Make: Frozen Fruit Ice Cubes

Things are heating up really quickly this summer! Even though we’re enjoying some wild summer storms in the afternoon, the temperature is still average 30 degrees during the day. And for us in the nanny life – that’s pretty hot. Our outdoor activities are limited to before and after the hottest part of the day and we’re applying sunscreen and hats like it’s going out of fashion. Staying well hydrated though, that’s always a tricky one with kids …

These Frozen Fruit Ice Cubes are perfect for when your kids aren’t entirely sold on water. Or maybe for when your kids think they’re drinking enough already. But with the record high temperates we’re going to experience this summer, it’s vital to consider the risk of them over-heating or even suffering from heat stroke.

Further Reading: 7 Tips for Child Safety in the Summer Heat

Fruit ice cubes or popsicles are easy to make by freezing fresh fruit in water. They provide a delicious, healthy alternative for cooling off when compared to those sugar loaded pre-packaged popsicles and snow cones. Plus, sucking on ice pops is an easy way to help your child regulate their body temperature.

Making these fruit ice cubes is a really fun activity to do with the kids! Simply make sure you keep the knife out of reach and monitor their movements in the kitchen.

Frozen Fruit Ice Cubes

You’ll Need:

– Fruit of your choice
we used blueberries, strawberries, apples, oranges, mandarins, and kiwi fruit. You could use melons, pineapple, cherries and any other fruit that freezes well
– A jug of water
– Ice trays or popsicle moulds
– Chopping board
– Knife
– Freezer Space

Cool Tip: Boiled water makes clear ice cubes whereas tap water freezes cloudy!

To Make: Frozen Fruit Ice Cubes

1. Wash your hands and pull-up a stool for the kids near your prep area.

2. Slice your fruit into pieces small enough to fit the trays, keeping the knife away from the young ones.

3. Layer the fruit into your ice tray. You can get creative here with flavour combinations if you like. This is when the kids can really get involved!

4. Fill the trays with water, being careful not to overfill.

5. Carefully carry to the freezer and leave to set overnight on a flat surface.

Enjoy these fresh fruit ice cubes as a cool alternative on these out of control summer days. I suggest you pop in a CD to dance and sing along to (Disney’s Frozen soundtrack of course), so that you can stay cool indoors between 11am and 3pm.

For a fun twist, add in a splash of fruit nectar or juice to sweeten your fruit ice cubes. And if you’re fond of milk, you can always make creamy ice-cubes with plain of flavoured milk and bananas.

>>> Are you a Frozen fan? Do you prefer water + fresh fruit OR chocolate milk + banana?

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*Note: may not be suitable for children under 3 years of age as large chunks of fruit may present a choking hazard.
*This post originally appeared on Care Academy, contributed by NANNY SHECANDO.