I love art. And I really don't mind getting messy. After working with 13 two year olds in a classroom doing messy activities, cleaning up after two infants seems like a breeze. Don't get me wrong, it's still work, but clean up is lot faster with just two.
Since babies are all about sensory play, getting to tie in my love for art works perfect. We play with paint, brushes, crayons, paper, make collages with contact paper and feathers, construction paper, large sequins, etc. The list is endless. I try and give them an opportunity to try just about anything that's safe enough. I think people tend to shy away from messy activities like paint or shaving cream. But if you go into the activity expecting them to put it in their mouth, get it in their hair and on every inch of their surroundings, then it can be a lot less stressful. I say, bring it on!
Here are a few pictures of Wyatt and Isaac exploring with paint. One with paper and brushes. They were able to focus on the feel of the paint, how they could move it around with their hands and with the brushes. The other time I put the paint in a Ziploc bag taped to the table. Totally different experience. I was able to put this in the middle of the room for them to explore throughout the day. Although they couldn't feel the paint, they could watch how they moved it around in the bag, causing the colors to mix. Love to watch their reactions during both experiences.
Messy Painting:
Clean painting:
Isaac first used his fingers, then tried using a couple of toys to move the paint around.
