Considering what’s going on in the world, we’re spending a lot more time at home for the time being. And I’ve therefore been doing more indoor games and activities with Theo to keep him smiling and learning without the classes we usually do.
Here are my top ideas to keep little ones aged six-18 months entertained, based on what one-year-old (eek) Theo is enjoying right now.
1. Free classes
As Baby T’s classes have shut their (physical) doors for now, many of them have moved online, with plenty offering free sessions on social media. We’ve tried Tempo Tots (music and sensory), Songs for Littles (music) and Captain Fantastic Children’s Entertainment (stories, music and comedy). Have a search on Facebook and YouTube for any companies offering complimentary online classes, and donate to them if you can.
2. Storytime
Over 380,000 children in the UK don’t own a book, according to 2019 research from the National Literary Trust. Whatever the reason for that, you really can’t underestimate the impact reading can have on kids, including those as little as Theo.
Whether it’s a touchy-feely book or a classic like How the Grinch Stole Christmas! or Alice in Wonderland, reading or being read to can boost little ones’ sensory skills, speech development and concentration levels.
3. Painting
Why not get the youngest in your family involved in celebrating all that the country’s incredible key workers are doing for us? Messy at it was, Oli and I had a wonderful time getting Theo to have a go at painting a rainbow to hang in his bedroom window. And he, of course, loved splattering the paint wherever we’d let him.
4. Musical instruments
Since he was first able to grip, Theo has loved playing with musical instruments. He’s also been lucky enough to have been given plenty of hand me downs, so he’s got everything from maracas, to bells and a drum, and has come on leaps and bounds in terms of confidence (by which I mean loudness) when it comes to playing them.
Homemade versions are just as good, too – even something as straightforward as plastic bottles filled with dry rice for a maraca or an empty lunchbox for a drum.
5. Sensory play
One of the best things about DIY sensory pastimes for babies specifically, is that creating the item is part of the activity too. Oli and I have already made sensory bags (sandwich bags, shampoo, glitter, food colouring, marbles and googly eyes) and ‘moon sand’ (flour and baby oil), and we try to get Theo touching as many (safe) objects as possible, such as wooden toys, food, soft toys and balls.
Having extra time at home has led so many people to become much more creative with filling their time, and the same goes for activities for little ones. I hope this list has given you a few ideas to keep your baby occupied and soaking up as much knowledge as possible.
Love Marianne x
Maz in Motherhood 