Little Chefs: How to Safely Involve Your Baby or Toddler in the Kitchen
The kitchen is often called the heart of the home and it can also be a great classroom! Involving your baby or toddler in cooking might sound a bit chaotic (and yes, usually it is!), but it’s also a fantastic way to bond, build skills, and encourage curiosity.
With a few simple safety tips and age-appropriate activities, your little one can become a confident helper and even a more adventurous eater.
Why Get Kids Involved in the Kitchen?
Cooking isn’t just about food. For little ones, it’s a full-body learning experience.
Fine motor skills: Stirring, pouring, picking herbs, or transferring ingredients with a spoon.
Math and science: Measuring, counting, observing changes (like batter rising or butter melting).
Language development: Learning names of foods, actions (“mix,” “peel,” “pour”), and following simple instructions.
Sensory exploration: Smelling spices, feeling sticky dough, hearing sizzling pans—so much stimulation!
Confidence and independence: When children help prepare food, they feel proud and capable.
Kids who help prepare food are more likely to try new foods (especially vegetables!)
Safety First: Setting Up for Success
Here’s how to make kitchen time enjoyable and safe for your little one:
Create a safe space: Use a toddler tower, high chair, or secure stool so they’re at counter height without risk of falling.
Keep hot items and sharp tools out of reach. Have a “no-go zone” near the stove or knives.
Have a towel ready—things will get messy, and that’s part of the fun!
Always supervise closely. Even if your child is just “watching,” stay within arm’s reach.
Tip:
Start with cold food prep like smoothies, salads, muffins, or snack boxes. No heat required!
Age-Appropriate Kitchen Tasks
Here are some easy, safe ways to involve your little one depending on their age and development:
Babies (6–12 months):
Sit them in a high chair with a silicone whisk, spoon, or measuring cup to explore.
Let them taste safe foods you’re preparing (mashed banana, avocado, steamed carrot).
Talk to them as you cook: “I’m peeling the carrot now… listen to the crunch!”
Toddlers (1–3 years):
Wash soft produce (berries, herbs).
Transfer ingredients between bowls using a spoon.
Tear lettuce or herbs.
Stir with supervision.
Pour pre-measured ingredients.
Mash bananas or potatoes.
Even simple tasks like tearing greens build hand strength and coordination needed for writing later on!
Learning in Every Stir and Sprinkle
Cooking brings so many learning moments:
Counting and sorting (“Let’s add 3 strawberries” or “Can you put all the peas in this bowl?”)
Cause and effect (“When we mix flour and water, what happens?”)
Following sequences (“First we crack the egg, then we whisk it”)
Cultural learning through family recipes, traditions, and different cuisines
Let them make mistakes … spills, splashes, and “oops” moments are all part of learning!
Turn Kitchen Time Into Connection
More than anything, being in the kitchen together is about connection. It’s a chance to slow down, engage your child’s senses, and make everyday moments feel special.
You’re not just preparing dinner—you’re building memories, supporting development, and giving your little one the joy of helping.
Final Tips for Happy Kitchen Helpers
Keep tasks short and sweet.
Use safe, child-friendly utensils (wooden spoons, silicone tools, toddler knives).
Let go of perfection—it’s about the process, not the picture-perfect muffin.
And when all else fails, let them stir an empty bowl beside you and feel like they’re part of it.
So next time you’re cooking, invite your little one to join. Their tiny hands might make a big mess, but they’ll also be soaking up big lessons.
Easy No-Yeast Pizza Dough Recipe
This dough is super simple - no yeast, no rise time, just mix, roll, and bake!
Ingredients:
2 cups self-raising flour
1 cup plain Greek yoghurt
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for softer dough)
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, yoghurt, and salt together.
Knead with your hands (or let your little one squish it!) until a soft dough forms—add more flour if it’s too sticky.
Divide into small portions for mini pizzas.
Roll out on a floured surface—toddlers love using little rolling pins or their hands to pat it flat!
Tip:
You can pre-roll and freeze portions of this dough to have on hand for quick pizza-making sessions.
Topping and Baking Your Pizza
Set up a “pizza station” with small bowls of topping options. Great ones for little helpers:
Tomato paste or sauce
Grated cheese
Sliced mushrooms
Olives
Capsicum strips
Pineapple
Baby spinach
Pre-cooked meats (e.g. shredded chicken or ham)
Let your child:
Spoon on the sauce
Sprinkle cheese
Choose and place toppings
Bake at 200°C (390°F) for about 12–15 minutes, or until the base is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Making their own food gives toddlers a sense of ownership—they’re more likely to taste and enjoy something they helped create!