On a cold rainy morning is there anything better than some warm lavender playdough? Otis and Otto love using playdough together so I put a few baby-friendly materials in to a little caddy for them to use.

I put some playdough, playdough stampers, textured rolling pins and jumbo wooden craft sticks into a metal caddy. I was really determined not to use any plastic materials in this and it was totally achievable.  

I knew that Otto would have issues opening any container so I decided to use beeswax wraps to keep the playdough fresh. Otis can help him to wrap it back up when he is finished. 

I use a basic playdough recipe:

• ½ cup of flour
• ½ cup of water
• ¼ cup of salt
• ½ tablespoon of cooking oil, I use olive oil
• ½ tablespoon of cream to tartar

I combine the ingredients and mix over low heat. When the dough comes together I add some dried lavender and knead it a little. On a cold day it's nice to give it to the children when it is still warm. 

Usually, I would recommend only using playdough once the child has stopped putting everything in their mouth. But Otto is working so closely with Otis, both are enjoying playing together and exploring the playdough. Otto is too little to use the rolling pins for anything other than hitting the playdough but he loves the stampers and the craft sticks. The wooden stampers and textured rolling pins are interesting to a baby on their own and could also work in a discovery basket.

The texture and scent of the playdough are so interesting.

Playdough is to be pulled apart and prodded. It's fantastic for babies on so many levels. For sensory development, fine and gross motor skills, for language and when working with others, for interpersonal relationships. I can see our playdough caddy evolving and lasting years.