When I worked in daycare I was an infant teacher. And I loved it. I love those first couple of years of life and watching kids grow more aware and involved in their environment. One of my favorite parts of my job was doing art with the babies once they reached six months or so. I have had a recipe for finger paints saved on Pinterest since I was pregnant and since the girls are now six months I thought it was the perfect time to introduce painting.
I made my own finger paints mainly because I had everything in the cupboard already and because if the girls ate the paint (I mean, hello, six month old babies. Of course they are going to try to eat it!) at least I would know what is in it. The recipe is pretty common, I’ve found it on multiple websites.
- 3 TBS sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 cups water
Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and heat on the stove until it thickens (I did it over medium-low, but my stove is a little wonky, so temperature will probably be different for everyone else). Let it cool, then pour into containers (I used baby food jars), and stir in food coloring.
I stripped the girls down to their diapers, put them in their highchairs in the kitchen (which is the only room without carpet), and let them at it!
Haley got the idea pretty quick. I only had to show her what to do once.
It took a little longer to get the concept across to Hazel. 🙂
She wasn’t a very enthusiastic painter, but that’s okay. She tried and didn’t fuss or throw a fit and that’s all that matters.
And her pudgy little hands sure look cute covered in paint!
Ignore my tiny, messy kitchen and the pile of recycling in the background.
This is why I made it from scratch. I figured one of my children, being my children, would want to test it out.
The best part about doing art? (If you’re six months old, at least.) You get a snack afterwards!
And, yes, I did clean them up first before giving them mum mums, but that food coloring has some awesome staining powers. Hazel had blue fingers for the rest of the day.
Now I have pretty artwork on my fridge! Have any other mommas been doing art with their kiddos?
I LOVE this! I am always looking for fun new things to do with my little one and I honestly had no idea you could make homemade finger paint! Definitely trying this!
This is awesome! I’ll have to try this with Owen sometime! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I’ve never allowed little B full control of my paints cos I know she would eat it! But thanks to your recipe, I dare to be more adventurous now!:D
Hey—-I meant to ask you—would you mind if I shared this on my Mama Loves linky party? This is such a great idea. I think sometimes mamas think their little ones need to be a lot older to do craft stuff. Your great idea definitely says to dive right in 🙂
Go ahead! Or do you want me to just go ahead and link it up myself on Saturday? I loved the post about the canvas storage bins!! We’re totally getting one!
I can link it up for you right now, and I’ll feature it on Saturday. Thanks for sharing such an awesome idea 🙂
Saw your link on Julia’s Mama Loves and had to come see. This is a really useful tip for parents. Pity my twins missed out on doing this when they were younger