Staying at home with your children has it’s pros and cons. One of the biggest struggles as a stay at home mom is keeping my kids active and not relying on the same things day in and day out. But, I know how easy it is to get stuck in a rut. So, it’s important for me to seek ways to mix it up at home. And, the only way I seem to be able to do that, with any luck, is when I settle on EASY things to do. Today, I want to share a quick recipe for a toddler squishy bag … the longest part of the whole do-it-yourself is waiting for the gel to cool!
The best part is, you can start cooking this when your toddler lays down for a nap. Depending on how long he naps, it might even be ready for play when he wakes up.
Toddler Squishy Bag Recipe
Supplies Needed for a Toddler Squishy Bag
1 gallon Ziploc storage bag
Measuring cups
Water
Corn Starch
Food Coloring
Measuring spoon
Pot and Spoon
Free-standing food storage bag holder (I use Jokari Hands-Free Baggy Rack)
Directions
Boil 3 cups water on the stove.
While water is coming to a boil, mix about 6 Tbsp corn starch with cold water to make a thick liquid (it will look like runny glue). Stir up and try to get as much of the chunks out as you can.
When the water on the stove is boiling, turn heat down just a bit and begin slowly stirring in the corn starch mixture.
Continue stirring the mixture at a low boil until it’s thickened into a gel-like consistency.
Remove pot to cool spot and mix in 8 – 12 drops of food coloring. Let cool completely.
Once the mixture is cooled, dump it into the storage bag and make sure to zip it up tight!
Playing with the toddler squishy bag
I found myself drawn to the bag and was really excited for my son to play with it after nap. Unfortunately, he just wasn’t having it. He let me place his hands on the bag and squish it. Then, he proceeded to slap it and pick it up to throw it. “Ball?” No son, it’s not a ball. Then, he pushed it away and screamed at me when I tried to give it back for him to play with.
What a complete waste of time. At least … for him. I found the bag therapeutic. I caught myself playing with it every time I passed it by. So, not a complete waste, right?
I’m going to chalk the “failure” up to my son’s age. He was only 13 months when I did this with him
