How to Prevent Mess with Popsicles for Toddlers
All moms hate this. You are letting your little one cool off with a popsicle on a hot day and then it starts to melt. You rush to their side with towels and napkins but, it's too late. It's already gotten all over them. It's a mad dash to the sink to wash them off wincing at everything they touch on the way. Sticky everywhere! You don't want to take away this delicious treat from them, but the stickiness everywhere is such a chore to clean. I am here to save you from the mess and stickiness with some great methods on how to keep your toddler's clean while eating a popsicle.
The Naked Method
One way to prevent mess on clothes is to strip them to their diapers. This may not prevent mess on your toddler, but at least their clothes will be safe and it'll save you an emergency load of laundry to prevent stains. This method is especially great if you are outside in your backyard. After your toddler is done, throw them in the pool or hose them down. They'll love the water (at least my toddler did) and you'll have a clean (but wet) toddler. Just be sure to dry them off before they come back in.
The Juice Catcher
If you don't have the option to take off their clothes, cut a small slit on the bottom of a paper cup or paper plate. Then, slip the popsicle stick through the slit. This will prevent any juices from getting on their clothes. If you want extra protection, put on a bib or a napkin just in case your toddler decides it'd be fun to tip over the popsicle. If you are using a paper cup, when your tot gets closer to finishing, you may need to rip the top of the cup so they can get to the bottom. You can even use margarine lids or yogurt lids to have re-usable juice catcher. If you don't have anything on hand like that, others have been known to use coffee filters and cupcake liners. Anything really that you can slip a popsicle stick through to catch that sticky mess.
The Double Whammy
If you have a kid pool and your toddler is good at following directions, have them get in their swimsuits and eat their popsicle in the pool! They'll stay extra cool and the water will automatically clean up their messes.
The "No Mess" Popsicle
Why I haven't heard about this until now surprises me. There is now a popsicle out there that is slow-melt. They are the same price as normal popsicles without the mess! Perfect for your toddler. I wish I knew about these when my little one was a toddler. Ah well, she can still use them at 4! For the frugal moms who make their own popsicles, the makers of these popsicles just added gelatin to their recipe. A little different texture, but it shouldn't affect the taste too much.
Which method worked for you?
Which one worked best?
What method do you use with your toddler? Which one are you going to try? Did I forget a method? Let's start a discussion in the comments! I love hearing your feedback!
