Babies drink more milk as they grow.
Many parents start with stick or tablet types, but as their babies get bigger, they switch to large milk tins.
So today, I’d like to share some DIY toy ideas using milk tins.
Milk tins are made of steel and are very durable! If you’re thinking, “It’s a waste to throw them away—I want to repurpose them,” definitely give these a try.
These ideas are perfect for babies who are still in the milk-drinking stage!
- Fun for kids and adults alike! A collection of DIY beanbag (otedama) ideas
- [Educational] DIY Montessori-style toy ideas
- A handmade collection of Anpanman ideas to enjoy
- Let's make toys with milk cartons! Easy and fun DIY crafts!
- Handmade baby gym ideas. Let’s DIY baby toys!
- [Childcare] Easy to make! Handmade toys that delight 0-year-olds
- Popular with toddlers! A collection of homemade toy ideas
- [Playable from infancy] Fun DIY water play toy ideas
- Handmade fabric toy ideas: toys that make babies happy
- Easy DIY! Introducing educational toys that can be easily made with 100-yen shop items and things around the house.
- Fun and easy toy ideas made from empty Yakult bottles
- [Let’s Make and Play!] Handmade Toy Ideas You Can Create Yourself
- Handmade maracas ideas. Easy to make! Musical instruments for kids.
Let's make toys with milk cans! Upcycling methods suitable for babies
Choice Scarf
It’s a toy where scarves come out of a milk can one after another, like a magic trick.
Remove the lid from the milk can and cover it with a bag-shaped piece of cloth.
Adjust it so that the opening in the milk can lines up with the opening of the cloth.
Tie the ends of the scarves together and place them inside the milk can.
That’s it—ready to go! Leave a small end of a scarf sticking out, and then let your baby keep pulling them out one after another.
Your baby is sure to be delighted as the scarves keep coming! It’s recommended to prepare as many scarves as possible.
Play in many ways! Educational toy
You know those educational toys you can pull, tap, and pinch—the ones sold at big toy stores? Inspired by that idea, why not make a “multi-activity educational toy” using a formula tin? Punch holes in the can, thread a string through, and tie fist-sized toys to the right and left ends to create a pulling activity.
Use rubber bands to secure small beads to the bottom of the can—now you’ve got a pinching activity.
Turn the opposite side of the can into a drum for tapping play.
Beyond that, brainstorm as a family to come up with more ideas and turn it into a fun educational toy!
Acorn Rolling
For babies, it’s exciting and fun when something reacts and moves in response to their own actions, like pulling or tapping.
Here’s an easy activity: a “rolling acorn” made by wrapping a tube around a formula can.
Simply attach a pop tube—or a thick hose if you don’t have one—around the can and secure it.
Babies can roll acorns through the tube or drop in marbles and enjoy the sounds they make.
To prevent accidental swallowing, be sure an adult plays together with the baby.
Hatena Box
Let’s make a fun toy that looks like it could be in a Mario game! Keep the lid of a formula can open, and attach a drain cover that fits the opening by flipping it upside down over the top.
Since your baby will be putting their hand through it, be sure to use a soft silicone drain cover.
Draw a question mark on the surface of the can and decorate it however you like—that’s it! Put small toys or snacks inside and have your baby guess what’s in there, or let them pull out cards that match a sample picture.
Because they can’t see the contents, it helps develop your baby’s imagination.
Infinite Chain
There are capsule toy items called “Endless Bubble Wrap” and “Endless Edamame,” right? It’s not exactly modeled after those, but how about making a toy called an “Endless Chain”? First, decorate a formula can with colored paper or masking tape.
Prepare a plastic chain, connect it into a long length, and put plenty of it into the can.
A slightly thicker chain is better so that a baby can grip it easily.
That’s it—done.
The more you pull, the more chain keeps coming out, so your baby is sure to be delighted.
Dropping-in game
Let’s make a drop-in toy using a milk can! It’s very easy to make.
Cut a hole in the top of the milk can and use plastic caps or similar items to make “balls.” Then just drop them in and play! Little kids love putting things into small holes—and they love taking them out, too.
It’s a simple toy, but a classic favorite among children.
Give it a try! It’s great for developing babies’ fine motor skills and is a safe indoor activity I highly recommend.
a toy that makes a rustling/clicking sound
The soft plastic used for the lid on canned milk—neither rubber nor floppy—has that perfect firmness that feels timeless.
So, let’s make a “shaker toy” using just the lid instead of the whole can.
First, decorate two lids with drawings; it’s best to make the front and back completely different so you can tell them apart.
Put some beads between the lids, stick the two pieces together, and secure them firmly with tape.
That’s it! You can roll it, tap it, or even pretend it’s a flying disc and throw it to play.