DIY Baby Wipe Lid Matching Game for Aged Care

I’ve seen residents’ faces light up as they flip open a lid to reveal a familiar picture. This simple, low-cost craft not only sparks joy but also offers wonderful cognitive and sensory benefits. Using empty baby wipe lids, you can create a reusable, customisable matching game perfect for aged care.

Whether it’s for memory recall, sensory play, or fine motor practice, this activity is fun, adaptable, and can be made with items you already have on hand.

Why This Game Works in Aged Care

• Memory Recall: Matching images (animals, people, places) encourages reminiscence.
• Fine Motor Skills: The action of opening and closing lids builds hand strength and coordination.
• Sensory Engagement: Bright colours, textures, and familiar pictures stimulate the senses.
• Social Interaction: Works as a group game or one-on-one engagement tool.

Materials You’ll Need

• Empty baby wipe packet lids (cleaned and dry)
• Base board:
  Cardboard (easy, low-cost, table-top use)
  Wooden board (sturdy, great for wall mounting)
  Wheelchair tray (portable and accessible for individual use)
• Printed or laminated pictures (animals, objects, personal photos) We have provided some at the bottom of this article.
• Markers, coloured paper, or paint for backgrounds
• Velcro dots or strips (for swappable images)
• Hot glue gun or strong craft glue
• Scissors

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Baby Wipe Lid Matching Game

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

• Cut your cardboard or choose your wooden board.
• Ensure the surface is smooth and free of dust.
• For wall-mounted boards, drill small holes at the top for hanging.

Step 2: Clean & Arrange the Lids

• Remove the lids from empty baby wipe packets, wash thoroughly, and dry.
• Plan your layout—pairs should be evenly spaced.
• Lightly mark positions with a pencil.

Step 3: Create Your Matching Images

• Choose a theme: animals, nature, objects, or personal photos.
• Print and laminate for durability (lamination helps with cleaning).
• Cut to fit under the lids.
• We have provided a PDF download of images at the bottom of this page.

Step 4: Add Colour & Texture

• Colour-code backgrounds behind each lid for extra visual cues.
• Use felt, fabric, or textured paper for sensory interest.

Step 5: Attach Lids to the Base

• Use a hot glue gun to firmly secure each lid in place.
• Test by opening/closing to make sure they move smoothly.

Step 6: Insert the Images

• Attach pictures with Velcro dots so they can be swapped out easily.
• For a permanent set, glue them directly in place.

Step 7: Optional – Protective Finish

• Spray with a clear sealant or cover the entire board with clear contact film for extra durability.

How to Play in Aged Care

Memory Matching

• Create pairs and have residents take turns opening two lids at a time to find matches.
• Keep score for a friendly competition.

Reminiscence Prompts

• Use images of classic cars, flowers, or vintage items and ask residents to share stories related to what they find.

Group Play Ideas

• Team up residents to work together in finding matches.
• Rotate boards between tables during activity time.

Adapting for Different Cognitive Levels

• Mild cognitive decline: Add challenges such as naming the picture or linking it to a category (e.g., “animal,” “transport,” “food”).
• Advanced dementia: Use fewer lids (3–4 pairs), bright contrasting colours, and verbal prompts (“Can you find the tiger?”).

Sensory & Fine Motor Focus

For residents who may not be able to follow matching game rules, this activity still works beautifully as a simple sensory board. The repetitive action of lifting and closing the lids builds hand strength, dexterity, and coordination. Residents can enjoy the tactile motion and the satisfying “click” sound as the lids snap shut, even without focusing on memory recall.

Safety & Cleaning Tips

• Accessibility: Use lids with large tabs or sand sharp edges for comfort.
• Cleaning: Wipe down lids and base with hospital-grade disinfectant after each session. Laminated pictures can be removed and cleaned separately.