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# Dorie Meek: Art ideas for infants and young toddlers
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/dear-dorie-20060627/
- Published: 2006-06-27T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T00:18:02.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Dorie Meek*

Dear Dorie, I’ve heard a lot about the importance of art for preschoolers, is there anything a parent can do for infants or young toddlers? Is it really that important?

Creative Caregiver Dear Caregiver, There are plenty of options for artistic exploration at any age. And yes, it is important for all areas of development, as well as a lot of fun. Here are a few starters to get you going.

For infants, try decorating the area above the changing table or crib. Stick with clear images (e.g. faces), sharp contrasts and defined shapes. This can be changed periodically for visual stimulation. For texture, exploration with an infant that is sitting up, look at different “touch” books or make your own with fabric swatches. Also, large crayons can be introduced with supervision — just be prepared with something edible nearby to counter the inevitable taste test with “here’s something for your mouth, the crayon is for the paper” (or your own version of a positive redirection).

For young toddlers, start with nature collections as they learn to walk the block. We use a two-finger touch rule to prevent picking or poking, as well as a rule that allows only nature “on the ground” to be taken home. Once you’ve got a pile together, it’s collage time with either non-toxic glue or tape. If you’re really motivated, you can laminate your toddler’s work and use it as a placemat. They will love it.

As always in parenting, be flexible, follow your child’s lead and “create” whatever speaks to you that day. You and your child will be artists together. Good luck.

Dorie (Dorie Meek is director of the Infant & Family Support Program, provided by Saint John’s Health Center in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Meek answers questions concerning children ages birth to 5 years old. Submit your questions to “Dear Dorie” at, or call (310) 452-6132; fax (310) 452-6392).

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 27, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/062706.pdf?ref=smdp.com)