Mess-Free Bag Painting

Step by step

1. 1Squeeze 2 or 3 blobs of primary colored paint into a sturdy freezer bag.
2. 2Push out the extra air, zip it shut, and tape all four edges securely with strong tape.
3. 3Tape the bag flat onto the floor or a low window right at baby's height.
4. 4Press the bag gently yourself to show how the paint moves around.
5. 5Let your baby pat, squish, and spread the paint with their fingers; name the colors and new shades as they appear. If they try to pull the bag off, tape it down further out and demonstrate the squishing again.
6. 6Peel off the bag, check for any leaks, and save it for a few days of repeat play.

What it builds

Under their fingers, the colors shift: your baby learns they can make marks and create shapes, the very first step toward drawing. The sealed bag lets them explore paint safely, long before they stop putting everything in their mouth.