Baking with my 15-month-old is something I've looked forward to since I saw that sweet pink line. As he's grown and gotten closer to being able to help in the kitchen, the prospect of involving him got a little more intimidating and if you're reading this, I'm sure you're probably in the same boat. However, I'm here to tell you that baking with your little one does not have to be as scary or overwhelming as it might seem now!
In this blog, I'll take you through a simple, toddler-friendly baking project, breaking down tasks that are developmentally appropriate for little ones between the ages of 12 months and 36 months. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the flour showers, and let's create some delicious memories together!
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Why Baking Is Beneficial for Toddlers
Y'all know I'm super passionate about involving my son in the kitchen whenever I can. Baking isn't just about the yummy treats (though that's a big perk); it's a rich sensory experience that promotes early developmental skills for little ones. For toddlers, baking is a hands-on activity that can enhance fine motor skills, language development, and even early math concepts. Plus, it's a special way to spend quality time together. Also, I'm determined that my kid will have a whole host of practical life skills so that when he leaves my house as an "adult" (are 18-year-olds really adults?) he'll be well prepared for life.
Setting the Stage for Your First Bake
As much as you may want to just jump right in, there are a couple of things you can do beforehand to set yourself up for success.
- Choose the Right Time: Opt for a period when you're not rushed and your toddler is well-rested and fed. A happy toddler makes for a happier baking experience.
- Safety First: Ensure your baking environment is toddler-friendly: no sharp objects within reach, hot surfaces guarded, and potentially hazardous ingredients (like raw eggs) monitored closely.
- Expect a Mess: Part of the fun is getting a little messy. Have cleaning supplies ready and wear aprons to minimize the cleanup later. If you want to make it even more fun (and don’t mind an imperfect job), let your kiddo do it themselves! Hayes loves his cleaning kit!
- Talk to Your Kiddo: Let them know what you're going to be doing and how they can help. Yes, do this even for the one-year-olds! They're absorbing so much of what we say and the older toddlers will so appreciate having clear expectations for what you'll be doing!
Toddler-Friendly Baking Tools
- Silicone Baking Mats: These provide a non-slip surface for toddlers to work on and provide more consistent baking results - we use these!
- Child-Safe Measuring Cups and Spoons: Look for sturdy, easy-to-hold options like these that add some color to make things fun :)
- Wooden Spoons and Soft Spatulas: Ideal for mixing, these tools are safe for toddlers to use under supervision.
- Simple Cookie Cutters: These can make the experience more engaging for your little one.
- Small, Lightweight Rolling Pins: Don't be fooled into buying anything fancy "for kids!" These classic rolling pins are light enough for tiny hands to maneuver.
- Toddler Learning Tower: Help your kiddo reach the counter in a safe and fun way with a toddler tower. We love ours that converts into a table and bench seat that's perfectly sized for Hayes to enjoy whatever we've just made together!
Developmental Milestones in the Kitchen (12 Months to 36 Months)
For all the steps your kiddo can't be involved in just yet, make sure to talk them through what you're doing and why to help them feel included every step of the way!
12-18 Months:
- Toddlers can help with simple tasks like stirring with a spoon (though it might be more about the motion than actual mixing at this stage).
- They enjoy banging utensils, which, while not directly helpful, can be fun if you're prepared for a little noise!
18-24 Months:
- At this stage, toddlers can start to follow simple one-step directions, like "put this in the bowl."
- They can help with pouring ingredients if you guide their hands.
24-36 Months:
- Toddlers can begin to take on more complex tasks, such as using cookie cutters or helping to press buttons on digital scales or timers.
- They might start showing interest in counting or sorting ingredients, which is a great opportunity for learning.
A First Baking Project: Simple Sugar Cookies
These sugar cookies are simple, yummy, and can act like an art project to decorate once they're baked! So fun!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Measure Ingredients Ahead: To keep things moving smoothly, pre-measure all ingredients before introducing your toddler to the activity.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Let your toddler help pour the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Stirring together is a great task for this age.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Show them how to cream the butter and sugar. They can add the sugar to the bowl with guidance and attempt to mix.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: You crack the egg, but let them pour it in, followed by the vanilla extract. Mixing these wet ingredients together can be a shared task.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet with your toddler's help. This might be messy but fun.
- Rolling and Cutting: Roll out the dough together and let your toddler use cookie cutters to make shapes.
- Bake with Care: Handle the oven yourself, but involve your toddler by counting down the baking time.
- Decorate: Let your toddler's creativity shine by decorating the cooled cookies with safe, edible decorations (if you want to go the extra mile with royal icing, you totally can! Or keep things simple with food coloring markers!).
Tips for a Joyful Baking Experience
- Be Patient: Keep directions simple and repeat them as needed. It's all about the experience, not perfection.
- Talk Through the Steps: It can be easy to forget to describe what you're doing (and the textures or colors involved) but it's so important to help keep kiddos engaged and involved. Plus, this helps build language skills!
- Celebrate Effort: Praise their participation, regardless of the outcome. The goal is to build confidence and enjoy the process. When they make a mess, embrace it and keep moving forward - even if you're like me and secretly panicking about cleaning it all up.
Conclusion
Baking with your toddler for the first time is an adventure filled with learning opportunities and, of course, delicious treats. By choosing taking a few prepared steps beforehand, you're setting the stage for a successful and fun baking experience. Remember, the mess can be cleaned, but the memories you're making are much more important.
Happy Baking!
Link Roundup
Hayes's favorite cleaning kit
Silicone baking mats
Colorful measuring cups & spoons
Wooden spoons - a kitchen staple!
Soft spatulas for little hands
Cookie cutters for beginners
Classic rolling pin
Edible food coloring markers