It can be tough to keep your baby or toddler entertained all day long. Especially when it’s hot outside and all you want to do is stay inside where it’s air conditioned! But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are 5 fun and safe at-home activities that will keep your little one happy and busy. And most of these activities can be adjusted depending on your child’s age. So whether your baby is just starting to crawl or your toddler is ready for some more challenging tasks, we’ve got you covered!
1: Play With Baby Dolls
This is a great activity for both baby and toddler girls (and boys too!). It helps promote imaginative play and can be done with a baby doll or even just a stuffed animal. If you have multiple children, they can even play together and take turns being the baby! Make sure you’re playing in a safe space. If you have a lot of furniture around be sure to lock cabinets with adjustable safety straps.
Here are some tips:
– Choose baby dolls that are the same size or smaller than your child. Bigger dolls can be overwhelming for little ones. Look for baby dolls with soft bodies and no small parts. You don’t want your child choking on anything!
2: Draw With Chalk
This is a great activity for toddlers who are starting to draw and write. It’s also super easy to set up! Just get some chalk and let your toddler go to town on the sidewalk or driveway. If you’re worried about the chalk getting dirty, you can always put down a towel or tarp first. And if it’s raining outside, no problem! Just bring the fun indoors and let your toddler draw on a big piece of paper or even the wall (just be sure to supervise!).
Here are some tips:
– Look for non-toxic chalk that’s safe for little ones.
– Encourage your child to draw simple shapes or letters. This will help them develop their fine motor skills.
3: Do Some Yoga
Yes, yoga is for kids too! This is a great activity for both baby and toddler. It’s a great way to help your child develop their gross motor skills and improve their balance. Plus, it’s a lot of fun! There are even yoga classes specifically for kids. Or you can find yoga videos online that are geared towards little ones. If you’re around electric outlets be sure to add outlet protectors, so that in a moment of distraction your kids don’t jam anything in there.
Here are some tips:
– If you’re doing yoga with your baby, make sure you’re using baby-safe props such as blankets or towels.
– If you’re doing yoga with your toddler, be sure to supervise them at all times. They may not be able to do the poses correctly but they’ll have fun trying!
4: Build a Fort
This is a great activity for both baby and toddler. It’s a great way to encourage creative play and it’s also a lot of fun! Plus, it’s super easy to set up. Just grab some blankets and pillows and you’re all set! If you want to get really creative, you can even use furniture to build your fort. Just be sure to baby proof the area before you start. Remove any sharp objects or anything that could fall on your little one.
Here are some tips:
– Use soft blankets or towels instead of sheets so they don’t get tangled up.
– Make sure the fort is not too close to electric outlets or anything else that could be dangerous.
– Let your child help build the fort! They’ll have more fun that way.
5: Play Dress Up
This is a great activity for both baby and toddler. It’s a lot of fun and it helps promote imaginative play. Plus, it’s super easy to set up! Just grab some old clothes from your closet or the thrift store and let your little one go to town. If you have multiple children, they can even play together and take turns being the baby! Just be sure to baby proof the area before you start. Remove any sharp objects or anything that could fall on your little one. One of the best ways to make sure your child is safe while playing is to have a baby proofing kit, to baby proof any areas around your house.
Here are some tips:
– Choose clothes that are safe for your child to wear. Avoid anything with buttons or small parts that could come off and become a choking hazard.
– Let your child help choose the clothing
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and be safe!