The Perfect Play Dough Recipe

Around 15-18 months, your little one can be ready for play dough! Play dough offers more than just fun, sensory play. It builds fine motor skills and hand/finger strength. As your toddler gets older, they will start to use the dough in imaginary play – making balls, pretend food, people, and more.
Your toddler might be hesitant to touch the play dough at first or be confused by its texture. You can help by getting them more comfortable with it by showing how you poke, squish, and roll the dough. If they insist on not touching it, you can use popsicle sticks, cookie cutters and spoons to play with the dough.
GET STARTED BY MAKING YOUR OWN PLAY DOUGH!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Up to 1.5 cups boiling water (added in increments until the texture feels just right)
- Food coloring and/or essential oils (optional)
- A few drops of glycerin (optional; helps keep the dough from sticking to tables)
Directions:
- Mix flour, salt, cream of tartar, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl
- Add food coloring or oils to the boiling water, and then slowly add the water to the
- dry ingredients
- Stir continuously until it comes together as a sticky dough, add the (optional) glycerin
- Allow the dough to cool down, then take it out of the bowl and knead it vigorously for a few minutes until all of the stickiness is gone (this is an important part of the process, so keep at it until it’s the perfect consistency)
- If the dough is still a little sticky, add a touch more flour until it’s just right
*Note: salt is toxic to dogs and can make them very sick! If you have one, please make sure they are safely out of the way until everything has been cleaned up.
Posted in: 18 - 48 Months+, Playtime & Activities, Playtime & Activities
Keep reading

3 - 4 Months
5 - 6 Months
7 - 8 Months
9 - 10 Months
11 - 12 Months
13 - 15 Months
16 - 18 Months
18 - 48 Months+
Why children are so attached to their loveys (and what to do if your child loses theirs)
Loveys, also known as "transitional objects," help babies and toddlers through transitions. Learn why these blankies, stuffies, and more are important and what to do if one goes missing.

18 - 48 Months+
Pretend Play: Outdoor Picnics
Pretend play is a great way for your child to apply their current skills and use them for different purposes.

18 - 48 Months+
Making graphs with toys
Painter's tape and small toys can turn into a great pre-math activity for young kids who love to sort and compare.

18 - 48 Months+
4 easy water dropper activities
Eye droppers are great for fine motor practice, precision, and focus, and can make an activity feel fresh and new.

18 - 48 Months+
Dot sticker play
Your child gets to work on their fine motor skills when your introduce versatile dot stickers.

18 - 48 Months+
Cracking eggs with your child
Cracking eggs takes a bit of training, but it's a great Montessori practical life activity you can begin around 3-years old.

18 - 48 Months+
Copy that monster
This game is not only good for precise drawing practice, it's also an exercise in in using descriptive words.

18 - 48 Months+
3 fun ways to get the wiggles out
Kids need to run, jump, exercise, and work out the wiggles regularly. Try these 3 simple ways to get moving.

18 - 48 Months+
Stairway math
This activity gets the wiggles out while giving your child an opportunity to practice counting and identifying numbers.

18 - 48 Months+
Fine motor threading activity
This activity is a great way for your child to strenghen fine motor skills needed for precision in their grasp, manipulation, and release.

18 - 48 Months+
Resources for addressing race and racism with young children
It's never too early to start addressing race and racism, even with babies and toddlers. Here are some helpful resources.

18 - 48 Months+
7 Best Quotes About Parenthood
Here is a collection of Lovevery's favorite quotes to inspire and support you.

18 - 48 Months+
Cognitive and Emotional Benefits of Bath Time
Bathtime has many cognitive and emotional benefits beyond simply keeping your baby clean. Here's how you can help your baby get the most out of bathtime.

18 - 48 Months+
Toddlers and Their BIG Emotions
From the moment they're born, children need reassurances that a range of feelings is normal, and that emotions come and go.

28 - 30 Months
18 - 48 Months+
This classic “toy” unlocks so much development
Why are blocks so foundational to childhood? Block play supports language development, STEM concepts, visual spatial skills, and more.

18 - 48 Months+
How Eye Contact Affects Your Baby’s Brain Development
A study showed that babies' brains synch with their parents’ when they learn about their social environment. Read about how eye contact plays a crucial role in developing emotional connections.

18 - 48 Months+
The Perfect Play Dough Recipe
Playdough is not only a fun and creative activity for kids, it also helps develop motor skills and finger strength. Follow our favorite homemade recipe.

18 - 48 Months+
The Huge Impact Singing Has on Your Baby’s Brain
Experts have found that singing lowers your baby's heart rate, descreases anxiety, and releases endorphins.

18 - 48 Months+
When are children ready to share?
Learn the differences between turn-taking and sharing, and when children are ready for each.

18 - 48 Months+
5 facts about toddlers to help you better understand yours
Your toddler is growing every day—physically, mentally, and emotionally. We gathered together five key facts to help you better understand your toddler and what's happening with their development right now.

18 - 48 Months+
Why do children love feeling dizzy?
Spinning around and the resulting dizziness are significant tools children use to learn about their bodies. Learn more in our blog post.