Baking With Toddlers

I know what you're thinking. Why in the world would you ever bake with your toddler? Baking in itself is messy, and adding a toddler to the mix sounds like a catastrophe!  Well, it is. But it's so much fun (aside from stressing the whole time) and it is worth it!

Toddlers, like most humans, learn by hands on activities. Baking hosts so many learning opportunities that become memorable experiences. I have vivid memories of making bread with my dear Grandmother. I used to stand into of a wooden chair while helping her mix the dough. Afterwards, I would help flatten out the dough with my own rolling pin. On cold winter nights, we would bake the bread and eat it by the fireplace. My Grandmother passed away ten years ago this month, and I decided to celebrate her memory by starting to do some of the same things with Aiden.

There are a few precautions you can take when taking the leap in the kitchen. One of my favorites is to have a designated table cover to use with the kids. This should be a table cloth that you don't mind getting dirty - because it WILL get dirty. Another thing I do (at this age) is to have everything pre measured so that Aiden can just have fun mixing. As he gets older, I will have him help out on measuring stuff out as well. I do have him help me count the eggs and items like that. Remember to keep everything age appropriate. No matter how talented your toddler is, chances are he/she cannot measure out a 1/8th of a tablespoon. So sometimes I cheat and buy store bought cake mixes just for these special occasions. You have to remember that you are baking with young kids. Your cookies and cakes won't come out Pinterest friendly or win any cookie of the year awards. Sometimes your toddler won't even want to participate, but when they do, enjoy it! Now my last advice may not be for everyone, but I dress down Aiden down to his diaper. There is no need for cleaning laundry after cleaning up after baking with a toddler.

Now, the most important thing. You need to dress up whatever you are baking. If that is with M&M's, sprinkles, or frosting, have it available. We try not to use frosting too much because Aiden hates the texture. 

Steps for baking with toddlers:

1. Empty your entire counter or table and dress it with an old tablecloth that will get dirty.  

2. Pre measure your ingredients. 

3. Make sure you have a high, stable, secure place for your toddler to stand on.

4. Have your toddler join you, and use easy to use tools. 

5. Have fun mixing everything together. It doesn't matter if half the batter doesn't make it into the oven! Just have fun!

6. Use kid friendly baking supplies.

Kid friendly baking supplies? Ok, let's get into that. There are tools for cooking, mixing, and baking made just for kids. There are others that are made for a variety of reasons but are great for children as well. I like these two in particular:

Mrs. Fields Cookie Cuttables™ Birthday Love Cooking Gourmet Cutie Cakes™ Baking Pan.

I like how easy it is to cut and shape cookies with the cookie cuttables. We chose the Birthday, as opposed to their other selection because Aiden's birthday is coming up and we will be making cookies for the party! Plus Aiden loves letters, so it serves as an educational experience. You simply roll out the cookie dough, and use the press on top and you have all cookies cut out in one easy step! This cookie cutter spells out "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" and comes with balloon, hat, and candle cut outs.

The Gourmet Cookie Cakes also are great for toddlers. Depending on the batter, you can put it in a frosting dispenser and place the dough into each tiny cupcake spot. I love this baking pan because after baking, the cupcakes cool quickly, and they're the perfect bite size treat for a growing toddler! We have made brownies, cupcakes, baked pancakes, and other treats in this pan! It is definitely a must, whether you are baking with or without a toddler! This pan makes half a box of cake mix into 48 bite sized treats. Each treat is the size of a quarter, which is perfect for a small treat!

The Love Cooking Company offers innovative products designed to simplify cooking, baking, and storing the treats in your kitchen. With their baking supplies, it is easy to create fun new dishes that your family and friends will love. They are also partnered with Mrs. Fields!

And yes! This is a Giveaway! Now you can create some wonderful memories with your kids, or just make yummy treats on your own. Click below to enter!

The Love Cooking Company

I received these baking supplies in return for an honest review.  I am not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.