Hey, busy moms! Let’s be real—getting a toddler to help in the kitchen might sound like a recipe for chaos. But trust me, it’s totally doable and can actually be a lot of fun (with a little patience, of course).
Take my two-year-old, for example. He’s my self-appointed sous chef and dishwashing extraordinaire. The moment I start cooking, he’s dragging over his stool, ready to “help.” And by “help,” I mean he’s flinging flour everywhere while yelling, “I do it!” His favorite part? Washing the dishes. Sure, most of the water ends up on the floor (and somehow on the ceiling?!), but the look of concentration on his face as he “scrubs” a mixing bowl with a sponge bigger than his hand? It’s just as cute as it is frustrating.
If you’ve got a little one who’s just as eager to dive into the kitchen (or the sink), don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to channel that enthusiasm into age-appropriate tasks that are fun for them and helpful for you. Now, keep in mind that this article is geared towards toddlers ages 2 to 5, and every child is different, so the tasks they’re ready for will vary depending on their abilities and interests. What your two-year-old can do might look a little different than what your five-year-old is capable of, and these tasks will grow with your child as they learn more.
Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to buy a few cute, toddler-friendly kitchen tools to make the whole experience more manageable. And by involving your child in the kitchen, you can help foster a love for cooking and promote a healthy relationship with food that will last into the future.
So let’s talk about some of the best ways to get your toddler involved—and maybe even teach them a thing or two along the way!
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Why Get Your Toddler Involved in the Kitchen?
You might be wondering, why bother involving my toddler in the kitchen? Well, there are plenty of great reasons!
First, it’s a fantastic way to help your little one build confidence and independence. Toddlers love to feel like they’re helping, and being part of something important—like preparing dinner—gives them a sense of pride.
Plus, kitchen tasks are a sneaky way to teach valuable skills:
- Fine motor skills: Stirring, measuring, and pouring help improve coordination.
- Math concepts: Counting, measuring, and understanding volume happen naturally as they work.
- Curiosity about food: They get to see how meals come together and may even be more willing to try new foods!
But it’s not just about your toddler. It’s also a great way to keep them (somewhat) occupied while you cook—so you can avoid answering “What’s that?” or “Can I have a snack?” every five minutes. Sure, it might add a little extra mess, but the memories and skills you’ll share? Totally worth it!
Set up a Child Safe Cooking Station
Before we dive in, let’s make sure your toddler is set up for success with a safe, toddler-friendly kitchen space. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. You don’t want to get halfway through making cookies only to realize your little one can’t reach the counter—or worse, they’re balancing on a wobbly chair. Been there, done that. Let’s avoid that, shall we?
1. Invest in a Great Kitchen Helper Stool
This is hands-down the best investment I’ve made for my toddler in the kitchen. A sturdy kitchen helper stool gives them the perfect boost to reach the counter without risking a tumble. The one we have is wooden but some even fold up when you’re done, so they don’t take up too much space if you have a smaller kitchen.
My son uses his for just about everything in the kitchen. From eating snacks and meals, helping with cooking, and even washing dishes at the sink. He has learned to push it all over the kitchen to get wherever he needs to be.
So far he hasn’t gotten into too much mischief with it, but set clear boundaries and you will be so happy you have one!
2. Lay Down a Non-Slip Mat
Place a non-slip mat under their stool or workspace to prevent slipping and sliding. This adds an extra layer of safety, especially when things get messy.
3. Stock Up on Toddler-Friendly Tools
Adult-sized utensils are a no-go for little hands. Equip your toddler with kid-sized tools like safe knives, mini measuring cups, and sturdy mixing bowls. They’ll love having their own gear, and you’ll love not worrying about broken dishes.
You can buy each separately as you are comfortable with your toddler trying different tasks or this kid-friendly kitchen set has everything your mini chef needs!
4. Pick a "Mess-Friendly" Zone
Pick a spot in the kitchen where spills and splashes won’t drive you up the wall. I use the same spot every time and just know that it is going to get messy and it’s ok! I like to use a washable mat or an old towel under their station to keep cleanup quick and easy.
5. Set Up a Toddler Kitchen Drawer
Give your toddler their very own drawer or basket in the pantry for all their cooking supplies. Having a dedicated space for their tools and goodies makes them feel like an official part of the kitchen crew. Fill it with their mini utensils, apron, and favorite add-ins (think sprinkles or chocolate chips).
6. Use Child-Safe Ingredients
Let’s face it—toddlers will taste-test, so stick with safe, edible ingredients like flour, oats, or pre-washed produce. Avoid raw eggs, uncooked meat, or small choking hazards like nuts. Instead, let them stir batter or squish soft, sensory-friendly items like bananas or yogurt. For extra fun, set up a “safe bowl” with flour or rice just for them to play with. It keeps them entertained and out of the tricky stuff while they explore and learn!
With a setup like this, your toddler will feel like a pro, and you’ll feel a lot less stressed about the potential chaos. Plus, it makes cooking together way more fun and manageable. You’re welcome!
Getting Your Toddler Involved in the Kitchen
Once your toddler’s cooking station is set up, it’s time for the fun part—getting them involved! Here are some toddler-friendly tasks to get your little one started—and maybe even make dinnertime a little more exciting for everyone!
1. Stirring and Mixing
Toddlers love to stir, mix, and shake things up. Whether you’re making pancake batter, muffin dough, or a big bowl of salad, let your toddler help with mixing. It’s a great way to improve their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Plus, they feel like they’re really part of the action!
This is a great time to use all those toddler-friendly kitchen utensils we mentioned previously. That way you can keep making progress on what you are making while they have fun making the inevitable mess!
2. Washing Vegetables
Washing veggies is a simple task that toddlers can do with minimal supervision. Fill up the sink with water, hand your toddler some small veggies, and let them scrub away. It’s a great sensory activity, and they’ll feel like they’re contributing to the meal prep.
You’ll probably want to give them their own apron and put some towels on the floor to keep all the water from getting everywhere.
3. Pouring and Measuring Ingredients
Measuring cups and spoons are perfect for teaching your toddler about basic math concepts like counting and volume. Whether you’re baking or making a smoothie, have them help pour and measure ingredients.
4. Arranging the Table or Setting Up for a Meal
Once your toddler is getting the hang of smaller kitchen tasks, you can give them the responsibility of setting the table. They can help arrange napkins, silverware, and even put down placemats. This is definitely a job for the older toddlers (depending on if your dishes are glass or not), but small steps can help even the youngest hands learn this responsibility.
5. Assembling Simple Snacks
No need to go all out—let your toddler help with simple, no-bake recipes. Think about assembling sandwiches, making fruit salads, or even putting together trail mix. It’s a low-pressure way to get them involved without too much fuss. Bonus: they’ll be proud of their work and excited to eat it!
Here are some of my favorite no bake recipes to get your toddler excited about being in the kitchen:
6. Decorating Cookies or Cupcakes
If your toddler is in the mood for something sweet, decorating cookies or cupcakes can be a fun, creative task. Let them frost the treats and add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or any other toppings you’ve got on hand. They’ll love the opportunity to make a mess and express their creativity!
7. Placing Items in Pans
Toddlers love repetitive tasks, and placing muffin liners in a pan or arranging parchment paper is a great way to get them involved. It’s simple, mess-free, and helps develop their fine motor skills. Plus, they’ll feel so proud seeing the muffins or cupcakes they helped prepare come out of the oven!
8. Rolling Dough
If you’re making pizza dough or sugar cookies, your toddler can help by rolling the dough out with a rolling pin. It’s an easy, hands-on task that engages their senses and helps develop their coordination.
9. Cracking Eggs
With supervision, toddlers can start practicing cracking eggs (just make sure they have a small bowl to crack them into first!). It’s a great way to improve their hand-eye coordination. They’ll feel so accomplished when they get it right!
10. Mixing Dry Ingredients
If you’re making a dry mix (like flour, sugar, and baking powder for cakes or muffins), give your toddler a small bowl and a whisk or spoon to mix it up. It’s a quick and easy task that helps them get involved without much mess.
11. Sorting Ingredients
Toddlers can help by sorting dry ingredients or even fresh produce. For example, sorting fruits or veggies into bowls or arranging crackers by shape. It’s a simple, yet effective task that builds their sorting and organizational skills.
12. Adding Toppings
Let your toddler help by adding toppings to pizzas, casseroles, or baked dishes. They can sprinkle cheese, add veggies, or even place pepperoni slices. It’s a simple task that lets them get creative while also learning about food combinations.
13. Cleaning Up (Yes, Really!)
Okay, this one might sound like a stretch but hear me out. Toddlers can absolutely help with cleaning up, even if it’s just wiping down the counter or putting away utensils. It’s an opportunity to teach them responsibility and encourage good habits early on. And trust me, they’ll love the feeling of accomplishment when they “help” clean.
Tips For Success With Toddlers in the Kitchen
As much as we love getting our toddlers involved in the kitchen, let’s be real: it’s not always smooth sailing. To help make your cooking adventures more fun and less stressful, here are some tips for success. These simple guidelines will help ensure that you and your toddler have a great time in the kitchen while keeping things safe, manageable, and, most importantly, fun!
- Set Expectations: Keep things simple and clear. Toddlers may get distracted, and that’s okay! Let them know what they can do and what’s safe.
- Keep it Fun: The kitchen should be a place of fun and creativity. Let your toddler explore new textures, tastes, and smells. Don’t worry about things being perfect—messes happen!
- Safety First: Always supervise, especially around hot stoves, knives, or sharp objects. There are plenty of toddler-safe tools to make cooking time safe and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts on Getting Your Toddler Involved in the Kitchen
Getting your toddler involved in the kitchen doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. In fact, it can become a special bonding time where they learn new skills and develop a love for cooking. Plus, they’ll feel so proud of all the little tasks they’re helping with, and you’ll have a blast along the way.
Are you ready to make some memories in the kitchen with your little chef? Grab a few of these toddler-friendly tools and get started on your next kitchen adventure. Trust me, it’ll be a lot of fun!