Sponge Stamp Art for Baby

Kitchen sponges cut into small, grippable shapes

Plain yogurt (full-fat)

Food coloring in 2-3 bright colors

A large sheet of paper

Tape to secure the paper

High chair or low table

Bib or smock

Mix plain yogurt with a few drops of food coloring in small bowls. Use bold primary colors so the stamps show up clearly on the paper.

Cut kitchen sponges into small shapes — circles, squares, or triangles. Make them small enough for baby to wrap their hand around.

Tape a large sheet of paper to the high chair tray so it does not slide around. Butcher paper or thick drawing paper works best.

Dip a sponge piece into the paint and press it firmly onto the paper to show baby how it works. Make a big deal of the result.

Hand a paint-dipped sponge to baby and gently guide their hand down to press on the paper. Let go once they get the idea.

Let baby explore freely. They may squeeze the sponge, smear it, or just hold it. All of these are valuable sensory experiences.

Offer different colors one at a time so baby can see the contrast between stamps.

Narrate the whole time — name colors, describe actions, and celebrate every mark they make.

Sponges are great for babies because they are soft, lightweight, and easy to grip — much better than brushes at this age.

If baby mouths the sponge, use brand-new, clean sponges and taste-safe paint only. Supervise closely.

Try dampening the sponges slightly before dipping in paint — they absorb less and make cleaner prints.

Do this right before bath time for stress-free cleanup.

Save the finished artwork. These early stamps make wonderful keepsake art for baby books or grandparent gifts.