Want to get creative with your baby but not sure what activities or crafts are ideal for that age range? Looking for an activity that would last long enough to load a dishwasher or put away groceries? Obviously most crafts and art ideas for an infant-1 year old are mostly parent-driven, but there are fun ways to include your baby to have memories and artwork to look back on down the road!

Here are a few fun ideas for even your tiniest future Picasso!

1. Baby Bubble Wrap -We love artycraftykids.com idea for bubble wrap fun! Save a few sheets of bubble wrap from your next package delivery, grab thick packing tape (wouldn’t recommend Scotch for this one!), and paint. Parent does the prep work of putting glob of various colored paint on the bottom sheet of the bubble wrap before adding second piece on top and taping it shut really well! (This activity would be a hit for older siblings too!) The best part of this activity is when you are done, just toss in trash with zero clean up required.

2. Footprint duck – This adorably simple idea from craftymorning.com screams spring time fun! You likely already have these items on hand: Yellow or orange paint, glue, markers, and a ribbon! This would make such a sweet springtime activity to hang on the wall or give to a loved one as a gift.

3. Edible Paint – Funathomewithkids.com has a safe way to use paint with your little one with no fear about ingesting it! I love this idea for the front/back porch on a warm day while we let older siblings play outside. Messy after? Hose them down outside with water hose (water play is such fun!) or head straight to the bathtub! Make sure you have yogurt and Kool-Aid packages on hand and you are ready to go. If your little one has a dairy allergy, switch it out for rice, soy, or coconut milk so you don’t have to miss out on the fun!

The sensory involvement is wonderful for your little ones as they explore the feel of various textures as they manipulate and explore with their hands, feet, arms, and fingers. While you may not be a big fan of the mess or clean up from paint activities, painting and making messes are key to development for even the little ones to learn cause and effect, taking risks, and brain growth!

Happy Creating!