I'm not going to lie, as a practicing mother and expert, I can honestly say that cooking and baking with babies and toddlers is certainly not a piece of cake! It is absolutely certain that whatever can spill, will spill, whatever can overflow, will overflow, and whatever can be splashed into, the baby will definitely splash into it. That's why I believe that the foundation of cooking together, beyond maximum hygiene and safety, is that parents should have nerves made of ship rope or steel cable.

Little chefs in the kitchen: raising the next generation to the power of three

Mess and chaos aside, cooking together is a huge fun, so it's definitely worth involving the little ones in food preparation. This can be done quite early, even in infancy, if the conditions are right. 

- At 4-6 months, during daytime awakenings, we can take the little one with us in a carrier or resting chair, at a safe distance from the hot oven and stove. This way, while our hands are busy, we can continuously talk to them and even give them an ingredient to hold for a moment. (It is important that touching and smelling always require constant adult supervision to avoid possible choking.)

- At 6-12 months, depending on their dexterity, the child can join us in a playpen or high chair. In these cases, we can introduce them to ingredients, tools, and scents in detail.

- At 1-2 years, we are already raising real little chefs, whom we can actively involve in tasks. Joining us on a safe kitchen step stool, children can peel bananas, wash fruits, turn kitchen appliances on and off, add pre-measured ingredients to the food, and mix and stir to their heart's content.

- 3-5 year old children are almost mini sous-chefs, who can be entrusted with many tasks, such as kneading, dough making, sorting, peeling eggs, slicing with a child-safe knife, breading, and using cookie cutters.

Why is it worth letting children loose in the kitchen?

The process of food preparation is an extremely exciting and adventurous journey for children. Moreover, if they know the ingredients and basic kitchen techniques, they become more open and less picky. In fact, educating them about a health-conscious lifestyle, spending quality time together, and developing fine motor skills all happen simultaneously, making it a pure investment in the child's future.

What We Must Do Before and During Cooking Together

The kitchen is a dangerous place, with many tools that can be hazardous if used incorrectly, especially for little ones. That's why it's so important that if we involve them in the cooking process, we provide them with safe tools that ensure they won't harm themselves.

1. Be sure to get a stable, tip-proof step stool for the little one and explain the most important rules of being in the kitchen in detail!

2. Set firm and clearly understandable, well-communicated boundaries, as this is also in the child's interest!

3. Keep in mind that during the time spent cooking together, the result is just one aspect, but not the most important one.

4. Explain and explain! This way, we can ensure that toddlers know exactly what is happening to them and why, making them more cooperative and enthusiastic.

5. Educate! At the end of cooking together, involve the little one not only in eating but also in tidying up. This way, we can teach them that maintaining order in our home is a shared responsibility.

My experiences tell me that baking together or conjuring up lunch is not just a necessary task but can also be a shared joy. It's a fun activity that is a bit loud, a bit clumsy, and a bit messy, yet fantastic. Try it out yourselves!