Baby Gelatine Fun

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One thing about having a precious baby and being lucky enough to stay at home with her all the time, is coming up with entertainment. Those times in my youth that I used to sit in exhaustion after a double shift and daydream of never going to work again...I never figured how bored I would get. 

I’ve always been a do-er with to-do lists planned on the daily and that, combined with always working at least one job, sometimes two, have resulted in a very activity-driven mother. I do take time out of the day to just relax and know that she is learning even if she’s just moseying on the floor for a bit. Otherwise, coming up with something to keep myself occupied, plus keep up with the mind of a spunky-spirited baby girl, has been quite an undertaking.

My daughter has always loved putting things in her mouth (everything, all the time, no matter what it is or how often we try to keep it from her). So when I came across an edible (if it involves food I’m down) activity that improves motor function, I had to try it.

Mangoes were an inspired addition so she would enjoy eating the gelatin without adding a dye that would stain her beautiful baby fingers. And I scored by finding a pack of soft cookie-cutters in simple shapes so they were easier to clean. 

I loved this game because she had to put a little muscle into pulling the shapes out of the firm gelatin, plus she loved banging two together for sound once they were freed. 

Pre-planning required? Yes. Messy? Yes. Worth it? Oh, yes.

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1/2c cold water

1-1/2c boiling water

1 ripe mango, peeled & pureed (can substitute any fruit)

2 pack gelatine

6-8 small easy-to-clean plastic toys, like teething rings or smooth stroller toys

Pour cold water into a standard glass pie pan and sprinkle with gelatine. Set 1 minute then stir in the boiling water. Continue stirring 5min to fully dissolve. Combine in the mango puree. Place toys in the gelatine and refrigerate, uncovered, 2-3hrs until firm.