Baking with a Toddler

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Baking while a toddler is at home and awake can be an event in itself. They want your constant attention and want to know what you are doing. I recently tried it with my daughter, Leah, who is 26 months old. I assumed she was too young, but I was so wrong. She loved it! We made banana muffins and they turned out delicious!

Here are some steps to put in place while baking with your toddler to make things easier so you can enjoy the experience together.

Clear and clean the area

Find some counter or table space you will work with. Clear the area so nothing is in the way and clean it.

Your Toddler Will Make a Mess

Remember when I said clean the area? This is why. Ingredients will miss the bowl and hit the counter. Oh yes, it will happen. If your counter is clean, you can still use those ingredients without hesitation. Ingredients will probably hit the floor too, but it’s okay. Wait until the end to sweep up to avoid multiple sweeping sessions.

Wasn’t too bad of a mess this time!

Keep your clothes clean

I bought these amazing aprons for my daughter and myself this Christmas. I also bought my mom one too! They’re cute and matching (which makes them that much better). I highly recommend buying an apron to bake together or even just for you.

Mother’s Day is coming up and you deserve it! We wear them every time we cook and bake. It’s just so much easier cleaning the kitchen and not having to worry about you or your toddler being a mess too. Plus, you feel more motivated and confident while baking.

Mise en place everything

Take a few minutes before getting your toddler to measure out all the ingredients into bowls. There will be no way for the salt to accidentally tip over into your cookie batter.

Place dry ingredients on one side and the wet on the other side. Keep them out of reach until you need them. I have tried to have my daughter measure the ingredients with me, but it ended in a salty mess (hence the earlier reference).

There Will Be A lot of Dishes

When you Mise en place, it creates a few more dishes than normal. This is totally worth the effort, I promise. Bonus points if you use dishwasher safe bowls and have no cleanup!

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Your Toddler Will Love it!

My daughter absolutely loved baking. She told my husband I was helping her cook. Every time she sees me in the kitchen, she grabs her stool and says “mama making! Leah help!” She wants to help every time possible.

Leah put the topping in her own cupcake liner

It’s definitely worth the effort and a great bonding experience together. I have been baking and cooking with her constantly now!

In case you were wondering about the recipe for those banana muffins. Here is my favorite recipe for them!

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