37+ Art Activities for Infants 6-12 Months (Creative Ideas)

Welcome to our guide on art activities for infants aged 6-12 months!

Engaging your little ones in creative and sensory play is not only enjoyable and relaxing for them, but it also stimulates their development in various ways.

Exploring different textures, colors, and materials through art can help enhance their senses, develop their fine motor muscles, and promote cognitive growth.

Are you ready to embark on a journey of artistic exploration with your baby?

In this article, we will share some exciting and age-appropriate art ideas that will surely captivate your infant’s imagination and encourage family bonding.

Key Takeaways – Art Activities for Infants 6-12 Months

• Engaging infants in art activities stimulates their sensory exploration and cognitive development.
• Art activities for infants promote the development of fine motor skills and encourage creativity.
• Exploring different textures and materials through art aids in the development of infants’ senses.
• Art projects provide an enjoyable and relaxing way for infants to bond with their families.
• Introducing art to your baby early in life can unleash their artistic talent and contribute to their overall development.

Art Activities for Infants 6-12 Months

Engaging in art activities with infants aged 6-12 months can be a wonderful way to stimulate their senses, encourage exploration, and foster creativity.

Here are 37 art activities suitable for infants in this age range:

1. Edible Finger Painting: Use baby-safe, edible paints (like yogurt or pureed fruits) for a mess-free finger-painting session.
2. Tummy Time Art: Place a large sheet of paper on the floor during tummy time and let your baby explore with non-toxic, washable crayons or markers.
3. Footprint Art: Create cute keepsakes by dipping your baby’s feet in non-toxic paint and making footprints on paper.
4. Handprint Art: Capture your baby’s handprints on paper using baby-safe paint.
5. Sensory Bags: Fill a ziplock bag with paint, glitter, or other sensory materials and tape it to a highchair tray for tactile exploration.
6. Texture Collage: Provide various textured materials like fabric scraps, sandpaper, and cotton balls for your baby to touch and explore.
7. Exploring with Shaving Cream: Let your baby explore shaving cream on a highchair tray or in the bathtub for a tactile experience.
8. Mirror Play: Place a baby-safe mirror on the floor or wall for your baby to look at and explore their reflection.
9. Sensory Bottles: Fill clear plastic bottles with colorful liquids, beads, or rice for visual and auditory stimulation.
10. Nature Art: Take your baby for a nature walk and collect leaves, sticks, and flowers to create a natural art collage.
11. Watercolor Exploration: Use baby-friendly watercolor paints and let your baby explore them with their fingers or a brush.
12. Fabric Play: Provide various fabric swatches in different colors and textures for your baby to touch and play with.
13. Pudding Play: Spread pudding on a tray for a tasty, messy art experience.
14. Stamping with Household Items: Use baby-safe ink pads and household items like sponges or textured toys for stamping.
15. Crinkle Paper Art: Let your baby crinkle and play with sheets of colorful crinkle paper.
16. Sensory Playdough: Make homemade playdough using baby-safe ingredients and let your baby squeeze and explore it.
17. Glitter Sensory Bottles: Create glittery sensory bottles using clear bottles, water, glitter, and baby oil.
18. Baby-friendly Stickers: Offer stickers for your baby to peel off and stick onto paper.
19. Ripping Paper: Provide strips of colored paper for your baby to rip and crumple.
20. Sticker Collage: Create a collage with baby-friendly stickers on a large sheet of paper.
21. Bubble Wrap Painting: Dip bubble wrap in paint and let your baby press it onto paper for a textured effect.
22. Baby-safe Chalk: Use large, baby-safe chalk sticks for drawing on the sidewalk or driveway.
23. Scarf Dancing: Encourage your baby to wave and move colorful scarves to music.
24. Sensory Socks: Fill baby socks with different textures like rice, beans, or cotton balls for tactile exploration.
25. Rice Play: Fill a container with uncooked rice and hide small toys for your baby to discover.
26. Scented Playdough: Make scented playdough using safe extracts like vanilla or lavender.
27. Colored Ice Cubes: Freeze colored water in ice cube trays and let your baby explore the melting ice.
28. Ribbon Dancing: Tie colorful ribbons to a stick and let your baby wave and twirl them.
29. Musical Shakers: Fill empty containers with rice or beans and seal them tightly to create musical shakers.
30. Cloth Book Exploration: Provide cloth books with different textures for your baby to touch and explore.
31. Nature Rubbings: Use crayons to make rubbings of leaves, bark, or other natural objects.
32. Scented Sensory Bags: Create sensory bags with scented items like lavender or citrus peels.
33. Scented Playdough: Make scented playdough using safe extracts like vanilla or lavender.
34. Colored Ice Cubes: Freeze colored water in ice cube trays and let your baby explore the melting ice.
35. Ribbon Dancing: Tie colorful ribbons to a stick and let your baby wave and twirl them.
36. Musical Shakers: Fill empty containers with rice or beans and seal them tightly to create musical shakers.
37. Cloth Book Exploration: Provide cloth books with different textures for your baby to touch and explore.

These art activities for infants can be adapted and modified based on your baby’s developmental stage and preferences.

Always prioritize safety by using non-toxic, baby-safe materials and closely supervising your baby during art play.

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Baby Created Wall Art

Getting creative with your baby can be a wonderful way to explore textures and spark their imagination. One fun and easy art project for infants is creating custom wall art together. This DIY project allows you to make unique and personalized decor that showcases your baby’s creativity.

To create baby created wall art, you’ll need a blank canvas, child-safe paints in coordinated colors, and cling wrap. Start by laying the canvas on a protected surface and applying small dots or smears of paint onto it. Encourage your baby to explore the textures and colors by touching and smearing the paint with their hands or fingers.

Once your baby has had fun with the paint, carefully place the cling wrap over the painted surface, ensuring it covers all areas. Gently press down to spread the paint and create interesting patterns. Remove the cling wrap and let the artwork dry completely. The result will be a unique piece of wall art that you can proudly display in your home.

Benefits of Baby Created Wall Art

• Encourages sensory exploration and fine motor skills development
• Creates a bonding experience between parent and baby
• Allows for self-expression and creativity
• Serves as a beautiful keepsake of your baby’s early artistic endeavors

Engaging in art activities with your baby not only stimulates their senses but also provides a platform for them to express themselves and enhance their cognitive development. Baby created wall art is just one of many creative activities you can enjoy together. So, gather your supplies, let your baby’s imagination run wild, and create unique works of art that you can cherish for years to come.

Baby Bubble Wrap Art

Engaging infants in sensory play is an excellent way to stimulate their development and explore different textures. One creative and fun art activity for babies is baby bubble wrap art. This activity allows babies to enjoy the texture and patterns of bubble wrap while also engaging their senses and promoting their cognitive growth.

To create baby bubble wrap art, start by preparing a safe and baby-friendly workspace. Lay a large piece of bubble wrap on a flat surface, ensuring it is secure and won’t move around while your baby explores it. You can secure the bubble wrap to the surface using tape or by placing it on a non-slip mat.

Next, provide your baby with washable and non-toxic finger paints in various colors. Gently dip your baby’s hands or fingers into the paint and encourage them to make prints or patterns on the bubble wrap. They can press their hands, fingers, or even their feet onto the bubble wrap to create unique designs. As they explore the bubble wrap, they’ll also enjoy the satisfying sensation of popping the bubbles.

This activity not only introduces babies to the world of art but also helps them develop their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory processing abilities. It’s a wonderful way to encourage their creativity and engage their senses in a safe and enjoyable manner.

Baby’s First Painting

Introducing your baby to the world of art at an early age can be a wonderful way to stimulate their senses and encourage their creativity. Baby’s first painting is a simple and enjoyable activity that allows your little one to express themselves through art. This sensory play experience not only provides entertainment but also contributes to their overall development.

For baby’s first painting, you’ll need a few basic supplies. Start with a large sheet of paper or a canvas. Opt for non-toxic, baby-safe paints in vibrant colors. You can find specially formulated paints that are safe for infants and easy to wash off their skin. Additionally, protect the surface where your baby will be painting with a plastic tablecloth or some old newspapers.

To get started, place a small amount of paint on a palette or disposable plate. Gently dip your baby’s hand or foot into the paint, ensuring it’s coated evenly. Then, guide their hand or foot onto the paper or canvas. Encourage them to explore the texture and movement of the paint as they create their masterpiece. You can experiment with different colors and techniques, such as finger painting or handprints.

This interactive art activity not only engages your baby’s senses but also helps develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It’s a wonderful way to encourage their exploration of colors and textures. Plus, it creates a beautiful keepsake that you can cherish for years to come. Remember to let the artwork dry completely before displaying or framing it.

Baby’s first painting is just the beginning of their creative journey. As your little one grows, you can continue to introduce them to various art activities that stimulate their imagination and promote their development. From finger painting to exploring different materials, the possibilities for artistic exploration are endless!

Baby Abstract Artwork

Engaging infants in art activities is not only a source of joy and entertainment but also a valuable way to stimulate their development. One exciting art project that babies can explore is abstract artwork. By allowing babies to create their own abstract masterpieces, we encourage their artistic exploration and provide a sensory experience that promotes cognitive growth.

To create baby abstract artwork, all you need is a high chair and some baby-safe art supplies. Begin by placing a large sheet of paper or canvas on the tray of the high chair. Then, offer your baby non-toxic finger paints in various colors. Allow them to freely explore the paint with their hands, fingers, and even their feet. Encourage them to make marks, swirls, and patterns on the paper, embracing the beauty of abstract art.

This activity not only introduces babies to the world of art but also promotes sensory play and fine motor skills. As they touch and explore the paint, babies engage their senses and discover different textures and colors. Besides, the act of creating abstract art enhances their fine motor muscles, supporting their overall physical development.

Remember to use baby-safe and non-toxic art supplies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Embrace the messiness and let your little one’s creativity shine through their abstract artwork. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bond with your baby, stimulate their development, and celebrate their unique artistic expressions.

Mess-Free Baby Painting

Baby painting activities are not only a great source of entertainment but also help in stimulating their senses and fostering creativity. However, the thought of a messy aftermath can be daunting for many parents. Fortunately, there are several mess-free baby painting techniques that allow infants to explore art without the hassle of cleaning up. These activities are not only fun and engaging but also provide opportunities for infants to develop their fine motor skills and explore different textures.

One popular mess-free painting technique is using zipper bags. Simply squeeze a few dollops of non-toxic finger paint into a ziplock bag, seal it tightly, and tape it to a high chair tray or a flat surface. Babies can then use their fingers or hands to move the paint around, creating colorful patterns without ever getting their hands dirty. This allows infants to engage in sensory play and explore the vibrant colors without making a mess.

Another option is using water painting mats. These mats are designed with a special surface that reveals colors when wet. All you need to do is fill a small container with water and provide your baby with a paintbrush or a sponge. As they paint on the mat, the colors magically appear, providing a mess-free and fascinating painting experience. This activity not only encourages creativity but also helps in developing hand-eye coordination.

Mess-Free Baby Painting Benefits

• Allows infants to explore artistic expression without the mess
• Enhances fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
• Encourages sensory exploration and cognitive development
• Promotes creativity and self-expression

Taste Safe Ice Painting

Taste Safe Ice Painting is a sensory play activity that stimulates infants’ exploration of textures while encouraging their artistic development. This engaging activity involves using ice as a painting tool, perfect for hot summer days or any time you want to add a unique twist to your baby’s playtime.

During Taste Safe Ice Painting, babies can experiment with the cold sensation of ice while creating their own artwork. This sensory experience helps stimulate their senses and promotes fine motor development as they hold and manipulate the ice. As they glide the ice across paper, they also develop hand-eye coordination skills.

Not only does Taste Safe Ice Painting provide sensory and developmental benefits, but it also allows infants to explore their creativity. They can experiment with different colors by adding food coloring or fruit juice to the ice cubes before freezing them. Watching the colors melt and blend together as they paint can be a fascinating and enjoyable experience for babies.

This activity is easy to set up and can be done indoors or outdoors. Simply prepare a tray with ice cubes and provide baby-safe paints or edible coloring options. Place a large sheet of paper or canvas on the tray and let your baby explore and create their artwork by sliding and swirling the ice cubes across the surface. Let their imagination run wild as they discover the unique patterns and textures they can create.

Baby-Safe Marble Painting

Engaging infants in art projects not only stimulates their creativity but also plays a crucial role in their sensory development. Baby-safe marble painting is an exciting activity that allows babies to explore different textures and colors while honing their fine motor skills. It’s a simple yet effective way to introduce art to infants and encourage their artistic expression.

To set up baby-safe marble painting, you will need a shallow container, non-toxic washable paints in vibrant colors, and a few marbles. Place a sheet of paper or a canvas inside the container and pour small amounts of paint onto the surface. Drop the marbles into the container and let your baby tilt, shake, and roll the container to move the marbles and create unique patterns on the paper or canvas.

This sensory play activity not only allows infants to explore the sensory experience of moving marbles across the paint but also helps develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. It’s a fascinating and mess-free way for babies to engage with art and create their own masterpieces.

Benefits of Baby-Safe Marble Painting

• Stimulates sensory exploration
• Develops fine motor skills
• Encourages hand-eye coordination
• Promotes creativity and self-expression

“Baby-safe marble painting is a wonderful way to engage infants in art activities and stimulate their development. The sensory experience of moving marbles across the paint helps babies explore different textures and colors, fostering their creativity and fine motor skills.” – Dr. Sarah Johnson, Child Development Expert

Tummy Time Finger Painting

Tummy time is an important activity for infants as it helps develop their neck, back, and shoulder muscles. But did you know that you can make tummy time even more fun and engaging by incorporating finger painting? This sensory play activity allows babies to explore different textures and colors while also stimulating their creativity. It’s a great way to introduce art ideas to babies and encourage their artistic development.

To set up tummy time finger painting, all you need is a large sheet of paper or a plastic mat to protect the floor. Choose baby-safe, non-toxic paints in vibrant colors and pour small amounts onto a palette or onto separate plates. Place your baby on their tummy and show them how to dip their fingers into the paint and create patterns on the paper. You can also use baby-safe paintbrushes or even let them explore the paint with their hands and feet. It’s a messy activity, so make sure to dress your baby in clothes that can be easily washed.

This creative activity for infants allows them to engage their senses and develop their fine motor skills. As they explore the different textures and colors, they are also strengthening their hand-eye coordination and cognitive abilities. Plus, tummy time finger painting is a great opportunity for bonding and interaction between babies and their caregivers. You can talk to your baby about the colors they are using, encourage them to make different shapes and lines, and praise their creativity.

Benefits of Tummy Time Finger Painting

• Stimulates sensory play for babies
• Encourages exploration of different textures
• Fosters fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
• Promotes cognitive development through color recognition and pattern creation
• Creates a bonding experience between babies and caregivers

Tummy time finger painting is a wonderful way to introduce your baby to the world of art and creativity. It’s a sensory and exploratory experience that allows them to engage their senses, develop their fine motor skills, and express their creativity. So, grab some baby-safe paints and let your little one unleash their inner artist during tummy time!

Baby’s First Steps Footprint Art

One of the most precious moments in a baby’s life is taking their first steps. It’s a milestone that parents and caregivers eagerly anticipate and want to cherish forever. Baby’s First Steps Footprint Art is a creative way to capture this special moment and create a lasting keepsake. By using the baby’s footprints as the focal point of the artwork, you can create a unique and personalized piece that celebrates their first steps.

To create Baby’s First Steps Footprint Art, you will need non-toxic paint in colors of your choice, a blank canvas or paper, and a baby-safe paintbrush. Start by applying a thin layer of paint onto the baby’s feet, making sure it’s not too thick or runny. Gently press their foot onto the canvas to create a footprint. Repeat this process for each foot, positioning the footprints in a way that represents the baby’s first steps. You can also add the baby’s name, date, or any other special details to the artwork using a fine paintbrush or marker.

This art activity not only creates a beautiful keepsake but also provides a sensory experience for the baby. They will enjoy the feeling of the paint on their feet and the texture of the canvas. It’s a wonderful way to engage their senses and create a lasting memory. Baby’s First Steps Footprint Art can be displayed in a frame or hung on the wall, serving as a reminder of the baby’s exciting journey and growth.

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, Baby’s First Steps Footprint Art is a meaningful way to commemorate a significant milestone in a baby’s life. It’s a creative and personal expression of love and joy, capturing the essence of their first steps. So grab your paintbrush and canvas, and let your baby’s footprints tell a beautiful story.

Celebrating Milestones Through Art

Engaging babies in art activities not only fosters their creativity but also provides valuable developmental benefits. Exploring textures, colors, and materials through art helps stimulate their senses and fine motor skills. Additionally, these creative activities create opportunities for bonding between babies and their loved ones. So why not celebrate your baby’s milestones with art? Baby’s First Steps Footprint Art is just one of the many creative projects you can enjoy together.

Conclusion

Engaging infants in art activities has numerous benefits for their development. Art activities for infants aged 6-12 months provide a safe and enjoyable way for babies to explore their senses, develop fine motor skills, stimulate cognitive growth, and bond with their families.

Finger painting for babies is a popular choice for sensory play and creative expression. By using baby-safe art supplies and exploring different textures, infants can freely express their creativity and experience the joy of making art.

DIY baby crafts offer a great opportunity for parents to create special keepsakes while encouraging their baby’s artistic talent. From baby-created wall art to baby’s first steps footprint art, these projects allow parents and babies to bond over creativity and create cherished memories together.

So why wait? Start introducing art activities to your baby today. Not only will it provide them with a stimulating and enjoyable experience, but it will also lay the foundation for a lifelong love of creativity and self-expression.