Baby Ice Painting

Baby school was in session this week, and these two cuties spent the time in class “ice painting.” Ice painting is a simple activity you can do at home with your baby (or older kiddo), to create beautiful pieces of art. At a little over three-months-old, these girls are soaking up everything in their environment. This ice painting activity is an excellent way for your child to experience colors, different sensations (COLD!), and cause and effect (the ice melts to create beautiful art).

Materials Needed: Ice cubes with two drops of food coloring in each cube; paper (preferably porous paper to absorb the water); gallon-size freezer bags; and cookie sheets.

Set Up: Place the paper in the freezer bag with one to two ice cubes and zip the bag shut. Place the freezer bag on the cookie sheet in case of leaks. Then, as the ice begins to melt, help your little one move the cubes around the paper. The melting cubes will leave behind trails of color to create a mini masterpiece.

Try this activity in the tummy time position to encourage neck strength and mobility.

Or, try this activity with baby on your lap to improve hand-eye coordination. Regardless of position, develop your child’s understanding of descriptive language by talking to her about what is happening. Talk about the colors of the ice cubes and what happens as the colors mix together. Talk about how the ice feels (Brrr!). Talk about how the melting ice is leaving streaks of color.

Once your little one has had enough time to “paint,” dab the paper dry with a paper towel. After giving it time to fully dry, you will have a gorgeous piece of artwork made by your little babe! Make sure you show it off to her adoring fans!