Can 1 year old play with playdough?

One-year-olds can definitely play with playdough. In fact, it can be a really fun and sensory activity for them. I remember the first time we introduced playdough to our little one when they were around 14 or 15 months old. We called it the “SQUIIIIISH” game because, well, that’s exactly what they did to the playdough!

At that age, their fine motor skills were still developing, so it was fascinating to watch them explore the texture and manipulate the playdough with their little hands. We made sure to choose a non-toxic and child-safe playdough, just in case they decided to taste it (which they often did!).

One of the great things about playdough is that it comes in various colors, so it was an opportunity for us to introduce some basic color concepts. We would name the colors as they squished the playdough, saying things like “Look, you’re squishing the blue playdough!” or “Can you squeeze the yellow playdough?” It was a simple way to start building their vocabulary and understanding of different colors.

Playing with playdough also helped develop their hand-eye coordination. They would try to pick up small pieces of playdough, roll it into balls, or flatten it with their palms. Sometimes we would give them small plastic tools, like cookie cutters or rolling pins, to further enhance their exploration and creativity.

Of course, at that age, playdough can be quite sticky and messy. But that’s all part of the fun! We made sure to have a designated play area with a washable mat or tray to contain the mess. Cleaning up afterwards was a breeze, as we could simply wipe down the surface and wash their hands.

As they got older, we would introduce more advanced playdough activities, like making shapes or pretend play. We would show them how to roll the playdough into long snakes or balls and encourage them to do the same. It was a great way to strengthen their hand muscles and improve their dexterity.