Sensory Overload

I have been reading more and more about the Montessori approach to learning.

It really makes sense and it has me feeling like I have completely fallen victim to the:

"you're a new mom and you need every plastic gadget out there" mentality.

Though I can say we loved the swing and bouncer seat, I can also say that they weren't necessary.

Perhaps tiny would have been more at ease moving on her own?

At any rate...we are surely not 100% Montessori around here. 

We still get giggles out of our beloved plastic toys that move, shake, dance and sing.

But I also want tiny to understand that not everything is such instant gratification and entertainment.

I want her to use her beautiful little mind to figure things out.

So as we slowly transition from stimulation overload...

I came across these sensory bottles, (if I could actually remember from where I would give due credit) and thought I would give them a try.

First off they are literally the easiest things I have ever made.

It's simple: 

• Drink a lot of water to collect your water bottles
• Hunt around your home for items. I found pennies from the hubbies change jar (sorry love), glitter, fabric flowers, food dye, pasta, and some sand and shells from our recent beach vacation
• Fill up the bottles with your treasures
• Watch in delight as your baby discovers 

Here they are in all their glory. 

I left a few without water so she could really hear what happens when she shakes them.

Here she is trying to decide which one to investigate first. 

 It was a hit!

I don't have to listen to a little weasel sing "weeee" all day long,

and tiny gets to enjoy a new, free, mind growing toy. 

Give it a try!

And best of all, this can be modified for many ages.

Got an older one? Fill a bottle with magnetic items and hand over a magnetic wand.