Can babies make art? They sure can! Check out these easy and fun art projects for babies to play with. Also includes baby safe DIY paint recipes!

You must be wondering if I’m nuts – babies and art? Aren’t babies supposed to play with rattles and dolls and maybe some blocks?

Well, yes, babies are supposed to play with all that, but they’re also supposed to make art! And don’t worry, we’re not talking about intricate textures and techniques using sophisticated tools – all you need is some homemade baby safe paints and baby’s hands and feet! And it’s not just about having fun, art has several benefits for babies as well.

Benefits of Art for Babies

• Stimulates baby’s senses with colors, smells and textures
• Exercises fine motor muscles
• Encourages cognitive development
• Is enjoyable and relaxing
• Encourages family bonding when done with parents or siblings

When we’re talking about babies and art, it’s all about the process, and not the end result. Of course, no one’s stopping you from framing baby’s first painting, but don’t let that be the focus. While you can guide baby on how to use the paints, let her explore the way she wants to use them. And be prepared for the mess – you don’t want to stifle baby’s curiosity just because you’re afraid of cleaning up! If you like, you can get her to wear a large plastic big or a craft smock.

Note: Please remember that even though these are baby safe activities, a baby should NEVER be left alone with paints or plastic. An adult should always be present with the baby at all times.

10 Easy and Fun Art Projects for Babies

1. Baby Created Wall Art

Did you know that your baby can create custom decor for your home? Yes, she can! Check out this project from At Home with Ashley which you can easily make with a blank canvas, paints in coordinated colors and some cling wrap. And then you can proudly display this art by your little artist!

2.  Baby Bubble Wrap Art

Don’t throw away that bubble wrap that comes with your packages – you can use it to create art with your baby! The texture of the bubble wrap creates some lovely patterns, and babies will have fun popping bubbles and making art at the same time!

3. Baby’s First Painting

As soon as your little one can sit independently, why not try this easy activity from Adore Cherish Love? You don’t need much to get this activity going, and baby is sure to have fun. The painting will also make a great gift for grandparents!

4. Baby Abstract Artwork

What do babies know about abstract art? Well, it doesn’t matter, because they can still make it! This project from A Daily Dose of Mom is a great way to keep your baby occupied in his high chair while you work nearby. Keep an eye on him and you’ll soon find some beautiful artwork ready!

5. Mess-Free Baby Painting

Want to give baby a creative experience without creating a mess? Try out this activity from Hello Wonderful, that sets up a canvas easel-style, so baby can have a go at painting – without getting his hands dirty!

6. Taste Safe Ice Painting

Have you ever tried painting with ice? Well, now your baby can, thanks to this project from Messy Little Monster! This is a messy activity that’s perfect for summers, so be prepared with lots of sheets at hand, or take baby outside to have some fun in the open air!

7. Baby-Safe Marble Painting

Most parents would be scared to hear the words marble and baby in the same sentence, but relax – this activity from Happy Whimsical Hearts is safe with adult supervision!! Just make sure you have an air tight lid so the marbles and paint stay in. Watch as your baby has fun moving the marbles around!

8. Tummy Time Finger Painting

Tummy time has many benefits for babies, and you can put this time to good use by turning it into art time too! Can Do Kiddo shows us how to do this – put splotches of paint on paper in a zip lock pouch and tape it to the floor. Now you have a stable and safe surface for baby to roll over and do his thing!

9. Shake Painting in a Jar

Similar to the marble painting, this activity from Sunny Day Family is a good one for older babies who love shaking things like rattles. Make it more fun for them by putting in dried beans so they make a nice sound while your little one goes shake, shake shake!

10. Baby’s First Steps Footprint Art

Making art out of baby’s first steps – how adorable is that? Hello Wonderful shows us how you can do this, to create a keepsake that’ll last forever. Use a large size canvas so you can get all those little steps!

10 DIY Paint Recipes for Babies

1. Corn Starch Paint from Brittany Comeaux

2. Neon Edible Finger Paint from I Heart Arts n Crafts

3. Edible Jelly Paints from One Savvy Mom

4. Edible Potato Paint from Growing a Jeweled Rose

5. Homemade Flour Finger Paint from Create Play Travel

6. Rice Paint Recipe from Adore Cherish Love

7. Homemade Water Color Paints from Nurture Store

8. Marshmallow Paint from Smart Schoolhouse

9. 2 Ingredient Edible Finger Paint from Living Well Mom

10. Baby Food Paint from Growing a Jeweled Rose