Ziplock Bag Paint Squish Art

Gallon-sized ziplock bag (freezer bags are thicker and more durable)

Non-toxic washable paint in 2-3 colors

Tape — packing tape or painter's tape

Squeeze two or three colors of non-toxic washable paint into a gallon-sized ziplock bag. Use contrasting colors like red and yellow so the mixing is dramatic.

Press all the air out of the bag and seal it tightly. Run your finger along the seal to make sure it is fully closed.

Add a strip of packing tape across the seal for extra security. You do not want this opening mid-play.

Tape the bag flat onto the high chair tray or a smooth table surface so it does not slide around.

Show your baby how to press and push the paint around by doing it yourself first. Tap the bag with one finger to demonstrate.

Let your baby squish, poke, and drag their hands across the bag. The paint will swirl and blend under their fingers.

Narrate the color mixing — "You pushed the red into the yellow and made orange!"

Use freezer bags, not regular storage bags. They are thicker and much less likely to burst.

Start with just two colors. Too many colors mixed together just make brown.

Place a white piece of paper under the bag to make the colors pop more visually.

This is a completely mess-free art activity. The paint stays sealed inside the bag.

For older babies who are sitting up, tape the bag to a window at their level for a light table effect — the sunlight makes the colors glow.

Discard the bag after play. Reusing it risks a weakened seal.