It’s somewhat easy to occupy a toddler or older child in the car, but what in the world do you do with a 1 year old? They certainly don’t want to sit in a car all day long, especially after they have just discovered how to cruise along furniture! I came up with the idea of a rice rattle. I was inspired by our post last year on colored rice. You can check out our tutorial here. We colored plain white rice in a rainbow of colors and the kids absolutely loved it!
Directions:
- Color rice in a variety of colors, using the above tuturial
- Layer the colored rice in an empty, clean and dry plastic bottle
- I also placed small knick knacks and shiny objects throughout (leggos, bright beads, coins, etc…)
- Glue the lid on using a strong adhesive or epoxy
- Let lid dry and give to your little one to shake and explore while they are sitting in the car
We tried this out on our little one and he loved it! The rice makes a super fun sound when he shakes it and he is enthralled with the little “treasures” inside. If you are looking for a fun car activity for a baby this is a simple, cheap and enteraining one!
md kennedy says
What a great way to upcycle plastic bottles!
Karen Hand says
This is a great idea! Children love to look at bright colors and this would keep their mind occupied throughout the trip. I especially like the fact that you don’t have to spend a lot of money for this shaker.
ANN*H says
These are so bright and colorful Im sure they love them – and the sound the make too.
When my kids were little I did the same thing with their little juice bottles instead of throwing them away I put different things in them for them to shake and each one made a different sound – they loved them – cant get more of a money saver than that.
janie vezina says
great idea- i have 2 kids that just hate the car rides and this would be perfect they love plastic bottles plus the sound of the rice would just add to the fun. thinking of putting something in the rice- like something that would make them look for as they turn the bottle around- ideas are turning now. thank you for the idea.
sarah says
oh my! I so needed this for my 11 month old during our 30 hour road trip!! Next time for sure thanks for the post!
Jessica Beard says
I love this! I wish I had one of these when we took a road trip this summer.
Sabrina C says
How pretty and fun. My daughter would like this.
Sabrina C says
How pretty and fun. My daughter would like this.
Bekah Kuczenski says
This is such a great idea and easy to make! Who needs to spend $ on baby toys?
Dana Lange says
we used to make rice art like this in school! except we glued the rice to paper and used it to make pictures. I absoultely love that these super cheap and stimulating for babies!
cheles sims says
very clever idea. I once took two 2 liters of pop bottles and made a toy for my son
Michelle F says
Love the idea! I am definately making one for my niece and daughter.
Stephanie Hungerford says
I love the ease and bright pretty colors. I did some think similar with my adopted son only I would use a couple of nerds. And raisins. or small crackers or yogurt bites. Then let them try to figure out how to open the lid, if not that mature do the same think only make sure the neck of the bottle is small an will only let one or 2 pieces out at a time. This works for young children that are not quite babies.
kymi a says
Mom’s are awesome! they come up with the best inexpensive way to keep kids busy, I love this idea! Thank you for sharing
Richard Hicks says
who would have thought of this. Great idea for inexpensive toy.
Eloquence says
Great craft for the young’uns!
Bonnie says
I made some of these for a baby shower
Karen Glatt says
I am going to remember this! This is an easy toy to make!
Allan says
Looks like fun! Great idea!
Sarah Madrigal says
What an awesome idea!!
Marcie W. says
This would be a cute toy for an infant! I think in a tightly packed car I’d only handle it in small doses, but while out and about, they can shake away.
Wendy T says
I must be a prude. I’m thinking the noise would make me crazy(er) But…it’s very cute.
queenb says
I love this Jenni!