When your child is ready 2 kids 1 for a sandbox depends on their development. By the age of 12 to 18 months, most children enjoy playing in a sandbox.
Even before their first birthday, some babies enjoy playing in the sand. Others dislike the sensation of sand and will never play in a sandbox.
Stay close to your baby when he or she is first placed in the sandbox. They’ll probably try to eat some sand the first time they come across it.
Babies and toddlers explore their surroundings by mouthing things, and young children have no concept of what they can and cannot eat. Babies taste things by putting them in their mouths.
Tell your child not to put sand in their mouth to discourage this. Most babies quickly realize that sand tastes bad and stop eating it. However, if you are concerned, wait until your baby has passed the intense mouthing stage before allowing them to play in the sandbox.
Table of Contents
Is sand safe for babies to play in?
Yes, most of the time, but there are a few things to keep an eye out for when your baby is playing with sand:
Corneal abrasions
2 Kids 1 may get sand in their eye. If you notice redness or tearing, or if you notice your baby touching the affected eye, keep them from rubbing it because sand can scratch their cornea.
To remove the sand particles, tilt your baby’s head over the sink with the affected eye down. Hold their eye open gently while you flush it with a saline solution or lukewarm water from the faucet. Take your baby to the doctor if their eye continues to bother them.
Unsafe or unclean sandboxes
Keep your child’s 2 kids 1 outdoor sandbox safe by following these guidelines:
. Select a sandbox frame made of nontoxic wood or non-wood material.
. Stay away from sand made of limestone, marble, or crystalline silica (quartz). When inhaled for an extended period of time, these materials can cause lung damage..
. Choose between beach sand and natural river sand.
. When not in use, keep the sandbox covered to keep insects and animals out.
. Allow wet sand to dry completely before covering it (to avoid bacterial growth)
. Rake sand on a regular basis to remove debris or clumps.
. Do not allow pets to play in the sandbox with your child (they may use it as a bathroom)
Benefits of playing with sand
Sand play is recommended for children to develop their senses and inquisitive minds. Sandboxes can help with development!
Along with improving motor skills, sand play allows your child to:
. Investigate various textures
. Play with the concepts of full and empty.
. captivate their imagination
. improve hand-eye coordination
. Playing and sharing with others should be practiced.
READ ALSO : COVID-19 crisis
Alternatives to the sandbox
You may prefer that your baby not play in sand because they will likely taste it or get it in their eyes. There are additional ways to provide your child with the experience and benefits of sand play.
Homemade sand
You can make your own play sand from household items. Recipes vary, but here are a few examples:
. Mix eight parts whole-wheat flour to one part vegetable oil.
. mix 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon corn syrup, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup cornmeal
Allow your child to practice scooping and pouring with small spoons and cups. You could also bury some toys and have your child search for them. Just keep an eye on your child to make sure they don’t eat the sand.
Kinetic sand
Kinetic sand is another sand alternative for children aged 3 and up. It’s just ordinary sand mixed with silicone oil or another type of binder. It has the feel of sand but the texture of clay and sticks to itself, making it less messy. Kinetic sand can be formed into various shapes, which may fascinate young children.
Even though it is non-toxic, you should not give kinetic sand to your child until you are certain they will not eat it. Kinetic sand is a choking hazard and, if consumed in large quantities, can cause constipation or even gastrointestinal obstruction. If your child eats a small amount of kinetic sand, it should pass through their bowels unharmed.
