Easy and fun to make 2-Ingredient DIY homemade fake snow recipe for kids that is moldable like real snow and which actually feels cold! [Video Tutorial is Included.]
This winter has been incredibly mild, and there hasn’t been any snow yet. So, whether you live in a climate with snow or not, with this easy 2-ingredient fake snow recipe, you can make your own snow for sensory play or even crafts.
How to Make DIY Fake Snow
To make DIY fake snow, you only need two ingredients: baking soda and conditioner. Besides, since you probably have the ingredients already, this homemade fake snow recipe is super fun and easy to make!
Trust me; kids will love playing with this fake snow, making a snowman, or creating a winter wonderland invitation to play.
What Do You Need to Make Fake Snow
- a waterproof tray
- five cups of baking soda
- one cup of white *hair conditioner
- 1/3 cup of water
*You can substitute the conditioner for lotion.
How to Make 2-Ingredient DIY Fake Snow
To make fake snow, mix four cups of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) with one cup of white hair conditioner. Break the clumps of baking soda apart and mix well until the conditioner is evenly distributed. Once you can pick the mixture up and form a snowball, it is ready.
The rule of thumb is the ratio of 4:1 [4 parts of baking soda to 1 part of conditioner]. However, I found the texture too lotion-like and sticky! So, read below on how to fix it!
How to Make Snow Less Lotion-Sticky
The secret ingredient to making snow less sticky is water! Add 1/3 cup of water and then another cup of baking soda. And you will have homemade DIY fake snow that feels just like real snow.
You’ll know it’s ready when you can pick it up and form snowballs, and it will feel cool to the touch, just like real snow!
Trust me, we experimented with many recipes, and this one is by far the best!
Ready to Play!
You want the ‘snow’ mixture not to be sticky to allow you to form it into little snowballs to make your own Frosty The Snowman or to create a winter wonderland small-world play scene. Then add some pine trees (optional), and your winter wonderland play tray is ready!
How To Make 2-Ingredient Fake Snow Video Tutorial
Homemade snow is fast to make, easy to set up, and if your little one will spend a long time playing with it.
Tips on Making Fake Snow
If you find the mixture too sticky, just add more water and if you find it to be too dry, add a little more conditioner. Although, if you follow the recipe exactly, you will not need to do either.
Sensitivities
If your child has cuts on the hands or has other sensitivities, substitute the conditioner for baby-safe gentile body lotion. Alternatively, you can skip the lotion altogether and make your snow with just baking soda and water. (Add water a little bit at a time until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.)
Handling and Storage
The water/moisture will dehydrate either due to handling (playing with it) or if you leave a ‘snow’ out on a tray that is not covered. So, if the snow feels drier, add a tablespoon of water at a time. It depends on how long the snow was left uncovered or played with, but after leaving ours uncovered for 48 hours, it took us about 2-3 tbsp of water to revive it. Add a tbsp at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Store your fake snow in an air-tight container or a ziplock bag, or place food wrap over your bin so that it does not get exposed to air. This will help prevent the snow from drying out.
Ways to Incorporate A Child
Prep work: Allow your child to help you measure and pour the baking soda and the conditioner. The process allows them to work on hand-eye coordination, grasping, and pouring skills.
Setting up: When setting up a sensory bin, place a large catch-all mat or a bed sheet under it to make a clean-up a breeze. Alternatively, consider an extra large container/storage bin, so that little will make it over the brim.
Tools: Offer accessories and tools. To build a snowman, offer buttons, sticks for hands, etc. Also, consider offering cookie cutters, measuring spoons for scooping, and even sand toys to make imprints in the snow.
Sensory exploration: Consider offering your child to feel the baking soda before you mix the conditioner in it. Do the same with the conditioner. Ask them to describe the texture: slippery, soft, fluffy, silky, etc. If a child wants to put this in their mouth, redirect them, and explain that it is not food. Offer a child to feel the ‘snow’ texture with their hands and then their feet. Ask them if it feels different from touching snow with their hands.
Have you made DIY fake snow at home? Leave a comment if you did!
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For Snowman Activities
See here Snowman Bubble-Wrap Printing Craft
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