow container, such as a tray or sensory bin. Children can use their hands to run their fingers through the "grass," or they can use small toy animals or figurines to play and explore.
Aromatherapy playdough is another great sensory play material that can provide additional benefits for children. Playdough is a classic sensory material that allows children to squish, mold, and shape the dough with their hands. Adding essential oils to homemade playdough can provide calming or energizing scents that can enhance the sensory experience.
To make aromatherapy playdough, start with a basic playdough recipe, such as:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Add the vegetable oil and stir to combine. Slowly pour in the boiling water, stirring continuously, until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a flat surface until it becomes smooth and pliable.
Once the playdough is made, add a few drops of essential oils to the dough and knead it until the scent is evenly distributed. Some great options for calming scents include lavender, chamomile and frankincense which are kid safe essential oils.
Aromatherapy playdough can provide additional benefits for children, such as:
- Calming Effects
Certain essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile, are known for their calming effects. These scents can help children to relax and unwind during sensory play, making it a great activity for before bedtime or naptime.
- Mood Enhancing
Essential oils such as lemon, grapefruit, and peppermint can be energizing and uplifting. This can help children to improve their mood and focus during play.
- Sensory Stimulation
In addition to providing calming or energizing scents, the essential oils can also provide additional sensory stimulation through their aromas. This can help to engage more of the senses and enhance the overall sensory play experience.
it doesn’t have to be complicated! Every small swap to low tox options makes a difference.
References:
Potential risks associated with slime and other sensory play materials: Results from a pilot study
Authors: Robert H. Orenstein, Joy P. Hagan, Aaron J. Miller, Julia R. Gunn, Nneka L. Holder
Journal: Pediatrics, Volume 142, Issue 2, August 2018
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-0724