Washing Work

One of Q's favorite activities is washing "stuff." I set her up at her little table with a towel to set the work on, a small bowl of warm soapy water and a sponge. She usually likes to give her 2 babies a bath first. Then, if she's still in the mood, she will wash her dishes and utensils from her little kitchen.

This (Montessori-inspired) activity is wonderful for promoting practical life skills of cleaning, requires her to stretch the span of time she spends concentrating/focusing on a task, provides sensory stimulation, and also science skills and she is picking up some principles of liquids (and also learning about bubbles!)

This is often my go-to when I am making dinner and need something to keep her happily occupied.

Younger babies might enjoy having their highchair tray filled with water or a small, low tray filled with water. You might also consider setting a beach towel on the floor, filling a dish pan with some water, and letting your infant (who is able to sit) go to town splashing. You could even provide a couple utensils, but I'd omit the soap. Vanilla or mint extract could be added for pleasing smells, though! And the biggest mess you'd have to worry about is a little water to mop up. If you let baby play in her diaper, you don't even have to deal with wet clothes!!