Oil and Water Squish Bags for Baby Sensory Play & Tummy Time!

I LOVE squish bags -- they are a fun sensory material for babies, toddlers, and children. And -- they easy to make using everyday materials most of us have around the house. ​

I first used squish bags with Little Miss F. during tummy time when she was a newborn. She appeared to enjoy the cool surface. ​

There are lots of different kinds of squish bags to make. One of my favorite squish bags is made of simple materials--baby oil and water. ​

Are you looking for a new activity for tummy time? Oil and Water Squish Bags engage babies in no mess tactile play. With older children the oil & water squish bag also becomes an opportunity for science. Why don't oil and water mix?

Here is the plan for creating your own Oil & Water Squish Bags at home:

The Materials
Baby Oil
Water
Liquid Watercolor or Food Coloring
Freezer Quality Ziploc Baggies
Duct Tape
The Steps:

1. Pour some baby oil into your desired sized ziploc baggie. I’ve successfully used gallon, quart, and pint sized bags. When you fill the ziploc baggie, you will underfill the bags--you want to leave room for your child to squish it!
2. Add some water.
3. ​Add several drops of liquid watercolor or food coloring to the mixture.
4. Seal the ziploc baggie securely.
5. Use the duct tape to reinforce the seams of the Ziploc bag. I typically use two layers for all four seams, folding over the corners. You’ll want to fold the tape over evenly as it will show up on the other side of the clear bag.

I love that LMF will often seek out a squish bag to enjoy on her own. She knows where we keep them!

This was inspired a photograph by Play Create Explore. Unfortunately their site is no longer active. ​

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​Safety Reminders: Adult supervision is highly recommended for all of the activities, ideas, and materials featured on this blog. As parents, guardians, and caregivers, you know your children best and your own comfort level with the different suggested activities. Littleredbarn is not responsible for any injury or damage from reproducing the activities, materials, or ideas from this blog.