WHY ARE MY LIPS ALWAYS DRY AND PEELING

Our lips are crucial for showing feelings, talking, and even telling us how healthy we are. But for some folks, having dry and peeling lips is a constant bother. If you’re always grabbing lip balm or wondering why your lips are always so dry, you’re not the only one. Let’s dive into the reasons behind always having dry and flaky lips, sharing tips that can help your lips feel better and full of life again.

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WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CHAPPED LIPS?

Chapped lips, a common ailment affecting many, manifest through several distinctive symptoms. One prevalent sign is the presence of redness, as the delicate skin on the lips becomes irritated and inflamed. 

Dryness is another key indicator, often accompanied by a sensation of tightness, roughness, or a parched feeling. Peeling, where the outer layer of skin on the lips starts to flake or shed, is another characteristic symptom of chapped lips.

In more severe cases, cracks may appear on the lips, causing discomfort and making routine activities like eating or speaking more challenging. These symptoms collectively signify the discomfort and potential pain associated with chapped lips, prompting individuals to seek relief through various remedies and preventive measures.

COMMON CAUSES OF CHAPPED LIPS

SALTY OR SPICY FOODS

If you love snacks like pretzels or chips, they might be causing your lips to peel. Salty foods, especially those with a lot of salt on them, can affect your lips. Salt takes away water, making your lips dry. Spicy snacks can also irritate your skin and make your lips lose water. To help your lips heal, try avoiding salty foods for a bit and use a lip balm with paraffin wax.

LIP BALM ADDICTION

Even though lip balms promise to hydrate, not all of them do the job well. Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, a skin doctor in New York City, explains that some lip balms only provide quick moisture from the air. However, without things like petroleum, beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, or squalene (called occlusives), the moisture doesn’t stay locked in, and your lips can end up feeling even drier. To avoid constantly reapplying, it’s important to use a lip balm that has both humectant and occlusive ingredients. Dr. Nussbaum also suggests steering clear of parabens, phenol, phthalates, fragrances, and lanolin if you have sensitive skin.

LICKING YOUR LIPS

Licking your lips might seem like a quick way to moisten them, but it can actually lead to dryness. When you lick your lips, the saliva evaporates, taking away moisture and leaving your lips drier than before. This habit can strip away natural oils from your lips, making them more prone to dryness and potentially causing them to become chapped or cracked. To keep your lips hydrated, it’s best to resist the urge to lick them and instead use a moisturizer.

DEHYDRATION

Even though having dry skin doesn’t always mean you’re not drinking enough water, your lips can get dry faster if you’re not hydrated. That’s because the skin on your lips changes quickly. If you notice other signs of not drinking enough water, it’s okay. You can fix it easily by making sure to drink water regularly during the day. Experts say you should aim for about half your body weight in ounces of water.

CONSTANTLY EXPOSED TO DRY AIR

If you’re always around dry air, it can make your lips dry too. When the air doesn’t have much moisture, it takes away the moisture from your lips, making them feel dry and sometimes cracked. To help, you can use lip balm to add moisture to your lips and protect them from getting too dry. So, if you’re in a place with dry air, it’s a good idea to keep your lips moisturized to avoid dryness.

EXCESS SUN EXPOSURE

If your lips get even drier in the summer, it could be because of the sun. Believe it or not, your lips can get sunburned too. They’re actually more likely to get sunburned than other parts of your skin because your lip skin is different. If you don’t take care of sunburned lips, it could lead to something called actinic cheilitis, which is a problem caused by being in the sun for a long time. This can make your lips scaly and discolored. If you don’t treat it, it might even turn into something more serious, like squamous cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer. It’s important to protect your lips by using a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher when you’re out in the sun.

MEDICATION

Certain medications can contribute to dry lips as a side effect. Some drugs may affect the moisture levels in your body, leading to dehydration and subsequently drying out your lips. Additionally, certain medications may have ingredients that can directly impact the skin, making it more prone to dryness. If you’re experiencing persistent dry lips and are on medication, it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on managing this side effect, adjusting your medication if necessary, or recommending suitable remedies to keep your lips moisturized.

YEAST INFECTION

While relatively uncommon, yeast infections can contribute to dry lips. Candida, a type of yeast, may overgrow on the lips, leading to a condition known as angular cheilitis. This can result in dryness, redness, and cracking at the corners of the mouth. Yeast infections often thrive in warm and moist environments, and factors such as saliva, weather conditions, or compromised immune systems can contribute to their occurrence. If you suspect a yeast infection is causing your dry lips, seeking medical advice is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment to alleviate the symptoms and address the underlying cause.

ACTINIC CHEILITIS

With this condition, your lower lip can get dry and have scaly patches. This dry and cracked area can make it easy for skin cancers to appear, especially squamous cell carcinomas in older folks. If you have this, the treatment involves using special creams or light therapy to help your skin fight back or get rid of the damaged cells. But before that, your doctor will do a test called a skin biopsy to make sure it’s the right treatment for you.

VITAMIN DEFICIENCY

According to dermatologist Dr. Adam Friedman, dry, cracked lips often indicate various vitamin B deficiencies, with B12 deficiency being the most common culprit. B12 is crucial for cell growth, healing, and turnover, and its shortage can lead to dryness and slow healing.  Chapped lips can also result from a lack of vitamin C, though this is less common due to the usual presence of recommended daily intake in diets. To address these deficiencies, your doctor can conduct a blood test to pinpoint the exact vitamin lacking and recommend supplements or dietary changes accordingly.

PARANEOPLASTIC PEMPHIGUS

This is an extremely uncommon situation, but covering all possibilities! Paraneoplastic pemphigus is an autoimmune disease linked to cancer, according to Dr. Friedman. Though it may show up as a skin rash, the main sign is an erosive oral disease. If you notice severe symptoms like cracked and bleeding lips, sores, redness, or swelling around your mouth, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of a more serious and blistering condition.

ALLERGIC REACTION OR IRRITANT CONTACT DERMATITIS

Dry lips can sometimes be a result of an allergic reaction or irritant contact dermatitis. When your lips come into contact with substances that trigger allergies or irritate the skin, it can lead to dryness and discomfort. Allergic reactions may be caused by certain lip products, such as lip balms or lipsticks, while irritant contact dermatitis can result from exposure to harsh chemicals or environmental factors. The symptoms may include dryness, redness, swelling, or even the development of small blisters on the lips. Identifying and avoiding the specific allergen or irritant is crucial in managing and preventing these reactions. 

HOW TO TREAT CHAPPED LIPS

Chapped lips can be a pesky and uncomfortable issue, but with the right care, you can soothe and revitalize your lips. Here’s a guide on how to treat chapped lips effectively.

HYDRATION IS KEY

One of the fundamental steps in treating chapped lips is to stay well-hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body, including your lips, moisturized from the inside. Hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining the suppleness of your lips and preventing dryness.

GENTLE EXFOLIATION

Exfoliating your lips can help remove dead skin cells and promote the regeneration of new, healthy skin. Use a gentle lip scrub or a homemade mixture of sugar and honey to softly exfoliate your lips. Be cautious not to overdo it, as excessive scrubbing may worsen the chapping.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIP BAM

Opt for a high-quality lip balm that contains moisturizing ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or coconut oil. Avoid lip balms with potential irritants such as fragrances or menthol. Applying the lip balm regularly, especially before going outdoors, forms a protective barrier against harsh weather conditions.

PROTECT FROM THE SUN

If you’re heading out into the sun, consider using a lip balm with SPF to shield your lips from harmful UV rays. Sun exposure can contribute to dryness and exacerbate chapped lips, so incorporating sun protection is an essential preventive measure.

AVOID LICKING YOUR LIPS

While it might be a natural instinct, licking your lips can worsen the problem. Saliva can contribute to further moisture loss, leading to increased dryness. Break the habit of licking your lips and opt for using a hydrating lip balm instead.

HUMIDIFY YOUR ENVIRONMENT

In dry climates or during the winter months when indoor heating systems are in use, the air can become particularly dry. Using a humidifier in your living or sleeping space adds moisture to the air, preventing your lips from drying out.

CONSULT A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

If your chapped lips persist despite home remedies, or if you notice any unusual symptoms like persistent sores or inflammation, it’s advisable to seek advice from a healthcare professional. They can help identify any underlying issues and recommend appropriate treatments.

By following these simple yet effective steps, you can alleviate chapped lips and restore them to a soft and comfortable state.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BE APPLYING LIP BALM

The frequency of applying lip balm depends on various factors such as individual needs, weather conditions, and personal habits. In general, it’s recommended to apply lip balm regularly throughout the day, especially if you are exposed to elements that can contribute to dryness, such as cold or windy weather. Applying lip balm in the morning and before bedtime can be a good routine, and it’s crucial to reapply after eating or drinking. If you spend a significant amount of time outdoors or in dry environments, consider more frequent applications to maintain optimal lip hydration. 

Listen to your body—if your lips feel dry or start to chap, applying lip balm promptly can help prevent further discomfort. 

WHEN SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR FOR MY CHAPPED LIPS

If your chapped lips persist despite consistent home care efforts or if you notice any concerning symptoms, it’s advisable to seek medical attention. Signs that may warrant a visit to the doctor include severe or persistent dryness, cracking, bleeding, or the development of sores on your lips. 

Additionally, if you experience inflammation or notice any unusual changes in the color or texture of your lips, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. These could be indicators of underlying issues that require specific medical attention. 

If you have tried over-the-counter remedies without improvement or if your chapped lips are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, scheduling an appointment with a doctor will help identify the root cause and determine the most appropriate course of treatment for your specific condition.

CONCLUSION

Persistent dryness and peeling of the lips can be attributed to various factors, including dehydration, excessive licking, environmental exposure, and inadequate lip care. Adopting a consistent routine of hydration, using a suitable lip balm, and protecting the lips from harsh conditions can contribute to healthier and more nourished lips. If issues persist, consulting with a healthcare professional may provide further insights and tailored solutions for optimal lip care.

22 FUN AND SIMPLE FALL ARTS, CRAFTS, AND SENSORY ACTIVITIES FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS

If it’s your first fall with your new baby, you might be eager to explore some fun, seasonal arts and crafts together. You might wonder if it’s possible at this age, and the answer is yes!

Of course, you’ll need to supervise and assist your little one throughout the process, just as you do with most things at this stage. There are also plenty of fall-themed sensory activities that, while they may not result in a keepsake, offer valuable bonding time.

Here are some fun and simple fall crafts for infants that toddlers will enjoy too, along with sensory play activities perfect for the season.

FALL PROCESS ART PROJECTS FOR INFANTS

Most of the fall arts and crafts for infants listed below will require significant assistance (after all, what doesn’t with a baby?), but since these activities focus on process art, you’re encouraging your infant to explore and experiment rather than concentrating on a finished product. Be prepared for some messy fun!

There are also some mess-free painting projects that you can try with your little one if you prefer a cleaner experience.

By the end of each activity, you might just end up with a keepsake, but remember that the goal is to allow your child to express themselves freely and enjoy the creative process. Embrace the mess and the joy of exploration!

EASY FALL LEAF CRAFT FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS

This easy and fun fall craft allows infants to engage in open-ended exploratory play while creating a pretty outcome—an instant suncatcher! Best of all, it’s a no-mess activity.

Simply tape a piece of contact paper to a window at a height your infant can reach, with the sticky side facing out. Provide faux craft leaves and encourage your little one to stick them onto the contact paper. At first, you may need to model and guide the process, but your infant will love watching their leaf pattern come to life as they stick the leaves on the paper.

CORN PAINTING PROCESS ART

This corn painting process art activity is a simple and fun way for infants and toddlers to explore textures while engaging in fall-themed art. A cob of corn becomes a unique tool for spreading paint across paper. To start, pick some fall-inspired paint colors, place blobs of paint onto paper plates, and then dip the corn cob into the paint. Help your infant roll the cob over the paper and watch the colorful patterns emerge.

Alternatively, you can use a paintbrush to coat the corncob with paint first, and then make prints on the paper together with your little one.

Your infant may even prefer to rub their hands in the paint and feel the texture of the corncob, enjoying the sensation of wet paint on its bumpy surface. Just make sure you’re using baby-safe paints! Whether they create clear corn prints or not, the focus is on letting them explore and enjoy the creative process.

As your infant interacts with the corn and paint, you can make simple observations, like talking about how the corn feels bumpy or how the paint feels wet. Over time, your modeling will help them develop their own ability to observe and describe their sensory experiences.

PUMPKIN PATCH STAMPING

This pumpkin patch stamping activity is an adorable fall craft perfect for infants and toddlers. Begin by drawing some simple pumpkin vines on a piece of paper. Then, create a “pumpkin stamper” by attaching a pom-pom or cotton ball to a clothespin. This combination makes it easier for little hands to manage compared to a traditional paintbrush, and the round pom-pom will become the pumpkins in your child’s pumpkin patch.

You’ll likely need to dip the pom-pom stamper into the orange paint and demonstrate how to press it onto the paper, but once they get the hang of it, they’ll be ready to go! This is a fun art project that also helps develop fine motor skills. Once they’re done stamping, you can add some pumpkin leaves—and if it doesn’t quite resemble a pumpkin patch, feel free to label it for that extra cute touch!

PUMPKIN MARBLE PAINTING

For a fun and unique painting activity without paintbrushes, try this pumpkin marble painting! Start by printing a pumpkin template on cardstock or paper. You’ll need orange non-toxic paint, marbles, and a shallow, flat container. Place the pumpkin template inside the container, then add small blobs of paint around the edges of the template to avoid large blotches directly on the pumpkin.

Next, let the marbles do the painting! As they roll across the container, they will create streaks of paint on the cardstock. Older children can tilt the container to control the marble movement, and while this action may be challenging for most infants, they’ll enjoy watching the marbles roll through the paint and over the pumpkin, creating a beautiful pattern.

ACORN PAINTING CRAFT

For this adorable acorn painting craft, gather some acorns (real or faux), baby-safe fall-colored or natural-colored paint, a shallow plastic tub, and plain paper. This fun process art project is similar to the marble painting activity, but you’ll use acorns instead of marbles and can swap the pumpkin outline for an acorn one.

You can either apply the paint directly to the acorns or place blobs of paint on the paper. Then, shake or tilt the tub so the acorns roll through the paint and across the paper, creating a colorful pattern. Older infants might even try to lift the box to watch the acorns roll, which helps develop both fine and gross motor skills.

Some infants may enjoy holding the acorns and painting with them directly—just be sure to supervise and prevent any from going into their mouth!

LEAF PRINTING

For this leaf printing activity, start by putting your baby in the stroller and taking a nature walk to gather some beautiful leaves—this in itself is a fun and engaging activity. Once you’ve collected your leaves, help your infant cover them with tempera paint in whichever way they can. They can paint the leaves and then press them onto paper to leave behind colorful leaf prints.

If you want to simplify the process, you can cover the leaves with paint for them and assist your infant in pressing the painted leaves onto the paper. Adjust this fall craft to match your baby’s current abilities, ensuring they can explore and enjoy the activity at their own pace.

TURN LEAVES INTO CONFETTI

This unique art project lets you turn autumn leaves into confetti for a fun, open-ended fall craft with your infant. Start by taking a lovely stroller walk to observe and collect different dry leaves—dried, crunchy leaves work best. If needed, you can dry them in the microwave for a minute.

Now the fun begins! Let your infant rip, tear, and shred the leaves into tiny pieces, creating leaf confetti. Keep a close eye to ensure they’re not putting any leaves in their mouth.

Next, apply clear Elmer’s glue to a piece of orange construction paper and sprinkle the leaf confetti all over it. You’ll likely need to help guide your infant through the process, but they’ll enjoy the sensory experience of playing with the leaves and glue.

FUN FALL CRAFTS FOR INFANTS

There’s no better way to celebrate the fall season than by creating some adorable autumn crafts! The projects listed below will lead to charming finished products, and while the emphasis is on achieving a specific look, the process will help develop fine and gross motor skills. Plus, these activities provide wonderful opportunities for bonding time with your little one. Enjoy the creative fun together!

FALL LEAVES WREATH

This simple fall leaves wreath is a lovely keepsake that can be cherished for years to come. To make it, you’ll need faux fall-colored leaves (often available at the dollar store), plain paper plates, ribbon for hanging, scissors, and a hole punch (which will help feed the ribbon through the wreath).

Start by folding the paper plate in half and cutting out a semicircle from the center to create a ring. Next, cover the cutout paper plate with glue and assist your infant in gluing the leaves onto the plate. Your child will have a great time decorating the wreath with the vibrant leaves, creating a beautiful autumn decoration that you can display proudly!

REVERSE FALL LEAF PAINTING

For this simple leaf painting craft, you’ll need to collect real leaves from your yard—just make sure they aren’t too dry and brittle, as they can break easily. Faux leaves can also work well!

Gather your materials: poster board or paper, double-sided tape (to attach the leaves), fall-colored paint, and toddler-friendly brushes like foam brushes (though a young child may prefer using their fingers and hands).

Start by sticking the leaves to the poster board. Then, let your infant play with the paint, helping them paint around and on the leaves to create a clear leaf silhouette if desired. Once they finish painting, carefully remove the leaves and tape, and set the artwork aside to dry.

For a more lasting keepsake, consider doing this project on a canvas instead of poster board or paper. You can also laminate the finished piece to preserve this sweet fall art project for years to come!

APPLE TREE STAMPING CRAFT

Who knew sliced apples could be such a fun painting tool? For this apple tree stamping craft, simply cut some apples in half and gather fall-colored paint, paper, and a paintbrush.

Begin by drawing the structure of an apple tree with branches on the paper. Then, apply paint to the flat side of the cut apple, and it’s time for your infant to get creative! Help them stamp the apples all over the tree to create colorful foliage. For an added twist, you could draw a basket alongside the tree, and they can stamp apples into the basket as well. This engaging activity combines art and exploration while celebrating the fall season!

FALL SUNCATCHERS

Creating these fall suncatchers is a fun and easy, no-mess craft perfect for infants. To make fall-themed shapes like apples, pumpkins, or acorns, simply cut out the shapes, leaving the centers empty (check the linked tutorial above for an easy guide on how to draw and cut these shapes).

Next, attach a piece of contact paper to one side of each cutout, ensuring the sticky side is facing up so your child can stick tissue paper squares onto it. Let them decorate the contact paper however they like!

Once they finish decorating, add a second sheet of contact paper, sticky side down, to seal and protect the suncatcher. You can then display it in a window to brighten up your fall decor for years to come.

Older siblings and preschoolers can help with cutting out the shapes, while infants can enjoy sticking the tissue paper squares onto the sticky contact paper. This activity is a great example of how to tailor crafts to meet the developmental needs of different ages!

ADORABLE HAND, FOOT & FINGERPRINT ARTS AND CRAFTS TO DO WITH YOUR BABY

For the art projects listed in this section, most of the work will be parent-led to create adorable fall handprint creations. These activities focus more on achieving a cute final result rather than the process itself.

Keep in mind that crafts involving painted handprints may require several attempts to get right—expect a few smudged handprints along the way! I’ve found that sponge brushes work best for applying paint to skin instead of traditional bristle brushes, as they allow for quicker and thicker coverage.

Despite the effort involved, a good handprint craft makes a beautiful keepsake you’ll cherish for years to come. Try one of these fall crafts to celebrate your infant’s first autumn season!

Be sure to use baby-safe paints, such as child-safe finger paints or tempera paint. Avoid acrylic paint, as it’s not gentle on the skin, especially for a baby’s delicate skin. Additionally, acrylics can be sticky and tricky to clean off.

TURKEY HANDPRINT ART

This turkey handprint art activity is one of the simplest fall crafts for infants, and it’s nearly mess-free! Start by tracing around your baby’s hand with a marker. Then, give them large grip crayons and let them scribble over their handprint outline.

To transform the handprint into a turkey, add a beak and feet. You can also include your own handprint next to theirs for an adorable family keepsake. How cute is that?

FALL TREE

This adorable fall tree art project is a wonderful keepsake and a fun way to teach your little one about the changing colors of autumn leaves. Start by cutting out a tree trunk from brown construction paper and gluing it onto a sheet of white paper. Next, use non-toxic, baby-safe paints in various fall colors to cover your baby’s hand. Press their hand onto the paper at the top of the tree trunk to create vibrant leaves, making this a delightful fall craft for infants!

FALL HANDPRINT LEAVES

These fall handprint leaves are absolutely adorable and definitely worth trying with your infant! Start by covering their hand in fall-colored paint (think orange, brown, green, etc.) and then press their hand onto a piece of paper.

Don’t worry if it doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time; practice makes improvement! Once the paint is dry, you can draw leaf veins and a stem on their handprint to complete the leaf shape. Consider laminating the finished piece to preserve it as a special fall decoration or keepsake for years to come!

HANDPRINT LEAF WREATH

This handprint leaf wreath activity is a wonderful way to engage your infant and the whole family! Start by helping your baby create handprints in various fall colors to make colorful leaves. They’ll love exploring the temperature, texture, and colors of the paints as you create together.

Once the handprint leaves are dry, carefully cut them out and attach them to a circular base made from cardboard. Alternatively, you can cut the middle out of a paper plate and use the plate’s edge as the wreath base.

To make it even more special, involve other family members in making their own handprint leaves. This can turn into a beautiful family keepsake that’s definitely worth framing if it turns out well!

FALL SENSORY PLAY ACTIVITIES FOR BABIES

Sensory play is a highly effective and engaging way for young children to learn. Through experimenting and interacting with a diverse range of materials that provide various textures, colors, shapes, smells, and sounds, children quickly absorb new information. This type of play encourages exploration and stimulates multiple senses, all within a safe environment.

With these fun fall crafts, your baby will have the opportunity to engage in sensory experiences while discovering new concepts and enjoying the seasonal themes.

ORANGE GLITTER FALL SLIME

Your infant will surely enjoy the delightful soft and sticky texture of this orange glitter fall slime, which adds colorful and sparkly elements to a classic slime recipe.

To make it, you’ll need Elmer’s glue, baking soda, orange food coloring, gold glitter, fall leaf confetti, and contact lens solution. Start by pouring the glue into a bowl, then gradually add each ingredient, making sure to add the contact lens solution last.

Be sure to stir well as you go along. Once the slime begins to solidify, take it out of the bowl and continue mixing with your hands. You can store the slime in the refrigerator to prolong its freshness. Just remember to supervise closely as your baby explores this new texture, ensuring their safety and protecting your furniture!

EDIBLE CANDY CORN SLIME

This edible candy corn slime is a great way to put all of that leftover candy corn to good use.  Is it only me that buys a bag every year, only to not finish because I remember how bad it is?! To the candy corn you need add marshmallows, vegetable oil, and powdered sugar.

Heat the ingredients in the microwave as detailed in the linked tutorial above. This is obviously an edible recipe, but under ones aren’t meant to have sugar, so you’re still going to have be a little careful if your infant puts too much in their mouth. 

FALL COLORED OATS SENSORY BIN

To create a fall-colored oats sensory bin, start by preparing a rainbow oats recipe in advance. It’s simple to make but requires some time to dry. You’ll also need a tub or bin and any tools that are safe for your baby’s small hands, such as silicone spatulas and measuring spoons.

Your infant will love scooping and pouring the oats, watching the colors blend together, and simply exploring the textures in this engaging fall sensory activity.

For infants, this setup is usually sufficient, but if you have a toddler as well, check the link above for details on making cardboard tube trees to enhance the play experience. Alternatively, consider adding one or two fall-themed materials to the bin to further enrich your infant’s sensory exploration.

FALL SENSORY BIN WITH CORN

The key to creating a corn fall sensory bin for infants is simplicity. Start with a base of dry corn kernels and add just a few toys or pinecones, along with a tool or two. You can mix real and artificial items for added interest.

While the linked tutorial provides a more elaborate setup, it’s essential to remember that less is often more for infants. Their short attention spans and developing physical and cognitive skills mean they require less stimulation than older children.

In fact, having too many items can lead to sensory overload, causing infants to disengage completely. Purposeful play is crucial, so focus on including fewer items that hold greater significance, rather than a multitude of items that may lack purpose.

FALL APPLE TREE SENSORY BIN

For the apple tree sensory bin, gather green dyed rice, red, green, and yellow craft pom poms, cardboard tubes, green cardstock or craft paper, glue, and scissors. It’s best to prepare the apple trees ahead of time, as this part of the project isn’t suitable for infants, but an older toddler sibling might enjoy helping out.

Alternatively, you can simplify the activity by focusing solely on the pom poms, with or without the rice. One of the joys of infant play is the flexibility to adapt any activity to suit your child’s age and the materials you have on hand. You don’t need to use every item listed in the tutorial; just choose what works best for your setup and your little one’s developmental stage!

PINECONES AND TISUE PAPER

This pinecones and tissue paper sensory bin is a super simple yet engaging activity and you only need three materials: pinecones, tissue paper and a bin or tub of some kind. You could also use a cardboard box if you have one laying around (as I tend to do from the many Amazon packages that come through our door on a regular basis!)

Your baby will love feeling the texture of the tissue paper and hearing the sounds it makes as they move it around and the pinecone provides such a contrasting texture and weight. Exploring the two together makes for a fun fall sensory activity for an infant, with the hard, rippled outer of the pinecone and it’s relatively heavier weight versus the soft, light and crinkly tissue paper.  

PUMPKIN BOATS WATER SENSORY

For this cute pumpkin boats sensory activity, you’ll need small pumpkin-shaped gourds or “Jack-Be-Little” pumpkins (yes, that’s their real name!). You can also use pie pumpkins from the grocery store or any small pumpkins you can find.

Begin by cutting the tops off the little pumpkins and hollowing them out to create tiny pumpkin boats. Provide some toy figures for the boats—this will likely be engaging enough for an infant. You can also add pine cones or other interesting items to enhance this fun, water-based fall sensory experience.

These pumpkin boats can even be used in the tub during bath time for an extra splash of fun!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, these 22 fun and simple fall arts, crafts, and sensory activities for infants and toddlers provide an excellent way for young children to explore their creativity while developing essential motor skills and sensory awareness. Each activity is designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, allowing little ones to experiment with textures, colors, and shapes in a safe and nurturing environment. Whether it’s creating vibrant handprint art, exploring colorful sensory bins, or enjoying tactile experiences with slime and paint, these projects not only foster artistic expression but also promote bonding time with caregivers.

Remember, the emphasis should be on the process rather than the final product, encouraging your child to express themselves freely and learn through play. With these delightful activities, you can embrace the beauty of the fall season while creating lasting memories and keepsakes that celebrate this special time in your child’s early development. So gather your materials, get creative, and enjoy the joyful mess of fall crafting with your little ones!