We all know babies love to explore with their mouths, often putting in things that they shouldn't. But if you're looking for a fun, creative, and baby-friendly painting activity, why not whip up your own baby-safe paint?
Babies are incredibly fast so a quick turn of the head is all it takes for them to try and put something in their mouth. That's why choosing baby-safe art and craft materials is crucial to prevent any harm.
It goes without saying that no paint should be ingested (by any of us!) but our DIY method for edible baby-safe paint is a great messy play idea that requires minimal supplies to pull together, buying you invaluable peace of mind as a parent. We've also included some non-toxic paint options you can pick up online as an alternative too.
Adult supervision is required for any arts and crafts project.
Edible baby-safe paint method
Ingredients
1 cup of cornflour
1 cup of cold water
3 cups of boiling water
Liquid food colouring
Method
• Combine the cold water with the cornflour in a bowl until mixed together.
• Add in one cup of boiling water at a time to the cornflour mix, stirring in before adding the next one.
• Pour the mixture into a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to thicken to the consistency of custard.
• For different colours, separate the mixture into as many different bowls as you want colours, adding your chosen liquid colouring to each one until happy with the colours.
• Once the mixtures have cooled, it's time to grab some paper and get creative!
Store the paint in separate jars for up to three weeks.
Non-toxic baby-safe paint
Amazon
With squeezy, non-drip bottles for easy dispensing, this set of 147ml paints easily wash off skin and clothing. With a choice of three primary colours, it's the perfect paint product to introduce to your baby for the first time. One reviewer said "I brought it as it is washable and that is true. It is extremely easy to wash off your hands and I popped the clothes in a quick wash for 15 minutes in the machine and no stains on the clothes!"
Pros
- Pack of 3
- Washable paint easily washes off skin and clothing
- Squeezy bottles for easy dispensing
- Air tight caps mean no spills
Cons
- Recommended for 3 years old and up
amazonThis six-pack of paints can be applied with fingers, brushes or a sponge. The water-based formula means the paints are non-toxic as well as easy to wash off. Made from a small UK business, they can be used on many surfaces including paper, cardboard, wooden canvas, plywood and even walls (although we're not sure you'll want to encourage that!) One reviewer was really impressed by them saying, "I absolutely loved these paints for my 22-month-old daughter. She had a lot of fun with them over the summer. Very thick, and great value for money."
Pros
- Safe for children
- The water-based formula so non toxic and easy to wash
- 6 colours
- Screw-on containers
- Made by a small UK business
Cons
- Some reviews say it's hard to wash off the skin
- Suitable for 3 years+
amazonOffering six choices of colours, this finger paint comes in easy-squeeze paint tubes for precise dispensing. It's washable too so your child can explore their creativity without making (too much!) mess, plus, the paint tubes are just the right size for small hands to grip. One review said, "Purchased for my 1.5-year-old - excellent choice! These paints are perfect for making small art projects at home with little ones, and they really do clean up easily."
Pros
- Sutiable for 12 months+
- Non toxic and washable
- 6 squeeze bottles
- Flip-top caps to prevent spills
Cons
- Tubes come only half full
AmazonThis set contains a whopping 30 different colours including glitter and neon options so the possibilities really are endless. Kids and parents will love the brilliant, rich colours, plus, they are acid-free, non-toxic and eco-friendly. The set also comes with brushes, sponges and more. One review said, "Big selection of colours. Good value for money. My son loves to use it and paint."
Pros
- 30 colours
- Metallic finish
- Non toxic
- Includes roller sponges, plastic tray, paint brushes and more
- Acid free, non-toxic and eco-friendly paints
- Washable & no residue
- Great value
Cons
- Some reviews say it doesn't wash out of clothes
amazonThis set of six non-toxic and odourless paints is dermatologically tested and made with high-quality pigments for rich colours. Washable from skin and most fabrics, they're suitable from two years.
One reviewer said, "The colours remain bright even after drying and even when mixed. My baby paints with both his fingers and brushes."
Pros
- Set of 6
- Non toxi and washable
- Odourless
Cons
- Recommended for children 2 years and over
FAQs Baby-safe paint
What age can babies use edible paint?
Baby-safe edible paint is suitable from six months old, which is when most babies will start weaning.
Can babies eat food colouring?
Although it's probably not something that your baby will be having on a day-to-day basis and certainly not on its own, food colouring is safe for little ones to consume, whether that be in the likes of colourful cupcakes or our DIY baby paint method above.
What paint can I use for baby handprints?
This entirely depends on what you want to display your baby handprints on. For example, if you're looking to display those sweet prints on fabric, you'll want to use a specific baby-safe fabric paint. Or if it's just on paper or card, regular baby-safe paint such as the options above will be perfect.
About the author
Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby. With a background in both print and digital journalism, she has written extensively on pregnancy, fertility, perinatal mental health, and the best in baby and parenting products. A first-time mum to Theodore, Emily combines her professional expertise with personal experience, offering readers trusted advice and relatable insight.