What age for play doh?

[MontrealMum]

I think the title says it all...I am looking for ways to occupy DS while we have "adult" dinner. Cars and stuffed toys get flung on the floor in minutes, and anyways I'd rather encourage something educational that works on his coordination. He sits up at the table with us in a Tripp Trapp, so it can't take up a lot of space.

We're already doing crayons, but they break fairly easily and he eats them! He's progressed from eating to chewing the crayons, but still, they are not long-lived here in our house. I've hesitated on the play doh because I imagine he'll try to eat that as well - any advice or experience? He's 18 months old and very curious and energetic. Also, I don't think we (he or I) are ready for paints yet

Out of curiousity, does anyone have a good recipe for homemade play doh? I remember this being done by some of the crunchier moms when I was growing up, but I don't know how.

[ohiomom1121]

I think DD started playing with it a little before 2 and DS around 2. If he eats crayons, you might find him eating the play doh too though!!! (DS tends to eat everything too) Here's a great recipe I got from a teacher. It's much softer than the store bought.

Best Homemade Play-dough
1 c. flour
1/2 c. salt
2 t. cream of tartar (from spice section-this is a preservative for the dough)
1 c. water
1 T oil food coloring
Mix dry ingredients in a medium pan. Add oil and water, mix well then add color. Stir over medium heat until too stiff to stir (maybe 3 minutes). Remove from pan onto counter. Knead until soft and cool. Store in ziploc baggie or container with tight fitting lid.

Also, don't know if he is eating peanut butter yet, but this is a fun recipe for edible play doh:
Edible Play Dough Recipe

Equal parts:
Dry Milk Powder (can use non fat)
Peanut Butter (creamy or smooth)
Honey

Combine until pliable adding more milk powder if needed.
Store in air tight container in refrigerator.


As far as something else to do, what about an I-Spy Bag?

[ljackson]

My DD started playing with Play-Doh at around 18 months but it is still (at 26 months) usually an activity that needs quite a lot of adult input. I wouldn't use it to occupy her through an adult dinner, but obviously YMMV.

[MontrealMum]

Thank you for the recipe and the advice! I figured if he's going to eat it, it's safer for him to be eating the homemade kind I think I'll try it and see how it goes, but also be prepared to wait a bit. What is an I Spy bag...a goody bag with surprises in it? I am open to any suggestions that might hold his attention for a bit.

[jerigirl]

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php...type=tag_title
Here is a link to an "I Spy Bag". They do have small parts in them so if it opens up that could be a problem. What about a few blocks for DS to stack or small books for him to flip thru? I agree Play doh tends to need some adult assistance.

[SASM]

Hi Molly!

I was going to say about 2.5y. There is no doubt in my mind that my 17mo DD would try to eat it. I am also not a fan of Playskool Playdough, though (I know...definitley in the minority here). I HATE the smell (have been since I was a kid, despite the new scent) and the fact that it gets EVERYWHERE ~ clothes, floor, and the tiniest cracks that I've never even noticed turn bright pink or blue...lovely! So...I leave the playdough play to school. That being said, if you'd like to experiment, definiltey make your own.

Here is a recipe that worked nicely for me when I made it for my DCs' classrooms last year.

2T oil
2c water
2c flour
1c salt
1T cream of tartar

In a saucepan over medium heat, mix oil and water with some food coloring. Wilton paste, from a craft store, will make bright, bold colored dought, whereas the liquid coloring drops make more of a pastel dough. Bring the liquid to a boil. Then add glitter, if desired, followed by flour, salt, and cream of tartar. Cook & stir until it forms a ball (should be pretty quick if it was boiling ~ if not it might take about 3-4 minutes). Knead when cool and store in an airtight container.

Good luck!

[BeachBum]

We definitely used it with my son at that age.