Edible Infant Sensory Play Activity
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Finding an edible infant sensory play activity can be a challenge. The attention span of your 6-24 month old is typically very short so you want something that is not going to take you forever to set up. The sensory activity also needs to be something that can go in those little mouths because let’s face it, everything they see goes in.
My son has attempted to eat a photo, many leaves, a raw carrot end and the good Lord only knows what else, and that was just this week! I have to watch him like a hawk. That is another reason why I loved this activity, it is literally meant to be eaten!
Easiest Edible Infant Sensory Play Activity Ever
Creating a stimulating environment for your baby is so simple to do. I was literally trying to figure out how to make a meal for my family and keep a fussy baby happy and it hit me. The most inexpensive, low set up edible infant sensory play activity formed in my mind. You seriously need only things that I bet as a parent of an infant that you have on hand!
What Do I Need For the Sensory Fun?
Highchair – this is a similar space saver seat like we use.
Wipes or rag for after play clean up! It is a bit messy.
Baby Food Painting – Sensory Style
We are going to throw that old adage of “don’t play with your food” right out the window with this fun and messy activity that will delight your baby’s senses.
Place your baby in his or her highchair. I highly recommend that you do this in nothing but a diaper. We headed straight to the tub after this and I was glad there were no dirty clothes to deal with.
Squeeze some baby food onto a clean highchair tray.
I used about half of two different pouches to offer different visual colors and flavors. Since this edible infant sensory play activity will likely go straight into your sweet little ones mouth, it is fun to give them a variety of tastes to sample.
Once you squirt the baby food on the tray, your little one will likely start “painting” right away. It took my little guy about 2.5 seconds to start making a big finger painting mess.
Why I Loved This Sensory Mess
I love this project for so many reasons! I am a busy mom (who isn’t!?) so I need things that set up quickly. There is not much quicker than popping the top to a baby food pouch! Providing sensory play activities, even in infancy, is so important for baby development. Being able to make an educational activity so quickly and for less than $1 makes me happy.
He literally played and ate on this little project for almost 25 minutes before he got tired of it. While he did that, I was able to interact with him. Once he had the hang of painting with purees, I was able to grab my sack of potatoes and peel them for dinner while he played. WIN!
What To Do Different Next Time
You can learn from my mistakes! I really liked this playtime because it gave me time to prep dinner, entertained my baby and provided a stimulating experience for him. However, I did learn a couple of things. I probably should have known but you live and learn!
- Put baby in only a diaper – I actually did this one but it is a must. The baby will be covered in baby food.
- If your highchair cover is cloth, cover it with a towel. I had to wash ours because I didn’t do this.
- Plan to do this activity when you have time for a bath immediately afterwards. It is definitely a messy sensory activity but I felt like it cleaned up quickly.
And if you are needing some activities for your bigger toddlers or preschoolers this summer check out this awesome slip n slide hack and 2 free activities that you should sign up for now!
Do you have a favorite easy edible infant sensory play activity that you love?
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