Soothing Oatmeal Playdough: Gentle Fun for Sensitive Skin
Looking for a homemade playdough that’s also gentle on your child’s skin? Look no further than this oatmeal playdough recipe! This easy-to-make dough provides hours of entertainment while being kind to sensitive skin.
So, ditch the store-bought options and keep this recipe for how to make playdough for creating a batch of soothing and calming creative fun!
This oatmeal playdough is not only gentle and calming, but it’s also safe for curious little hands. It is gluten-free as well as salt-free.
Unlike some store-bought varieties, this recipe uses all-natural ingredients, making it a great choice for parents who want to avoid harsh chemicals, as well as for children who need a hypoallergenic playdough recipe.
This recipe also incorporates lavender essential oil, adding a subtle, calming scent that transforms playtime into a peaceful and relaxing experience. And, this recipe dissolves completely and can be used at bath time or at the water table.
This is just an example of the kind of playdough recipes you can find in our Playdough Cookbook. No two recipes are alike, so you have a recipe for any occasion.
-
45 Playdough Recipes$10.00
Oatmeal playdough is crafted with all-natural ingredients like oatmeal and lavender oil, which are known for their moisturizing and soothing properties. Oatmeal is a hypoallergenic ingredient that helps to lock in moisture and reduce irritation, making it ideal for children with sensitive skin.
Lavender essential oil adds a calming fragrance and has skin-healing properties. It helps create a relaxing atmosphere during play and bath time, making it a great addition for children who benefit from a soothing sensory experience.
The essential ingredients for oatmeal playdough include baking soda, instant oatmeal, cornstarch, kids bath soap, and lavender essential oil. Optional mica powder can be used for color. These ingredients ensure a gentle and calming playdough experience.
Why Try Lavender Oatmeal Playdough?
The best part about this recipe is made with soothing ingredients like oatmeal and lavender essential oils. Oatmeal is a natural itch reliever and is soothing to the skin, and the lavender adds a calming scent, making sure this playdough isn’t rough on the skin.
Both ingredients are generally considered safe for most children with sensitive skin.
Here are some important benefits to using oatmeal playdough for children with sensitive skin:
- Moisturizing
- Oatmeal contains natural emollients that help lock in moisture, preventing dryness and irritation.
- Anti-inflammatory
- Oatmeal soothes inflammation caused by eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
- Gentle Exfoliant
- Ground oatmeal (like that used in this soothing playdough recipe) removes dead skin cells without being harsh, promoting a smoother and healthier complexion.
- Soothing
- Oatmeal’s colloidal properties offer relief from itching and discomfort associated with sensitive skin.
- Hypoallergenic
- Oatmeal is generally safe for most individuals, even those with sensitive skin.
Articles like this one from Medical News Today confirm that oatmeal is good for sensitive skin. And this article discusses how lavender can help heal the skin of irritations and wounds.
Ingredients to Make Oatmeal Playdough
This calming playdough recipe only requires the most basic ingredients easily found in the home, so it’s easy to whip up at any time.
Not to mention that it’s ingredients dissolve easily, so it can also be used during bath time which is perfect for little ones at the end of the day.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that at no cost to you, I may earn a small sum if you click through and make a purchase.
- baking soda
- water
- instant oatmeal
- cornstarch
- kids bath soap
- lavender essential oil
- mica powder (optional)
- MELATONIN & ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND: Help calm the mind & encourage relaxation
- PERFECT BEFORE BEDTIME: Helps kids wind down from the day
- FOR BUBBLE BATHS: Add under running water to make incredible bubbles
Kitchen Supplies Needed
- large microwavable mixing bowl
- small mixing bowl
- glass, heatproof, microwavable 2-cup measuring cup
- measuring cups and spoons
- aluminum foil, parchment paper or wax paper
- wooden paddle for stirring
- Measures approximately 7″D, 8.25″D, 9.75″D
- Hand wash recommended
- Holds 32 , 64 and 96 oz respectively
- Includes (1) 2-Cup Measuring Cup with Red Graphics
- Made of nonporous glass that won’t warp, stain, or absorb odors
- Glass is preheated oven, microwave, fridge, freezer & dishwasher safe
- ULTIMATE MEASURING CUP & SPOON SET: Our 19-piece Ultimate Measuring Set is the all-inclusive…
- EASY TO READ: These cups & spoons feature long handles for more secure grip & easy to read standard…
- DISHWASHER SAFE: This set of 9 spoons & 10 cups are BPA free & dishwasher safe. Each set includes an…
-
45 Playdough Recipes$10.00
How to Make Skin Soothing Oatmeal Playdough
This oatmeal playdough recipe is both a soothing and relaxing sensory experience that is also extra gentle on the skin.
Soak the Oatmeal: Begin by combining the water and oatmeal in a small mixing bowl and allow it to sit for 15 minutes to soften. Strain the oatmeal, discard, but reserve the oatmeal water.
Combine Color and Baking Soda: In a large, microwave safe mixing bowl, mix the mica powder with the baking soda until you achieve your preferred color. You may adjust the amount of mica powder to achieve a stronger shade.
The mica powder is simply used for color and it completely optional. Mica is used in cosmetics, so it will wash from the tub more easily than food coloring. I DO NOT recommend using food coloring to dye this playdough.
Mix the Ingredients: Combine the oatmeal water, baking soda mixture, corn starch, and kid’s bath soap in a bowl. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
Microwave and Knead: Heat the mixture in the microwave for 30-second intervals, repeating twice (totaling 2 minutes). Important: Stir the mixture well after each interval. If the dough remains sticky
Microwave and Knead: Heat the mixture in the microwave for 30-second intervals. Stir the mixture well after each interval. Repeat for a total of two minutes.
If the dough remains sticky after 2 minutes, continue microwaving in short bursts until it reaches a non-sticky consistency.
Cool and Knead: Allow the mixture to cool for approximately 10 minutes before handling. Once cool, begin kneading the dough. While it won’t achieve the same softness as traditional playdough, it shouldn’t crumble either.
Incorporate Lavender Oil (Optional): Add 8 drops of lavender essential oil and gently knead it into the playdough. Lavender both moisturizes and heals the skin. The fragrance is also calming for most people.
This homemade oatmeal “playdough” provides a gentle and calming bath time activity, fostering sensory exploration and a touch of relaxation for your child.
Note: Always supervise children during bath time and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about using essential oils.
How Long Does Oatmeal Playdough Last?
This playdough can be used at the tabletop like other homemade playdough recipes. It will have a more crumbly texture, but it can still be molded and smooshed together.
Because of its unique texture, it won’t last for multiple uses. It will last the duration of play, but not longer. Additionally, if using this playdough in the bath tub, then it certainly won’t last since it is designed to be easily washed down the drain.
More Soothing Playdough Recipes
Having variety of soothing playdough recipes allows preschool teachers to cater to children’s individual needs, like for children with allergies. This makes the learning environment more inclusive, too.
Here are some other soothing playdough recipes to try out.
- Gluten Free Playdough Recipe
- Rice Flour Playdough Recipe
- Salt-Free Playdough Recipe
- Bath Time Soap Playdough Recipe
- Dried Lavender Playdough Recipe
- Aromatherapy Playdough Recipe
-
45 Playdough Recipes$10.00
Soothing and Calming Oatmeal Playdough Recipe
Who ever thought that bathtime could also become playdough play time? This soothing and calming oatmeal playdough transforms bathtime into a calming sensory experience.
This unique playdough will help your children relax before bed, with its magical touch of lavender. An added bonus is that when the oatmeal dissolves in the water, it is amazing for the skin and hands.
While this playdough is perfect for bathtime, it is also well-suited for a sensory table. Also, keep in mind that it's not just for kids- your hands will thank you if you give this calming and soothing playdough a try!
Materials
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup instant oatmeal
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup kids bath soap
- 8 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 teaspoon purple mica powder (optional)
Tools
- large microwavable mixing bowl
- small mixing bowl
- glass heatproof, microwavable 2-cup measuring cup
- measuring cups and spoons
- aluminum foil, parchment paper or wax paper
- wooden paddle for stirring
Instructions
- Soak the oatmeal: First, combine the water and oatmeal in a small mixing bowl and allow it to sit for 15 minutes to soften. Strain the oatmeal, discard, but reserve the oatmeal water.
- Mix color with the baking soda: In a large, microwave safe mixing bowl, mix the mica powder with the baking soda until you get your preferred color. Adjust the amount of mica, as needed.
- Combine and mix the ingredients: Combine the oatmeal water, baking soda mixture, corn starch, and kid’s bath soap in a bowl. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Microwave and knead: Heat the mixture in the microwave for 30-second intervals, repeating twice (totaling 2 minutes). Important: Stir the mixture well after each interval if the dough feels sticky.
- Cool and knead: Allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes before handling. Once cool, you can knead the dough.
- Incorporate lavender oil (optional): Add 8 drops of lavender essential oil and gently knead it into the playdough.
- Your playdough is ready to go! This playdough is more crumbly than traditional playdough,but it still can be played with and molded together.
Notes
IMPORTANT! Always supervise children during bath time and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about using essential oils.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I’m Sarah, an educator turned stay-at-home-mama of five! I’m the owner and creator of Stay At Home Educator, a website about intentional teaching and purposeful learning in the early childhood years. I’ve taught a range of levels, from preschool to college and a little bit of everything in between. Right now my focus is teaching my children and running a preschool from my home. Credentials include: Bachelors in Art, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.
Make sure that if you are making this for a person with celiac disease that you use gluten free oats! Celiacs can’t have wheat, rye, oats or barley! Only gluten free oats are safe.
Thank you for mentioning this, Janis! I appreciate you commenting.