Edible Playdough Sensory Art Exploration

Marshmallows (about 10 large ones)

Powdered sugar (about 1 cup)

Microwave-safe bowl

Food coloring (optional, for adding color)

Place a handful of marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 20 seconds until they puff up and get soft.

Stir powdered sugar into the melted marshmallows a little at a time until a dough forms. It will be sticky at first.

Knead the dough on a surface dusted with powdered sugar until smooth and pliable. Add food coloring during kneading if you want color.

Let the dough cool completely to room temperature before giving it to your baby. Test it on your own wrist.

Place a ball of dough in front of your baby — on the high chair tray or on a mat on the floor.

Let your baby poke, pull, squeeze, and mouth the dough freely. Show them how to squish it flat or tear off a piece.

Model making simple shapes like a ball or a flat pancake. Your baby will likely just enjoy the squishing, and that is perfect.

This dough is edible, but it is very sweet. Babies who taste it may eat more than they play, which is fine in small amounts.

The dough dries out after about 30 minutes. Store it in a sealed bag if you want to reuse it the next day.

For a sugar-free version, mix infant oat cereal with mashed banana until a dough forms.

Give your baby just a small piece at a time — a ball about the size of a golf ball is plenty for little hands.

This is an excellent first introduction to sculpting and modeling. The squishing, poking, and tearing build hand strength.