Banana Mash
One banana, one fork, and a job that is really theirs.
- Ages
- 12 mo–4 yrs
- Play
- 5–15 min
- Prep
- 2 min
- Mess
- some
- Energy
- calm
- Where
- at the table
You’ll need
Things you probably have at home.
- a ripe banana
- a bowl and a forkGet it on Amazon
Optional
- a spoon for tasting
- a damp dish towel under the bowl
How to play
Before you start: Wash hands together.
Before you start: Put the bowl on a damp dish towel so it does not slide around.
Let them peel the banana. Start the peel for them if it will not give.
Break it into pieces and drop them in the bowl.
Show one slow press with the fork, then hand the fork over.
Keep mashing until there are no lumps, or until they like the lumps.
Eat it with a spoon, or spread it on toast.
What it helps with
Keep it safe
- Sit down to eat, and stay with them while they do.
- Skip anything they have not eaten before if allergies are a worry.
Make it different next time
- Stir in a spoonful of yogurt or a handful of oats.
- Older toddlers can mash a soft avocado the same way.
Cleanup: Wipe the table and wash the bowl together. They can do the wiping.
Three more like this
Learn something
Kitchen Pouring Station
15–30 min 18 mo–4 yrs Some mess- cups and a measuring cup with a spout
- a tray with a rim
- water or dry rice
