Tummy-Time Squish Bag
A sealed bag of hair gel taped to the floor. Something to look at while they work.
- Ages
- 3–12 months
- Play
- 5–15 min
- Prep
- 5 min
- Mess
- barely any
- Energy
- calm
- Where
- on the floor
You’ll need
Things you probably have at home.
- a gallon zip-top bagGet it on Amazon
- clear hair gelGet it on Amazon
- duct tape or strong tapeGet it on Amazon
Optional
- food coloringGet it on Amazon
- pom-poms or buttons to float insideGet it on Amazon
How to play
Before you start: Squeeze hair gel into a zip-top bag until it is about a third full, add a drop of food coloring and a few pom-poms, and press out the air.
Before you start: Seal it, tape over the seal, then tape all four edges of the bag to the floor or a tray.
Lay them on their tummy with the bag just in front of their hands.
Press the bag yourself so they see the gel move and the pom-poms slide.
Wait. Let them reach and pat at it in their own time.
Talk about what they are doing: you pushed it, it moved.
Stop at the first sign of fussing and try again later in the day.
What it helps with
Keep it safe
- Stay with them the whole time. Check the seal before every use and throw it away at the first sign of a leak.
- Keep the bag taped down so it cannot be lifted to the mouth.
Make it different next time
- Tape it to a window for a light-up version once they can sit.
- Use water and baby oil for floating blobs instead of gel.
Cleanup: Peel off the tape and keep the bag for next time. Check it for leaks before every use.
