How to Make Slime – A Safer Recipe for Kids

Safe & Sensory Slime: The Ultimate Borax-Free Recipe for Kids

Searching for a child-safe slime recipe that delivers all the fun without concerning chemicals? Our classroom-tested, borax-free slime has become the go-to formula for thousands of parents and teachers. There have been some concerns about using borax as an ingredient, so we’ve got an alternative that is safer for children.

The secret ingredient? Contact lens saline solution! This safer alternative creates the same satisfying stretch and texture without the potential irritants found in traditional recipes. This non-toxic recipe creates the perfect stretchy consistency kids love while using ingredients you can trust. We’ve refined this recipe to be:

• Completely borax-free
• Made with easy-to-find ingredients
• Adjustable for different sensory preferences
• Perfect for classroom, educational programs, and home use

Video Tutorial

What Makes This Slime Recipe Special

Beyond just being safer, this recipe offers exceptional sensory benefits. Occupational therapists regularly recommend sensory slime for children with sensory processing needs, as it provides valuable tactile input while engaging fine motor skills. The customizable texture can be adapted to support different sensory preferences.

Slime is always a popular craft activity for kids. In just 5 easy steps, you can join in on the fun. Experiment with different colors and add fun items like glitter and beads! You can also use this as a sensory experiment for kids that need tactile and visual stimulation.

Base Slime Ingredients:

• 12 oz Elmer’s White School Glue or Clear Glue (provides the polymer base)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Baking Soda (activates the cross-linking process)
• 2 tablespoons of Contact Lens Saline Solution (contains boric acid in safe amounts to trigger slime formation)
  • Add more solution as needed for desired consistency

Additional Customizations:

• Liquid Watercolor (safer than food coloring, which can stain hands)
• Glitter (for visual stimulation)
• Craft Beads (for texture variation)
• Gemstones (for sensory play)

Recommended Supplies:

• Plastic storage container or dish pan for mixing
• Measuring cup and spoons
• Wooden craft stick for stirring
• Craft storage containers (stays fresh up to 2 weeks when stored properly)

(NOTE: The following ingredients are for a large batch. You can divide the amounts by 3 and make a smaller batch, especially if you want to test the recipe first. The contact solution binds the ingredients together.)

NEW! Skip the ingredient hunting with our DIY Glitter Slime Making Kit which includes pre-measured supplies for 24+ batches! Our specially formulated activator eliminates the need for contact solution and baking soda while maintaining our safety standards. Each kit includes washable, non-toxic ingredients plus storage containers and complete instructions. Learn more and watch our tutorial video here >

How to Make Safe, Colorful Slime: Step-by-Step Guide

Easy 5-Step Process:

1) Pour the base: Add 12 ounces of Elmer’s glue to your mixing container.

2) Activate with baking soda: Mix in 1½ tablespoons of baking soda until completely incorporated.

3) Add colors and mix-ins:

• Add watercolor paint drops for color (fewer drops = pastel shades)
• Optional: Mix in glitter, small beads, or gems for texture
• Stir until evenly distributed

4) Transform into slime: Add 2 tablespoons of saline solution and mix until it begins pulling away from the container sides.

5) Knead to perfect consistency: Remove mixture and knead with clean hands for 2-3 minutes until it reaches the ideal stretchy texture.

Quick Tips for Success:

• Consistency control: Less saline solution creates stretchier slime
• Sticky slime fix: Add small amounts (¼ tsp) of additional saline solution
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks of play
• Best experience: Freshly made slime offers the most satisfying sensory play

While this recipe uses safer ingredients than borax-based recipes, adult supervision is still recommended for younger children.

Now you have slime! Mold it into different shapes and have fun with different color options. You can store it in plastic containers to use later, but it’s best and most fun to play with right after it’s made.

Common Slime Problems and Quick Fixes

Too runny or won’t stick together?
Add ¼ teaspoon more contact solution and knead thoroughly. The saline solution activates the binding reaction, creating a firmer consistency.

Too sticky on your hands?
Incorporate a small pinch of baking soda, working it in thoroughly with your fingers. Baking soda helps balance the pH and reduces stickiness.

Too stiff or not stretchy enough?
You may have added too much contact solution. Knead the slime vigorously for 3-5 minutes to warm it up and improve flexibility. If it remains too firm, create a new batch with less contact solution and combine them.

Slime separating or “weeping” liquid?
This typically happens with aging slime. Knead in a few drops of warm water to revitalize it, or create a small fresh batch to mix in.

Perfect consistency: Your slime should stretch when pulled slowly but break when pulled quickly – this demonstrates its non-Newtonian fluid properties that make it so fascinating!

Remember, slime-making is part science, part art! Small adjustments and practice will help you create the perfect consistency for sensory play.

Creative Ways to Enhance Sensory Play

Sensory Benefits of Slime

Different slime variations support various developmental needs:

• Calming effect: Slow stretching and folding motions can reduce anxiety
• Strengthening: Pulling and manipulating slime builds hand muscles
• Coordination: Precise movements required for mixing develop fine motor skills
• Sensory regulation: The predictable tactile feedback helps with sensory processing

This is also a great activity for sensory stimulation! Here are a few fun experiments.

Add Texture & Visual Elements

Boost tactile stimulation by incorporating different materials:

• Fine-motor practice: Hide small plastic gems for a treasure hunt experience
• Visual stimulation: Mix in colorful beads, sequins, or glitter (use clear glue to showcase these elements)
• Varied sensations: Try poly beads for unique texture or foam balls for a different feel
• Pro tip: Add these elements before the saline solution for easier mixing

Create Shaped Slime

You can give your slime different shapes using cookie cutters! We made several different colors and added some shapes to it, like hearts and circles. If you don’t press down completely, the shapes fade after awhile. Have fun with it and play around with the designs!

Transform your slime into fun shapes and designs:

• Press cookie cutters into flattened slime for temporary shapes
• Create multi-colored designs by pressing shapes of different colored slime together
• Observe how the shapes slowly melt back into the slime – a perfect lesson in non-Newtonian fluid properties
• Try pressing shapes only halfway for a unique embossed effect

Conduct Mini Science Experiments

Turn slime-making into an educational activity:

• Experiment with ingredient ratios and observe changes in consistency
• Ask open-ended questions: “What happens if we add more saline solution?” Does adding more or less baking soda make a difference in how the slime feels?
• Document observations in a simple chart for visual learners
• Compare how different brands of glue or saline solution affect the results

Create Color Effects

The great thing about this activity is you can use any colors you want! We used pink and blue to create a fun effect.

Develop artistic skills through color exploration:

• Create marble effects by partially mixing multiple colors
• Make color-changing slime with thermochromic pigment
• Layer different colored slimes for a rainbow effect
• Experiment with glow-in-the-dark pigments for light sensitivity play

PLEASE NOTE: Adult supervision is recommended for this activty. Although contact lens saline solution is a safer option than Borax, it does still contain Boric Acid, and should not be ingested.

Check out some great photos and feedback on Pinterest from others who have tried this recipe!

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