Pudding Paint
We typically venture outside for all fingerpainting activities. This is because, for us, they always end in a mess, and I like to be able to hose off whatever needs it as soon as possible. For pudding paint, I suggest getting thicker paper, such as canvas paper or posterboard. If construction paper is all you have handy, that also works! When using construction paper, I recommend layering a few pieces and taping them together so that the paper is a little sturdier. Toddlers like to glob on the paint!
I prefer pudding paint to regular finger paint for younger toddlers because my toddler, like many others, still puts stuff in her mouth sometimes. I know that the toddler fingerpaint is non-toxic, but that absolutely does not mean that I want it in my daughter’s mouth. With this edible pudding paint recipe (kraft Heinz pudding paint), I do not feel the need to hover and constantly try to redirect her to paint on the canvas instead of her mouth. Also, it is WAY CHEAPER to make this paint than it is to buy the other stuff.
Items needed for this activity:
1 package vanilla pudding
Whisk or hand mixer
Muffin pan
Food coloring (this set is awesome!)
Canvas, posterboard or construction paper
If you are doing this inside, you should protect your surface with some newspaper or plastic wrap.
Tape
Steps:
Have your toddler wear play clothes or a paint smock with good coverage. In my experience, soaking and washing pudding paint stains immediately is quite effective; however, there is food coloring in there and you should not take any unnecessary chances with good clothing.
Make your pudding. I only make one box of pudding to create the paint. That is plenty! How many colors you wish to make is up to you, or your toddler if you involve them in the process! I let my daughter stir in the food coloring after I put the pudding into the muffin cups.
Discuss each color as you make it.
Tape down whichever paper you use so that it is extra secure and does not wiggle away from your little one. I place it underneath.
Once you have everything at your station and are ready to create, show your toddler several ways to fingerpaint on your own piece of paper. For example, you could make some squiggly lines, create some dots with your fingertips and make a handprint. Your little one will pick up this skill immediately and start creating a masterpiece. I like to have her playlist on in the background as well. Music and creating have always paired well in our house!
When we first fingerpainted with pudding my toddler was in her highchair, and we used chocolate pudding. One color was plenty entertaining for her, and no canvas was necessary. She was super interested in her project and definitely enjoyed the treat. She was completely content there the entire time I made dinner that evening (that is a major win in my book!).
The older my toddler gets, the more items I like to offer for her painting experience. She uses her art easel now and stands as she creates. I offer paintbrushes and sponges, make more colors of pudding and set out different colored sprinkles that she can add to her artwork. This activity is so easily tailored to toddlers at any stage of development, that is probably why we have been doing it for so long! Your toddler will really enjoy making this experience their own.
