3 Simple Steps to Achieve Cooking Nirvana with Your One-Year-Old
A guide for parents eager to cook with their toddlers.
Would it surprise you if I told you I cook or bake with my 3-year-old at least once a week?
What if I shared with you that I’ve been baking with my toddler since he was 1-year-old? Would you shriek, picturing a chaotic and messy kitchen?
Whatever your reaction is, it’s completely one hundred percent accurate!
I’ve experienced both total joy and frustration at the same time. There have been moments when I have cried not just over the mess in the kitchen but also the chaos that comes with involving little hands.
Yet, if I could go back in time, I would do it all over again. Why, you ask?
It’s an amazing feeling to witness life unfolding and see everything come together.
I’ve watched how my son gradually became more coordinated. I’ve been in awe by his unwavering determination — no matter how hard it was for him he never gave up.
He learned to crack an egg, pour milk without spilling, and all the while, my impatience seemed to have no effect on his focus. Whether he was kneading dough, or mixing batter, he remained undeterred.
He’s only three years old and yet he has already taught me invaluable lessons.
If you are a new parent or a parent eager to involve your kids in the kitchen, let this article be your beginners’ guide. With these three simple steps, you’ll also be able to achieve cooking nirvana with your children.
Step 1: Write down your “why”
I have countless reasons to embrace cooking with my son.
I cook with him to strengthen our parent-child bond and create a deeper connection between us. I cook with him to instill healthy eating habits and allow him to experience the joy of cooking.
But most of all, I cook with him to engage his senses and his hands, as they are what will develop his knowledge of the world.
As Paula Polk Lillard expresses in her book Montessori from the Start, hands-on learning plays a vital role in a child's development:
In the child, it is the actions of the hand guided by the intellect that create a feedback loop of information: the hand reports to the brain, the brain guides the hand by this new information, the hand discovers more information by carrying out the new direction and reports again to the brain. This process is a continuous action of learning and development.
When we actively encourage our children to learn through this exchange between the hand and minds, the results are stunning. We witness their grit, and their true potential unfold before our eyes.
Step 2: Get age-appropriate tools
This includes but is not limited to:
Stool and smock
Plastic measuring spoons
Plastic saw-tooth knives (safe for a toddler to use)
Measuring cups and spoons (with clear markings)
Silicone spatulas (ones with soft, heat-resistant tips)
Mixing bowls (non-slip base to prevent them from sliding)
Baking sheets and pans (with raised edges to prevent spills.)
Oven mitts (heat-resistant and non-slip grip are better)
Cookie cutters: (they make baking more fun for kids)
Hand mixer or stand mixer (not necessary though)
Cooling racks (for the cooling process)
The essential tools are the ones that allow your child to take part in the cooking process safely.
Step 3: Have lots of patience!
Take it slow and start small. If your toddler isn’t used to being in the kitchen, don’t overwhelm her/him with big tasks. Instead, choose the simplest activity you can think of. It could be something as easy as breaking an egg or pouring milk.
Begin by demonstrating how to do a specific task, and then invite your child to give it a try.
Refrain from correcting your child in that moment. Constant correction can kill their enthusiasm and lead to disinterest. Think back to your own childhood experiences…I’m sure you can recall that feeling.
Only guide their hands when necessary — but before doing so, inform or ask your child if you can assist her/him. This approach not only shows immense respect towards your child but provides them with a heads-up. You’ll be avoiding potential tantrums and maintain a positive atmosphere.
The child’s first instinct is to carry out his actions by himself, without anyone helping him, and his first conscious bid for independence is made when he defends himself against those who try to do the action for him.
— Maria Montessori
Toddlers are slow, and impulsive, but they are fast learners. By the time you realize it, there won’t be too much mess anymore.
But can a one-year-old really bake?
I grew up in Cameroon where it’s customary for women to wrap their babies on their backs while cooking. Inspired by this tradition, we began involving our son in the kitchen to help him feel at ease.
The key is to involve your child from an early age. Allow them to observe you in the kitchen for as long as their interest holds.
Once they are confident walkers, they are ready to put on a smock and start throwing things in a bowl. By incorporating one task at a time, and inviting them to take part in the process, their curiosity will peak.
The kitchen is a wonderland for sensory exploration. It’s filled with stimulating smells, vivid colors, and engaging sounds.
As you start baking and cooking with your toddler, you’ll witness the profound impact it has on both you and on your child. It truly is a transformative experience that creates lasting memories, fostering holistic growth. I wish you good luck on your kitchen quests!
If you’re seeking support and inspiration to implement these steps in your parenting journey, I invite you to join an exclusive parenting club that I host biweekly. You’ll connect with like-minded parents and find the guidance you need HERE.
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