Container Fill and Dump Game
Give your baby safe containers and objects to put in, take out, and dump. This endlessly satisfying game builds early spatial reasoning and cause-and-effect.
What You'll Need
- 12-3 containers with smooth edges (yogurt tub, shoe box, mixing bowl)
- 25-8 large baby-safe objects (wooden blocks, fabric balls, silicone teethers)
What You'll Need
2-3 containers with smooth edges (yogurt tub, shoe box, mixing bowl)
5-8 large baby-safe objects — wooden blocks, fabric balls, silicone teethers, chunky rings
How to Play
Gather containers and baby-safe objects. Everything must be too large to swallow.
Sit with your baby and place one container and a few objects in front of them.
Show how it works: drop an object in with an exaggerated motion. Say "In!" as it lands.
Dump the container out. "All gone!" Use a surprised, playful voice.
Hand your baby an object and hold the container steady. Encourage them to drop it in.
Let your baby take over. The fill-dump-repeat cycle will captivate them.
Try different containers — narrow openings are harder than wide ones, adding a natural progression.
Why It Works
Fill and dump isn't just play — it's your baby's first physics experiment. They're learning that objects can go inside other objects (spatial reasoning), that releasing an object makes a sound (cause and effect), and that they can make things appear and disappear (early problem-solving). The repetition isn't boredom — it's mastery.
Tips
Start with wide-mouth containers. Narrow openings require more precision and are great for older babies (10+ months).
Metal containers make satisfying clunks when objects land inside. Try a small pot or tin.
This is a great high chair activity too — baby drops objects into a container on the floor.
Don't rush to pick things up. Letting your baby retrieve objects themselves builds motor planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 15 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: 2-3 containers with smooth edges (yogurt tub, shoe box, mixing bowl), 5-8 large baby-safe objects (wooden blocks, fabric balls, silicone teethers).
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 0-12 months. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
Ratings & Reviews
Sign in to leave a rating or review.
Add to Your Weekly Plan
Schedule this activity into your family's week. It takes about 15 min.
Free account required to save plans
Explore More
Love this activity?
Create a free account and add it to your weekly planner. Discover hundreds more activities matched to your child's age.