Quick and easy activities your baby and toddler can do together
Brought to you by Little Bellies
Your little ones might be at different developmental stages, but that doesn’t mean you can’t set up activities for them to do together.
Here are eight ideas to get you started.
1. Storytime
Reading is the best activity you can do as a family. Not only is it perfect for when it’s time to slow down, but it also helps your children learn sounds, words and valuable communication skills. If you aren’t up for reading to your kids, download an audiobook, snuggle up and let the narrator do the talking.
2. Boogie like no-one’s watching
Dancing is another idea for the whole family – including your baby. Babies have a strong sense of rhythm from an early age, making dancing the perfect activity for all age groups. Pop on some of your favourite tunes and have a family dance party – your toddler can dance around while your baby wiggles from her seat. If you feel like a boogie, take your baby in your arms and dance too.
3. Blow bubbles
Who doesn’t love bubbles? You can either attempt to teach your toddler how to blow bubbles for your baby, blow them yourself, or invest in a bubble machine; sit back, relax and watch your kids have the time of their lives. (We recommend the last one.)
4. Finger and toe painting
A quick google search reveals several non-toxic paint recipes for a finger painting session that both baby and toddler can do together. Up the ante and let them paint with their feet too. This activity is excellent for developing motor skills and creativity.
5. Make muffins
Get everyone in the kitchen and bake some yummy muffins. Your toddler can help you measure and mix the ingredients in the bowl. Give your baby a separate mixing bowl and spoon with something soft to mix (and most likely eat). After you’ve spooned the mixture into the muffin tray, both toddler and baby can lick the bowl. (Unless of course you want to keep that part for yourself.)
6. Teddy bear picnic
Take those muffins you made earlier and have a picnic. You could invite your children’s favourite teddy bears to the picnic for some imaginative play, which allows toddlers to experiment with language and develop social skills. Be sure to include your baby – she might not be able to speak but she’s listening to everything you say, which will help with speech development later on.
7. Make a blanket fort
Making a blanket fort is as simple as throwing a blanket over a table, placing some cushions down and letting your children do the rest. Your toddler could play peek-a-boo with their sibling from under the fort, or your baby could practice crawling through the space and over pillows and blankets.
8. Show and tell
Have your toddler play show and tell with your baby. The bigger kid can decide how this one plays out. One option is for your toddler to show your baby her favourite toys, a painting she did or anything that interests her. Both toddler and baby will benefit from the interaction.
Go forth and good luck!
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