I don't get them either. I can't imagine my kids doing anything but picking them up and spilling them out.

We used a big bin of pasta this winter when it was cold out. My kids left me alone for about 15 minutes, so worth it to me. They grew bored of it and I grew sick of finding pasta everywhere and I chucked it all in the spring.

IDK, for me it was something that would occupy my kids so I could get something done. Others really see a whole educational value in them.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's really because kids don't go outside and play and explore and get dirty and so they are missing out on a lot of sensory experiences involving touch. I don't think the bins provide a huge benefit, but kids do like them.

this is just sad.

I too do not understand them, but my kids are outdoor kids.

Actually, no. We spend most playtime outside and DD still loves her sensory bins. We're in Southern California so we are outside all year round. Sensory bins are great for experiencial learners. Enliven the sense of touch and smell and set off new brain synapses. And sensory bins are just fun.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's really because kids don't go outside and play and explore and get dirty and so they are missing out on a lot of sensory experiences involving touch. I don't think the bins provide a huge benefit, but kids do like them.

this is just sad.

I too do not understand them, but my kids are outdoor kids.

Ok sanctimommies, sometimes it's too cold or too dark or too wet/snowy to go out and yet your children are still awake. Those are times when you could use a sensory bin. Maybe consider that those of us who used them don't have pale, sickly kids who are never allowed outdoors.

We used them last winter when it was cold and dark after dinner. My kids loved scooping, sorting, running their hands through the objects.

My 18 month old loves anything "sensory" - she wants her shoes off in the grass and sandbox. Last Tuesday she got a big scratch on her arm from hugging a rose bush! We started a sensory class when she was about a year old - lights, music, loud drumming, balls and an activity like a pool of spaghetti or finger paints or water beads. I just watch her closely and tell her not to put the thing in her mouth and she minds.

Her nanny set up various sensory bins for her outside - those huge, shallow Sterilite under the bed storage bins with lids. DD loves playing out there!

Anonymous wrote:I think it's really because kids don't go outside and play and explore and get dirty and so they are missing out on a lot of sensory experiences involving touch. I don't think the bins provide a huge benefit, but kids do like them.

this is just sad.

I too do not understand them, but my kids are outdoor kids.

Anonymous wrote:Seems like a big bin of choking hazards to me...

Same here. I have an 18mo who still tries to put everything into her mouth. I don't get how these sensory bins work at this age, although I keep seeing them suggested.

The main benefit in my opinion is that kids love them so it's a good, easy/simple/cheap way to occupy them without buying more toys, etc

It allows them to regress into a feral chimplike state, and eventually turn into an Energy Being.

Seems like a big bin of choking hazards to me...

I think it's really because kids don't go outside and play and explore and get dirty and so they are missing out on a lot of sensory experiences involving touch. I don't think the bins provide a huge benefit, but kids do like them.

I set up a sensory bin for my 6 month old. He gets to practice grasping small items like pasta. I've bought that torn up zig-zag paper and hid some toys in it and he's enjoyed that too. Keeps them occupied for a little bit.

Kids love them. Around 18 months? Like a big bin of beans.

What are these bins of stuff supposed to do for my child? I am not opposed - I just don't understand what the benefit is. And at what age should I start this?

TIA