For babies, art is sensory play. These materials let little ones touch, tap, smear and explore. Focus more on process experiences with this age, and less on final products.
Baby’s First Art Supplies
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My daughter was the kid who drew all over herself every time she made art. So I was thrilled when Crayola came out with this line. These markers only work on the special Color Wonder paper — nowhere else. It was fantastic for us. Just make sure to get both the paper and the markers.
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Any of these LCD tablets are a must-have. No mess, no batteries, no ink, no sound. Great for restaurant activities or car rides. I like this one because the pen is attached. We all know that pen would disappear in two minutes otherwise.
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The only kind of smock I recommend is one that covers as much of the child as possible — more like a full jacket than a bib. But honestly, in my experience, it’s even better to have dedicated “art clothes” your child can wear whenever they create. It keeps them comfortable and frees them up to focus on making art, not staying clean.
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I love these mats just as much as the kids do. When you step on them, the colors swirl and shift under your feet. It’s endlessly satisfying and completely mesmerizing.
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These were given to my daughter as her very first set of crayons, and I loved them immediately. They’re large and easy for little fingers to grasp, which makes early drawing feel successful right away. Made by Melissa & Doug.
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My youngest students use these all the time. They can take the caps off by themselves and bang as hard as they want on the paper. Nothing breaks, unlike paintbrushes. They’re durable, satisfying, and perfect for beginners.
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My littlest art students love stickers. Peeling them off the page is such good fine-motor practice, and they’re so proud when they can do it on their own. Expect stickers all over themselves — and maybe even on you.
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I love painting with this age group. They use their whole bodies — hands, feet, and big sweeping motions across the page. The bigger the paper, the better. I stick to tempera paints that are washable and non-toxic so they can explore freely and safely.
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Art on the go! I used to take this pad everywhere. You fill the little pen with water and your child can “paint” right on the mat. No mess, totally reusable, and easy to toss in a bag for outings.
Some notes on making art with babies (2 and under):
At this age, every child has a different tolerance for sensory play. One baby may refuse to touch paint, and another will practically swim in it. Follow your child’s lead and notice what they naturally gravitate toward.
Keep telling them they’re an artist. Hang up their art, even if it’s just scribbles. Put your child in a cardboard box with crayons, tell them it’s a spaceship and let them draw all over it. Don’t worry about finished products; at this age, it’s all about play and exploration.
It’s OK to repeat the same activities over and over. Repetition builds confidence, and confidence builds creativity.