Play & Activities
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PLayDoh Provides Great Learning Experience for My Baby
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLstsETBfao
I have always used only Play-Doh for Aryaa and she loves playing with it. Thanks to its non toxic feature, it has been my go to choice always. Aryaa is a creative child as she is a lefty, so art and craft is what she indulges in all time. We encourage her further by providing learning experiences with products that inspire her. Be it colours, books, craft material or Play Doh, we keep trying out new ways to inculcate her hobbies. We recently got Aryaa the Letters and Language set from Play-Doh’s ‘Shape & Learn’ range as she has recently started learning to read and write A,B,C,D in school. It not only is a great way of teaching her the letters through a multi-sensory experience, but it also helps us in understanding her progress, and of course a great way to spend time with her. She loves the entire kit as it contains different colours of Play-Doh, letter stamps, a rolling pin and a stylus which helps her create some beautiful letters. The Together Time Guide is full of fun ideas and skill building activities that makes play-time with her even more rewarding. We definitely are seeing it benefit Aryaa and she also comes back happier from school as she knows her letters a lot better now. For early thinkers like Aryaa, the ‘Shape & Learn’ range is definitely a great product!
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this post are the personal views of the Blogger. The Blogger is a Mom of a 3 Yr old & is an active user of FirstCry Parenting.
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Best Activities for 20 Months Old
Each child develops at a different pace. Therefore, every month is different from the other, and sometimes you may just run out of ideas to keep your growing toddler engaged. In this article, we will share ample learning as well as fun activities for 20-month-old toddlers that will not only keep your little one occupied but also help develop several essential skills. These activities are also a great way to create a long-lasting bond with your baby, fostering their cognitive, physical, and social development while ensuring their happiness and overall well-being. So, let’s dive into these ideas for 20-month-old activities at home and watch them thrive with joy and curiosity.
The Best Learning Activities for a 20-month-old Baby
There are several indoor and outdoor activities you can involve your 20-month-old toddler in. Here are some simple activities for your fast-growing toddler.
1. Smear the Colours
Smear the colours is a great way to develop your little one’s motor skills. On an advanced level, this activity can be done to teach your child how to identify colours. Here’s what you need.
Things You Will Need
Finger paint
Wax paper
Plain paper
How to Do It
Take the wax paper and put it on the floor or any solid surface. It will help prevent stains on the surface.
Use tape to stick it to the floor so that it doesn’t slip.
Keep a plain paper over the wax paper.
Now, drop a small amount of paint and smear it with your finger.
Allow your toddler to do the same.
Then drop different colours and let your baby smear each of them.
2. Find It For Me
This simple activity will improve your baby’s observation skills. At times, you can choose to move the object to another hand to add an element of surprise to this activity.
Things You Will Need
An object small enough to hide in your palm.
How to Do It
Sit in front of the baby, and hold both your hands with the palms facing upwards.
Place this object in one of your palms.
Ensure your baby sees the object properly.
Now, close both your palms, with the object hidden in one hand.
Put both your hands behind your back, then bring them to the front and ask your little one where the object is.
Once your baby points it out, open both your hands to reveal the object.
3. Help Me Out
Toddlers imitate their parents commonly. This simple activity can help you connect with your child and also develop his motor skills. And, all you need is a little time along with the material mentioned below.
Things You Will Need
Two small pieces of clean cloth.
How to Do It
Find a clean surface that your baby can access easily.
Clean the surface with a cloth.
Then hand the second piece of cloth to your baby and let him do the same.
Remember not to throw away your piece of cloth when your little one starts cleaning. Spend time with him and keep talking or singing songs when you make him do this activity.
4. Take Your Baby Out
This activity will improve your child’s observation skills, and communication skills and will also encourage him to explore his surroundings. To ensure your baby makes the most of this activity, choose a time of the day when your baby is active, well-fed, and well-rested.
What You Will Need
A spacious and safe place where your toddler can roam on his own (a park, a garden, or a mall).
Some free time on hand.
How to Do It
Once you reach the location, let your toddler lead the way and explore things around him at his own pace.
Keep following him and do not let him go out of sight.
Strike a conversation with your little one about anything that fascinates him and teach him new words.
5. Match the Following
This activity will teach your toddler about various day-to-day objects. It will also enable him to identify the similarities and differences such as colour, shape, and size.
Things You Will Need
Objects in pairs, like socks, hair clips, books, spoons, etc.
Some space to place the objects.
How to Do It
Hold up one of the objects and show it to your baby.
Name the object in your hand for your baby and ask him to find its pair from the objects laid on the surface.
6. Prepare a Stew
This activity will help in developing your baby’s fine motor skills, bilateral as well as hand-and-eye coordination. It will also stimulate your baby’s visual and tactile senses.
Things You Will Need
A bucket
A stick
Some random objects like leaves, pebbles, flowers, etc.
How to Do It
When you step out with your little one next time to go to a park or a garden, carry a bucket.
Stop at a place where there are some pebbles, twigs, leaves, and flowers.
Fill the bucket with some water and ask your baby to pick pebbles, leaves, flowers, twigs, or just about anything safe to handle and ask him to put it in the bucket.
Take a long stick and help your baby stir the ingredients.
Slowly, you can start telling your baby about how heavy things like pebbles sink in water, and lighter objects like leaves float on it.
7. Fun With Flowers
This activity is not only fun for your baby, but it will also help in developing his fine motor skills and hand-and-eye coordination.
Things You Will Need
A mat
Dried flower petals
How to Do It
Spread a mat in the garden or veranda.
Place dried flower petals on the mat and allow your baby to explore them with his hands and feet.
Let him stomp these petals or pull them apart.
You can also pick some petals up and say the colour out loud.
8. Play With Pasta
This enjoyable activity will help in the development of your baby’s fine motor skills. It will also help strengthen his pincer grasp and improve finger isolation and the coordination of all the senses.
Things You Will Need
Different kinds of uncooked pasta
Playdough
How to Do It
Place the pasta and playdough on a table or the floor.
Make imprints with pasta on the play dough.
You can also hide the pasta inside the playdough and ask your baby to dig it out.
9. Egg Carton Colour Fun
This activity can help improve your child’s observation skills and hand-and-eye coordination.
Things You Will Need
A large egg carton
A paper cut in the size of the egg carton.
Some paint
Coloured objects or Lego
Pencil
Ruler
How to Do It
Using a pencil, draw an equal number of squares on the paper and paint them in different colours. Let it dry.
Keep the sheet in front of your little one and make him drop a similar coloured object or logo in the exact hollow of the egg carton that mirrors the coloured square.
10. Sensory Play With Textures
Engaging your 20-month-old in sensory play with textures can be a delightful and educational experience. This activity enhances their tactile awareness and fine motor skills while providing a sensory adventure.
Things You Will Need
A shallow container or tray
Various textured materials like sandpaper, soft fabric, bubble wrap, cotton balls, and more
How to Do It
Place the textured materials in the shallow container or tray.
Encourage your toddler to touch, explore, and feel the different textures with their hands.
Describe the textures as your child explores them – “This is soft like a teddy bear,” or “This feels bumpy like a road.”
You can even incorporate a matching game by providing a set of objects with textures similar to those in the tray, and your child can match them.
Children learn every day through the various activities that they are involved in. All you need is a little time and patience. Do not leave your baby alone during any of the activities and participate, not only for fun, learning, and bonding but also to ensure your baby’s safety while he is doing them. So do try these activities with your 20-month-old, and let us know how they go!
References/Resources:
1. Speech and language development (from 12 to 24 months); NHS Foundation Trust; https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/procedures-and-treatments/speech-and-language-development-12-24-months/
2. Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS); The British Association for Early Childhood Education; https://dera.ioe.ac.uk/id/eprint/14042/7/development%20matters%20in%20the%20early%20years%20foundation%20stage_Redacted.pdf
3. Why to Avoid TV for Infants & Toddlers; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Why-to-Avoid-TV-Before-Age-2.aspx#
4. Carroll. P; Effectiveness of Positive Discipline Parenting Program on Parenting Style, and Child Adaptive Behavior; National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9560916/; July 2021
5. Fortier. J, Stewart-Tufescu. A, Salmon. S, MacMillan. H.L., et al.; Associations between Lifetime Spanking/Slapping and Adolescent Physical and Mental Health and Behavioral Outcomes; Sage Journals; The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry; https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/07067437211000632; March 2021
6. Neppl. T.K., Jeon. S, Diggs. O, Donnellan. M.B.; Positive Parenting, Effortful Control, and Developmental Outcomes across Early Childhood; National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7041851/; March 2020
7. Dicataldo. R, Roch. M; How Does Toddlers’ Engagement in Literacy Activities Influence Their Language Abilities?; National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8744843/; January 2022
8. Hnatiuk. J, Salmon. J, Campbell. K, Ridgers. N, Hesketh. K; Early childhood predictors of toddlers’ physical activity: longitudinal findings from the Melbourne InFANT Program; International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity; https://ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1479-5868-10-123; November 2013
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20+ Best Brain Development Toys for Babies and Toddlers
Witnessing your baby discover something new for the first time is a magical feeling. Something as simple as a rattle, a soft block, or a colourful puzzle can make them curious and confident and lay the foundation for future learning. This is why selecting the right baby brain development toys is very critical. These early experiences influence how their child will think, reason, and interact with their world.
If you have ever seen a toddler stack blocks with intense focus or laugh while figuring out how a toy works, you already understand how powerful play can be. The right toys for brain development 1-2 years are not just about entertainment. They support memory, motor skills, language growth, and emotional development in ways that feel natural and fun.
This topic goes beyond just picking toys from a shelf. It is about understanding what truly helps your child grow and making choices that support their development in simple, meaningful ways.
Different Types of Brain Development Toys and Their Advantages
Every child learns at their own pace and in their own way, and toys are one of the ways in which this learning takes place. Some toys encourage physical activity, while others encourage mental or imaginative activity. Bear in mind that the toy’s ability to promote your child’s natural curiosity is more important than its aesthetics.
1. Sensory Toys
Sensory toys engage a baby’s senses through touch, sound, and sight. Think of soft fabrics, textured balls, or crinkly toys that babies love to explore. These toys help build early brain connections and improve awareness of the world around them.
2. Stacking and Building Toys
Stacking rings, cups, or blocks are simple, but they teach important skills. Children learn balance, size, coordination and patience. They learn as they watch a tower fall and try to build it again.
3. Shape Sorters and Puzzles
These toys gently challenge children to think and solve problems. Matching shapes or fitting pieces together improves memory and reasoning skills. Over time, you can see children become more confident in figuring things out on their own.
4. Musical Toys
Musical toys playfully introduce rhythm, sound, and patterns. A simple drum or xylophone can keep a child engaged for a long time. They also support listening skills and early creativity.
5. Pretend Play Toys
Pretend play toys like kitchen sets, dolls, or toy tools help children express themselves. They copy what they see around them and begin to understand emotions and social roles. This builds strong communication skills.
6. Push and Pull Toys
These toys encourage movement, especially for toddlers learning to walk. As children push or pull, they develop balance and coordination. It also gives them a sense of independence as they explore their surroundings.
7. Interactive Books
Books with textures, flaps, or sounds make reading more engaging for young children. They help build language skills and improve focus in a gentle way. Sitting together with a child and exploring a book often becomes a bonding experience as well.
Brain Development Toys for Babies
In the early months, babies learn by touch, sound, and observation of everything around them. Even the smallest interaction with their toys can make them curious, creating new connections in the brain. The right toys should be simple and appropriate for what your child is learning at the time. Simple and thoughtful mind development toys can create meaningful moments with your child.
1. Soft Sensory Cloth Toys
These toys come with different textures and gentle sounds that babies love to explore. They are safe, easy to hold, and perfect for tiny hands learning to grasp.
2. Baby Rattles
Rattles are often a baby’s first favourite toy. The sound and movement help babies understand cause and effect while improving hand coordination.
3. Teething Toys
Teethers are for soothing gums and helping babies learn to grip and explore. They come in different shapes to keep babies engaged.
4. High Contrast Flash Cards
Black and white cards help babies focus better, especially in the early months. They support visual development in a simple but effective way.
5. Activity Play Gym
A play gym encourages babies to reach, kick, and move. Hanging toys and mirrors makes it more engaging and supports physical development.
6. Crinkle Books
These soft books make a gentle crinkling sound when touched. Babies enjoy the sound and texture while slowly getting introduced to books.
7. Musical Soft Toys
Toys that play soft music or lullabies can calm babies while also stimulating their hearing. They often become comforting companions.
8. Baby Mirrors
Unbreakable mirrors help babies discover their own reflection. It may seem simple, but it builds awareness and curiosity.
9. Stacking Rings for Infants
Large soft stacking rings are easy for babies to handle. They help develop coordination even before babies fully understand stacking.
10. Tummy Time Toys
Toys designed for tummy time encourage babies to lift their heads and look around. This strengthens muscles and supports early movement skills.
Toys for Brain Development for Toddlers
Toddlers are naturally curious and want to explore everything around them. Children learn best by moving, touching, and solving problems at this age. The right toys for brain development for 1-2 years can make them confident while learning how things work. What’s surprising is that children learn so much through small play experiences.
1. Stacking Rings
Stacking rings helps toddlers understand size order and balance. They also build hand control and patience as children try again and again.
2. Shape Sorter Toys
These toys encourage toddlers to match shapes with the right spaces. It gently builds problem-solving skills and helps them think more clearly.
3. Building Blocks
Blocks give toddlers the freedom to create and explore. They learn balance, coordination, and even early planning while stacking and knocking them down.
4. Push and Pull Toys
These toys support walking and movement. Toddlers feel a sense of independence as they move around with something they can control.
5. Musical Instruments
Simple instruments like drums or xylophones introduce rhythm and sound. They joyfully help toddlers express themselves.
6. Peg Boards
Placing pegs into holes improves fine motor skills and focus. It may look simple, but it requires attention and coordination.
7. Nesting Cups
Nesting cups teach size comparison and sequencing. Toddlers enjoy stacking and fitting them together in different ways.
8. Interactive Board Books
Books with flaps, textures or sounds keep toddlers engaged. They slowly build language skills and improve their attention span.
9. Pretend Play Sets
Toy kitchens, dolls, or toy sets allow toddlers to copy everyday actions. This helps them understand emotions and social roles.
10. Puzzles
Simple puzzles help toddlers recognise shapes and patterns. Completing even a small puzzle gives them a sense of achievement.
11. Ride On Toys
Ride-on toys improve balance and coordination. They also give toddlers a fun way to stay active.
12. Sorting Games
Sorting colours or objects helps toddlers notice differences and similarities. It builds early thinking and memory skills.
13. Ball Drop Toys
Dropping balls and watching them roll teaches cause and effect. Toddlers love repeating this action and learning from it.
14. Lacing Toys
Lacing beads or shapes helps improve hand control and focus. It also prepares them for skills they will need later, like writing.
15. Activity Cubes
Activity cubes combine different small games in one toy. They keep toddlers engaged while supporting multiple areas of development.
Tips for Choosing Brain Development Toys
Choosing the right toy for your child can sometimes feel confusing with so many options around. As parents, you want something that is fun but also truly helpful for growth. The best toys for cognitive development are often simple, thoughtful, and suited to your child’s stage. It is less about having more toys and more about choosing the ones that really support learning through play.
Choose toys that match your child’s age and ability, so they feel confident and not frustrated.
Look for toys that can be used in different ways, as they keep children engaged for longer.
Prefer toys that encourage hands-on play instead of passive watching.
Focus on safety and quality since babies and toddlers explore everything closely.
Pick toys that allow interaction so you can play and bond together.
Avoid toys that are too noisy or distracting, as they can reduce focus.
Notice what your child enjoys and choose toys that build on their natural interests.
FAQs
1. How many toys does a baby or toddler really need?
Children do not need many toys to learn well. A few meaningful toys that they can use in different ways are often enough.
2. Are expensive toys better for brain development?
Not always. Simple, well-designed toys often support learning better than expensive ones, as they allow more creativity and exploration.
Choosing the right kind of toys for your baby or toddler is about understanding their learning and development process. Simple toys promote curiosity and learning through play. Learning through play is an important aspect of development, and the best part is that as your child grows, the learning opportunities through play continue to evolve. The most important thing in the entire process is to provide your child with the opportunity to learn and play on his or her own. Being present during playtime makes the learning process an emotional one, and in the end, it’s the learning experience that you create around the toys.
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1st Birthday Time Capsule Ideas to Create Lasting Keepsakes
A first birthday time capsule is a beautiful way to capture memories and milestones that your little one can cherish when they grow older. Parents, friends, and family can all contribute to this thoughtful keepsake by adding letters, photos, favourite toys, or even newspaper clippings from the year your child was born. A birthday time capsule isn’t just a gift for today, but a treasure for the future, something your child can open years later to see how loved and celebrated they were. What matters more is choosing the right time capsule idea for a first birthday, which transforms the celebration into something even more meaningful, as it becomes a personal memory chest filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. From heartfelt notes to tiny mementoes, every item you place inside becomes part of your child’s story, creating a lasting keepsake that holds the essence of their early years.
What Is a First Birthday Time Capsule?
A 1st birthday time capsule is a collection of memories, keepsakes, and messages created on your child’s first birthday. It can include letters, photos, small toys, or newspaper clippings that capture the moment in time. The capsule is sealed and saved for your child to open on a future milestone birthday, making it a meaningful way to preserve early memories.
Why You Should Make a First Birthday Time Capsule?
Creating a time capsule box for a first birthday is a heartfelt way to celebrate your little one’s journey and preserve the love surrounding them during their early years. It allows parents and loved ones to pass on memories, advice, and thoughtful messages that the child can treasure in the years to come. Beyond being a creative keepsake, it serves as a window into the past, showing your child what life was like when they were one year old. A first birthday time capsule also brings the family closer, as everyone contributes something personal and unique. Most importantly, it creates a lasting bond across generations, ensuring your child feels the warmth, love, and excitement of their first milestone birthday even years later.
How to Create a 1st Birthday Time Capsule?
A 1st birthday time capsule is a wonderful way to capture memories and save them for your child to cherish in the future. Here’s a simple guide on how to create a meaningful keepsake for your little one.
1. Choose a Container
Pick a strong, durable container, such as a wooden box, metal tin, or sealed plastic case, to store the keepsakes. Ensure it can withstand moisture and dust to preserve memories well over time.
2. Add Personal Mementos
Place meaningful items that represent your child’s first year, like a favourite toy, baby socks, milestone cards, or family photos. You can also include newspaper clippings or trending items from that year to mark the moment in history.
3. Collect Messages and Letters
Invite family and friends to write letters filled with love, blessings, and advice for your child’s future. These personal notes will become the most heartfelt part of the capsule and a beautiful keepsake when opened years later.
4. Seal and Store Safely
Once everything is placed inside, seal the container securely and note the date it was created. Store it in a safe, dry place and decide the special milestone birthday—like 16 or 18 years old—when it will be opened.
First Birthday Time Capsule Ideas for Girls
A 1st birthday time capsule for girls is a heartfelt way to preserve memories, milestones, and keepsakes from her special day. Here are some thoughtful ideas to make her time capsule truly meaningful.
1. Handwritten Letters from Family
Ask parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and close friends to write letters filled with love, blessings, and memories. These heartfelt words will be cherished treasures when your daughter reads them years later.
2. Baby’s First Outfit or Dress
Include her first dress, onesie, or a tiny accessory she wore on her birthday. This adds a personal touch and gives her a glimpse into her earliest fashion and milestones.
3. Favourite Storybook or Lullaby Book
Place a storybook or a lullaby that she loved during her first year. It will remind her of bedtime cuddles and the comfort of childhood stories.
4. Photos from Her First Birthday Celebration
Add printed photos or a small album capturing moments from her birthday party. These memories will allow her to see the joy and love that surrounded her special day.
5. A Small Piece of Jewellery or Hair Accessory
A delicate bracelet, locket, or pretty hairband is a sentimental keepsake that she can cherish as a token of her babyhood. It gives the time capsule a timeless and elegant touch.
6. Special Newspaper or Magazine from the Year
Include a newspaper or magazine that highlights important events from the year she was born. This adds historical value and gives her a glimpse into what the world was like at that time.
7. A Personal Note About Hopes and Dreams for Her
Parents can write a personal note sharing their wishes, hopes, and dreams for her future. This heartfelt message will make the capsule even more meaningful when she opens it later in life.
1st Birthday Time Capsule Ideas for Boys
A first birthday time capsule for boys is a wonderful way to preserve memories, milestones, and special keepsakes from your little one’s early years.
1. A Tiny Sports Jersey or Cap
Include a small jersey or cap from a favourite sports team to reflect his early introduction to the world of sports and play.
2. Baby’s First Pair of Shoes or Sneakers
Add his very first pair of shoes or sneakers to represent the first steps he’s taking in life and the adventures ahead.
3. A Character Toy or Action Figure
Include a toy representing his favourite cartoon or superhero character from his first year to capture his early interests.
4. A Recorded Voice Message or Video
Save a digital recording or video of his first words, laughter, or a birthday message from family members, preserving his early voice and personality.
5. Milestone Cards or First Year Highlights
Add milestone cards or a small scrapbook detailing important first-year moments like first smile, first crawl, or first word.
6. A Classic Children’s Book or Nursery Rhyme Book
Place a timeless children’s book that you read to him often, reflecting the start of his love for stories and learning.
7. A Small Toy Car or Building Block
Include a small car, truck, or building block toy representing his curiosity and developing motor skills during infancy.
What Is the Right Time to Give Your Child Their Time Capsule?
The best time to give your child their time capsule is on a milestone birthday like 16, 18, or 21, when they can appreciate the memories inside. Other special occasions, like graduation or a wedding, also make meaningful moments to open it. Choose a time that feels most special for your family and child.
Creating a first birthday time capsule is a thoughtful way to preserve precious memories that your child will treasure for a lifetime. Including time capsule letters for the first birthday adds a personal touch, filled with love and hopes for their future. While preparing the capsule, you might also consider some first birthday time capsule questions to ask family and friends, making the experience even more meaningful. This special keepsake not only celebrates your child’s first year but also becomes a heartfelt gift that connects past moments with their future, creating lasting joy and nostalgia.
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30+ Best Sensory Activities For 1 Year Olds
Congratulations on reaching this exciting milestone of parenting—a curious and active one-year-old! Sensory activities are your go-to solution if you’re looking for ways to engage, stimulate, and entertain your little one. Keep reading to discover why these activities are beneficial and some fantastic ideas for trying them at home.
What Are Sensory Play Activities?
Sensory play activities are interactive tasks designed to engage a child’s senses—sight, touch, taste, smell, and hearing (4). They entertain and educate, laying the foundation for various cognitive and motor skills. From squishy mud pies to colourful sensory bottles, these activities open a world of joy and learning for your child.
Amazing Benefits of Sensory Activities for One Year Old Babies
Sensory activities are more than just a way to keep your one year old busy; they are essential for overall development. Here are some incredible benefits of incorporating sensory activities for 1 year olds into your child’s daily routine.
Cognitive Development: Sensory activities boost cognitive growth by encouraging your child to explore various textures, colours, and sounds (1). They help improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, laying the groundwork for later academic success.
Motor Skills Development: Fine and gross motor skills are honed when your one-year-old grasps, pinches, or stacks objects. Whether picking up water beads or squishing playdough, these activities provide ample opportunity to refine motor abilities (5).
Enhanced Emotional Regulation: Sensory activities allow one year olds to experience a range of emotional responses in a controlled environment. They learn how to manage feelings of excitement, frustration, or joy, which contributes to better emotional regulation as they grow.
Improved Social Skills: When engaging in sensory activities like group painting or sharing a sensory bin, your child learns essential social skills. These can include sharing, taking turns, and effective communication—skills beneficial in nursery and beyond.
Increases Attention Span: The various sensory inputs maintain a child’s interest longer than other types of play, fostering an enhanced ability to concentrate. This can be particularly beneficial in preparing them for more structured learning environments in the future.
Sensory activities offer many invaluable benefits for one-year-olds, from emotional regulation to cognitive and motor skill development. Why not start incorporating some into your child’s daily routine?
Best Sensory Activity Ideas for Your 1 Year Old
As your child hits the one year mark, you’ll be amazed at how quickly they’re growing and learning. This is the perfect time to introduce sensory activities for 12 month old toddlers to boost their cognitive and physical development. Here’s a roundup of ten fabulous activities you can easily set up at home.
1. Texture Walk
Lay down different textured materials on the floor, such as bubble wrap, carpet, and tin foil. Let your little one walk or crawl over them to feel the various textures.
2. Colour Sorting
Use coloured balls and matching coloured containers for a simple sorting game. This helps recognise colours and hone fine motor skills.
3. Scented Playdough
Make your playdough with different scents using extracts like vanilla, lemon, or even spices like cinnamon. It’s a fun way for your 12 month old to explore different smells.
4. Animal Sounds Game
Create flashcards of different animals and make the corresponding sounds. This is an excellent activity for auditory discrimination.
5. Simple Musical Instruments
Gather household items like spoons, pots, and shakers to create simple musical instruments. Allow your child to explore different sounds.
6. Edible Sand
Crushed graham crackers or biscuits can be used to make edible sand. Provide cups and spoons for scooping and pouring for tactile fun.
7. Feather Touch
Let your child feel the soft sensation of feathers by gently brushing them on their arms, legs, and face. It’s an easy and soothing tactile experience.
8. Peek-a-Boo Fabric Box
Place different fabrics in a box and play peek-a-boo. Encourage your child to feel each fabric and discuss its texture, making it a multi-sensory activity.
9. Mirror Play
Set up a safe mirror at your child’s level. Make faces or play peek-a-boo, encouraging self-recognition and emotional development.
10. Water Pouring Station
Set up a small station with cups and bowls filled with water. Show your child how to pour water from one container to another. It’s a great way to develop coordination and enjoy water play.
So there you have it! Ten easy-to-set-up sensory activities for one year old toddlers that engage and contribute to their overall development.
Messy Play Sensory Activities for Your 1 Year Old
Embrace the mess and let your child dive into the wonders of sensory play! Messy play is a cornerstone of sensory exploration and provides endless opportunities for tactile experiences. Below are ten DIY sensory activities that are as easy to set up as they are fun to explore.
1. Finger Painting
Lay out some non-toxic paint and paper, and let your little one go to town with their fingers. This activity enhances creativity while being a sensory delight.
2. Oobleck Exploration
Create oobleck with just cornstarch and water for a fascinating lesson in fluid dynamics. This easy sensory activity is safe and fun to poke, stir, and walk on!
3. Cloud Dough
Mix flour and baby oil to make soft, moldable cloud dough. This dough is excellent for squishing and moulding and provides a wonderful tactile experience.
4. Spaghetti Worms
Cook spaghetti noodles and let them cool. Add a bit of food colouring, and you’ve got yourself some squishy worms for your child to play with.
5. Whipped Cream Play
Spread whipped cream on a plastic sheet. Let your child swirl, dab, and even taste this delightful treat.
6. Mud Play
Take some garden soil and water and have a natural mud pit. Perfect for digging, scooping, and generally getting messy.
7. Rice Sensory Bin
Coloured rice in a bin with scoops and small toys makes for hours of sensory fun. It’s an easy sensory activity that can be set up quickly.
8. Ice Cube Painting
Freeze coloured water in an ice tray and let your child paint with the melting cubes. It’s a beautiful mess that’s incredibly engaging.
9. Jelly Dig
Fill a small container with jelly and hide some small toys within. Your little one can dig them out and experience the jelly’s strange and compelling texture.
10. Scented Shaving Foam
Add food colouring and essential oils to shaving foam for a fragrant and colourful sensory experience.
Indulging in these DIY sensory activities with your child makes for engaging playtime and stimulates their sensory development in many ways. The best part is that these are easy sensory activities you can set up with everyday household items. So, why not roll up your sleeves and get messy?
Sensory Bottle Activities for One-Year-Olds
If you’re looking for mess-free options that still engage your little one’s senses, sensory bottles are the way to go. These fun sensory activities are perfect for tiny hands to shake, roll, and observe. Here are some ideas for sensory bottles specially designed for one year olds.
1. Glitter Swirl Bottle
Fill a bottle with water, add glitter, and add a drop of food colouring. Seal the bottle tightly, and let your child shake it to see the swirling glitter.
2. Ocean in a Bottle
Combine water and blue food colouring in a bottle, adding small sea creature toys or shells. Watch your child’s amazement as they hold the ocean in their hands.
3. Rainbow Rice Bottle
Take coloured rice and layer it in different colours in a clear bottle. When shaken, it’s a visual treat and a noisemaker, providing multi-sensory stimulation.
4. Nature Bottle
Collect twigs, leaves, and flowers to place in a bottle filled with water. This allows your child to explore natural textures and colours safely.
5. Pom-Pom Bottle
Fill a bottle with colourful pom-poms and tiny beads. Your child can roll or shake the bottle to move the pom-poms around, providing visual and auditory stimulation.
These sensory bottle activities are not just fun sensory activities; they are also incredibly versatile and educational. You’ll love watching your one-year-old explore, shake, and become fascinated with the world in a bottle!
Sensory Bag Activities for 1-Year-Olds
Sensory bags offer a squishy and safe way for little explorers to experience various textures and materials. These zip-lock wonders are perfect for tactile fun without the mess, providing an ideal sensory playground for your one-year-old.
1. Gel and Bead Sensory Bag
Fill a zip-lock bag with hair gel and add water beads or marbles. Seal the bag and tape it to a window or table. Your child will have a blast pushing the beads around through the gel.
2. Paint Swirl Sensory Bag
Put different non-toxic paint colours in a zip-lock bag and seal it tight. Your child can then squish the colours together, creating new shades and patterns without mess.
3. Alphabet Soup Sensory Bag
Fill a bag with water and add foam letters or numbers. Your little one can push the letters around in the water, making it a fun and educational sensory activity.
Sensory bags are fantastic for on-the-go or at-home play. They’re easy to make and easier to clean up, making them the perfect choice for busy parents and curious one-year-olds alike.
Water Sensory Activities for Your One-Year-Olds
Water activities are a splash hit with one-year-olds for a reason! They offer endless opportunities for sensory exploration and are perfect for hot summer days or indoor fun. Here’s a list of refreshing water-based sensory activities to get those little hands splashing and learning.
1. Floating Objects
Fill a tub with water and add various objects that float and sink. Let your child explore what stays on top and what goes under.
2. Ice Melting Experiment
Put small toys in an ice tray, fill it with water, and freeze. Let your child use warm water to melt the ice and free the toys.
3. Rubber Duck Race
Create a small water channel and let rubber ducks float down. Your child will love to watch and even try to race them.
4. Water Painting
Give your child a brush and a cup of water to “paint” on a sidewalk or fence. As the water dries, the painting will disappear, ready for another masterpiece.
5. Sponges and Buckets
Provide different-sized sponges and buckets. Show how to squeeze water out of the sponges into the buckets and transfer it back and forth.
6. Fish Netting
Add some small toy fish to a water tub and give your child a small net to catch them.
7. Water Bead Play
Non-toxic water beads provide a wonderful sensory experience. Add them to water and let your child scoop, pour, and feel them.
8. Soap Foam Bin
Whip up some soap foam and fill a bin. Add spoons and cups for endless scooping and moulding fun.
9. Rainy Day Drip
If it’s raining, set up a bucket to catch the rainwater. Your child will be fascinated by the dripping sound and the slowly filling bucket.
10. Waterfall Wall
Create a waterfall using a pegboard, funnels, and tubes. Your child can pour water at the top and watch it descend.
Water sensory activities are not only enjoyable but also offer a multitude of learning experiences for your one year old. So, roll up those sleeves and dive into some water-filled fun!
Tips to Follow While Doing Sensory Activities With Your 1-Year-Old
Sensory activities are a fantastic way to stimulate your child’s development, but it’s important to approach them correctly. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable sensory play experience for your one-year-old.
1. Supervise at All Times
Constant supervision is crucial, especially for activities involving small objects or water. Never leave your child unattended during sensory playtime.
2. Test for Allergies
Before introducing a new material, especially food-based items like dough or edible paint, test for allergies by applying a small amount on your child’s skin.
3. Set Boundaries
Make sure to establish some ground rules to keep the play safe. For example, food used in sensory bins should not be eaten, and water activities should stay within a designated area.
4. Clean Up Safely
After messy play, ensure that the area is thoroughly cleaned to avoid any slipping hazards or ingestion of materials.
Following these tips will make sensory play a positive and enriching experience for you and your little one. Happy playing!
FAQs
1. When should you start sensory activities for your infant?
You can start as early as a few months, but tailor the activities to your child’s developmental stage.
2. What are some early indications of sensory issues?
Aversion to certain textures, extreme reactions to sounds, and difficulty with balance can be early indicators.
3. Are sensory issues a sign of autism?
While sensory issues can be a symptom of autism, they are not a definitive sign (3).
4. Can sensory issues lead to speech delay?
In some cases, sensory issues may contribute to speech delays, but they are not a direct cause (2).
Sensory play is more than just a fun pastime—it’s vital to your child’s development. Through various textures, sounds, and interactive experiences, your one-year-old learns about their world and their place within it. There are endless ways to engage your child’s senses, from messy play to water activities and from sensory bags to sensory bottles. As a parent, embracing these moments provides your child with valuable learning experiences and allows you to bond and create cherished memories. So roll up your sleeves, prepare to get a little messy, and most importantly, have fun exploring the world of sensory activities with your little one. Happy playing!
References/Resources:
1. BENEFITS OF SENSORY PLAY IN EARLY YEARS; Jasper Place Family Resource Centre; https://jasperplace-cfrc.com/benefits/
2. Tung. L. C, Lin. C. K, Hsieh. C.L, et al.; Sensory integration dysfunction affects efficacy of speech therapy on children with functional articulation disorders; Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3552545/#:~:text=When%20a%20child%20has%20defects,speech%20development%20and%20articulation%20disorders.; January 2013
3. McCormick. C, Hepburn. S, Young. G. S, Rogers. S. J; Sensory symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder, other developmental disorders and typical development: A longitudinal study; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4918912/; September 2015
4. Top 5 Benefits of Sensory Play; Jersey Shore Learning Center; https://jerseyshorelearningcenter.com/2019/09/30/top-5-benefits-of-sensory-play/
5. THE BENEFITS OF SENSORY PLAY; ST MARY’S NURSERY SCHOOL; https://www.stmarysnurseryschool.org.uk/blog/2021/3/15/the-benefits-of-sensory-play
Also Read:
Activities for a 1-Year-Old
Five Senses Activities for Children
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Best Fun & Developmental Activities For an 8-Month-Old Baby
There’s a unique charm in observing the fascinating milestones of an 8-month-old baby. From their babbles to their tentative scoots, they are constantly evolving. But as parents, it’s natural to wonder how we best support our baby’s growth. This article unfolds some of the best indoor, sensory, and educational activities for 8-month-old babies that promise fun and bolster development.
The eighth month of a baby’s life marks an explosion of physical and cognitive skills. This period sees your little one trying to sit without support, perhaps crawling or at least showing intentions to, and displaying an intense curiosity about the world. It is crucial to introduce activities that foster their development while ensuring they have a great time. Dive in to discover some enriching 8-month-old activities.
Development Boosting Activities For 8-Month-Old Babies
The eighth month of a baby’s life is like opening a window to a world filled with wonders. Their rapid development during this period warrants activities that keep pace with their boundless curiosity and burgeoning skills. Fortunately, there are a plethora of 8-month-old baby activities designed specifically for this phase. Parents can ensure that their little ones are constantly learning and having a blast by incorporating educational and indoor activities. Let’s explore some of these activities that promise fun and learning, including sensory activities for 8-month-olds.
1. Peek-a-Boo!
Why: Introduces the concept of object permanence (1).
How: Playfully hide your face behind your hands or a cloth and then reveal it with a cheerful “peek-a-boo!”
2. Sensory Bags
Why: Encourages tactile exploration and improves fine motor skills (2).
How: Fill ziplock bags with gel, rice, or beans and let the baby feel the different textures.
3. Sing-along Sessions
Why: It stimulates the auditory senses and vocal cords and improves language, cognitive, social, and emotional skills (3).
How: Sing familiar nursery rhymes, encouraging your baby to join with babbles or claps.
4. Crawling Tunnel
Why: Strengthens muscles, supports mobility, improves gross motor skills, and develops sensory perception (4).
How: Use soft cushions to make a makeshift tunnel, or get a play tunnel for your baby to crawl through.
5. Mirror Play
Why: Encourages self-awareness (5) and cognitive development.
How: Place a baby-safe mirror before them and let them observe their reflection.
6. Ball Roll
Why: Enhances hand-eye coordination and gross and fine motor skills (6).
How: Sit opposite your baby and gently roll a soft ball towards them.
7. Stacking Soft Blocks
Why: Fosters understanding of balance and spatial relations, gross and fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination/dexterity, and problem-solving skills (7).
How: Provide large soft blocks and encourage your baby to stack them up.
8. Textured Toy Exploration
Why: Offers sensory stimulation and development of gross and fine motor, cognitive, and social skills (8).
How: Introduce toys with different textures and materials for tactile development.
9. Storytime with Touch & Feel Books
Why: Develops listening skills and enhances tactile senses (9).
How: Read colourful touch-and-feel books that offer varied textures on each page.
10. Shake & Rattle
Why: Strengthens grip/ motor skills and stimulates auditory senses (10).
How: Hand them baby-friendly rattles or homemade shakers filled with rice or beans.
11. Floor Play with Toys
Why: Encourages mobility, core strength, exploration, and independence (11).
How: Spread out various toys at a slight distance and motivate them to reach or crawl towards them.
12. Puzzle Boards
Why: Introduces basic problem-solving skills, sequencing, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination (12).
How: Offer simple wooden-shaped puzzles suitable for their age.
13. Water Play
Why: It introduces the concept of liquid, stimulates tactile senses, and improves well-being and creativity (13).
How: Fill a small tub with lukewarm water, introduce splash-friendly toys and supervise closely.
14. Finger Painting
Why: Fosters creativity and sensory exploration (14).
How: Use edible, baby-safe paints and let them smear and play on a large sheet.
15. Dance & Wiggle
Why: Boosts balance and spatial awareness and introduces rhythm (15).
How: Play gentle tunes and dance with your baby, holding them or letting them wiggle on the floor.
Introducing these indoor activities ensures that your baby remains entertained, engaged, and educated within the comfort and safety of your home. Each has its unique blend of fun and learning, making them perfect for an 8-month-old’s development journey.
FAQs
1. What you should expect from your 8-month-old?
Your baby will be more active and curious at eight months. Expect them to try sitting without support, begin showing signs of crawling, babble more coherently, show recognition towards familiar people and objects, and express emotions like joy, fear, and anger. Your baby’s activity at 8 months will centre around exploring toys, responding to their name, and developing a solid bond with primary caregivers.
2. How can you develop a sense of object permanence in an 8-month-old?
Developing a sense of object permanence is pivotal at this age. Start with games like Peek-a-Boo. When playing, cover a toy with a cloth and reveal it after a moment, demonstrating that objects still exist even when not in sight. Consistent exposure to such indoor activities helps solidify this concept in their young minds.
As your baby approaches the end of their first year, treasure these moments of growth and exploration. Tailor these activities according to your baby’s preferences and watch them blossom. The activities listed above are not just fun but foundational, setting the stage for continuous learning and discovery. Happy parenting!
References/References:
1. Peek A Boo; Parent Trust for Washington Children; https://www.parenttrust.org/2017/07/12/peek-a-boo/
2. Ratnam, G.; Sensory Bags for Children – Importance and Easy DIY Crafts; FirstCry; https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/sensory-bags-for-children-importance-and-easy-diy-crafts/; September 2020
3. Four benefits of singing with young children; Community Early Learning Australia; https://www.cela.org.au/publications/amplify!-blog/jan-2023/four-benefits-of-singing-in-early-childhood
4. The 9 Best Toddler Crawling Tunnels of 2023; Wonder Baby; https://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/crawling-tunnel
5. Reflecting on babies and mirror play; First Things First; https://www.firstthingsfirst.org/first-things/reflecting-on-babies-and-mirror-play/
6. Infant and Toddler Activity Pages: Roll the Ball; MSU Child and Family Development; https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/infant-and-toddler-activity-pages-roll-the-ball
7. The Benefits of Block Play For Infants and Toddlers In Your Childcare Centre; The Power of Play; https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/the-benefits-of-block-play-for-infants-and-toddlers-in-your-childcare-centre
8. What Is Sensory Play? The Benefits for Your Child and Sensory Play Ideas; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-sensory-play-ideas; March 2022
9. Why you should share “touch and feel” books; First 5 Forever; https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/first5forever/blog/why-you-should-share-touch-and-feel-books; June 2021
10. Paulus, M., Hunnius, S., van Elk, M., and Bekkering, H.; How learning to shake a rattle affects 8-month-old infants’ perception of the rattle’s sound: electrophysiological evidence for action-effect binding in infancy; Dev Cogn Neurosci; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6987660/; January 2012
11. When and Why Baby Should Play on the Floor; Pathways; https://pathways.org/when-why-baby-play-on-floor/
12. Five Things Children Gain from Puzzle Play; Illinois Early Learning Project; https://illinoisearlylearning.org/blogs/growing/puzzle-play/
13. The benefits of water play for children’s development; St. Nicholas; https://stnicks.org.au/news/the-benefits-of-water-play-for-childrens-development/
14. 8 Ways Finger Painting Helps Children’s Development; Fraser; https://www.fraser.org/resources/blog/8-ways-finger-painting-helps-childrens-development
15. Benefits of dance for early literacy and development; State Library of Queensland; https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/first5forever/blog/benefits-dance-early-literacy-and-development
Also Read:
Best Activities for 9 Months Old Infants
Best Learning Activities for 7-Month-Old
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20 Perfect Ideas for Your Baby's First Easter Basket
Your baby might not be ready to make Easter crafts or make some DIY items for the celebration, but that does not mean you cannot make their first Easter a grand one. When it comes to buying Easter gifts for your kids, shopping for them is the easiest, and here are some ideas you cannot miss out on.
What to Put in Your Baby’s Easter Basket?
When designing a baby’s 1st easter basket for your infant’s first Easter, the options are endless. You could go for super-cuddly soft toys, chewable, or anything useful to them.
Baby’s First Easter Basket Ideas – Cute and Useful!
To help you out, here are the top baby Easter basket ideas you could go out for.
1. Squeaky Eggs
These are fun games that your baby would love. These are hard plastic eggs with chicks inside them. The chicks are in different colors, which helps them learn their colors. They could sort and crack and would hear a gentle squeak with each squeeze.
2. Easter Basket Playset
Image Source : Pinterest
Babies love to play and giggle the whole day, and what better way to celebrate their first easter if not with an easter basket playset! If you cannot make a basket on your own because of so many responsibilities and taking care of your infant, these basket ideas are excellent options. Go for woolen easter eggs, soft parrot toys, elephants, chicks, and more.
3. Unisex Onesies
Kids should always wear soft clothes, and what better way to do it if not with soft and cozy onesies. They are available in many designs and are pretty, convenient, and useful.
4. Baby Paper
Babies love playing with the wrapping papers that you have at home. This Easter, gift them a baby paper that would be exciting to play with. Crinkly and fun, this gift would cheer up your baby and make your Easter basket unique.
5. Baby Shoes
Yes, they are either in your arms or in their father’s, but looking at cute baby shoes, you will not be able to stop yourself from purchasing them. Available in so many different colors, this would be a pretty useful gift.
6. Footprint Art
Go for a footprint art that would be a keepsake in the future. You can take your baby’s footprint and then get it printed out. A perfect first infant easter basket idea that you would be able to keep forever.
7. Sippy Cups
As a mother, you know sippy cups are indispensable. As your baby grows, at approximately the age of 6 months, you could start introducing your child to sippy cups so they can become independent and not rely on you. There are so many colorful cups available that the transition journey becomes a joyous one.
8. Teether
When it comes to infants, including teethers in your Easter basket for your baby would be a useful gift. Babies are always dropping off their teethers on the floor, and as a parent, it could get tedious trying to keep them clean all the time apart from all other parent duties. Keep a handful of teethers to keep your baby busy.
9. Soft Blocks
Soft blocks can be your baby’s constant companion. Playing with soft blocks is a sensory activity, and by touching different parts of the block and hearing different noises, they would be able to learn a lot.
10. Interactive Books
As your child grows, you need to introduce them to different touch and feel books. These are interactive books that babies would have fun with. Touch and feel books with chicks, animals, and food would be a perfect choice.
11. Bunny Ears
Enjoy the easter spirit by going for some bunny years for your baby. Take adorable photos of your baby with these bunny ears!
12. Headbands
We have to tell you how cute babies look with headbands on! It is a great gift for your baby girl; take some snaps and keep it as a keepsake.
13. Oball
This is an interesting toy that your baby would love. It is not hard, made of really flexible material, and could be easily grasped. The rattle inside the ball will introduce them to sounds.
14. Hooded Towel
Image Credit : Pinterest
Are they not just the cutest first easter basket idea? Add little bunny or duck hooded towels to the Easter basket and wrap them with them after their bath.
15. Baby Bibs
Image Credit : Pinterest
They truly are a necessity for new parents. There are so many patterns to choose from, and they are perfect for babies between the ages of 3 and 9 months. And trust us when we say you will be using many of them.
16. Plush Bunny
Image Credit : Pinterest
A baby easter basket cannot be complete without a plush toy. A plush toy is the perfect transitional toy for moving onto a proper stuffed one. Your kid would love it.
17. Rainbow Balls
Image Credit : Pinterest
Rainbow balls would entertain your kids, making all rattling noises. It would be a great simulation for the baby.
18. Soft Plush Bunny
A cuddly stuffed bunny is a classic Easter gift that your baby can hug, hold, and grow attached to. It provides comfort and can become a cherished companion.
19. Handmade Blanket
A soft, handmade or personalized blanket can provide warmth and comfort while being a meaningful keepsake for years to come.
20. Baby-Safe Easter Eggs
Instead of traditional plastic eggs, opt for soft fabric or wooden eggs that are large enough to be safe for little hands. They make great sensory toys for exploring colors and textures.
Wrapping up, we hope you enjoy these Easter basket ideas filled with different goodies for your baby. Easter is a wonderful and merry time to spend with your family. This year, make it even more special with these cute ideas.
Also Read:
Easter Inspired Baby Names
Easter Food Ideas for Children
Easter Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
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Amazing Nursery Organization Ideas and Tips
Even the most organized parents and caregivers may get overwhelmed by baby clutter. (It is conceivable that it multiplies rapidly.) And that’s completely understandable – you’re so busy being the center of your child’s world that things are going to get a bit out of hand at times! Whether you’re dealing with a poop-losion and looking for diaper wipes in the middle of the night, it’s all too easy to become overwhelmed, especially when sleep deprivation is combined with an inability to locate what you’re looking for.
Video : 10 Best Tips on How to Organise Your Baby’s Nursery
Having said that, although life with a newborn may undoubtedly be chaotic, there are methods to maintain order by looking through newborn closet ideas and nursery dresser organization ideas. Utilize these space-saving techniques such as bookshelf ideas for nurseries to create a more orderly nursery quickly.
Best Ideas for Organizing Nursery Closet
Have you recently had a baby? We don’t need to emphasize how crowded and unorganized the nursery becomes with baby things, clothing, and other necessities. What you need to assist you with that new parenting job are these oh-so-clever ideas for small nursery and DIY nursery storage ideas that make the baby room seem more lovely than ever while also keeping everything easily accessible.
1. Organize your diapering materials
Your changing-table routine will be more efficient, which will make life easier for both you and your child. Make the most of your time by having everything you may need on hand. Keep diapers, wipes, and creams in a basket or caddy, along with a cloth diaper or rag in case there are any unexpected accidents to clean up.
SOURCE: PINTEREST
2. Makeover the clothes in your child’s closet
The temptation to hang onto every bib and little onesie you’re given is strong, but you’ll likely end up with much more than you need. If your child’s wardrobe is bursting at the seams with clothing, put any excess away for your next child or give them to a women’s refuge. It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t require more than a week’s supply of anything.
3. Decorate the nursery differently each season
While all of those handmade blankets and framed pictures are definitely worth preserving, you don’t have to put them all on display at the same time – after all, who wants to spend all of their free time cleaning and organizing? With this, you can turn the closet into a nursery. Partition your seasonal décor into four piles, then rotate among them as the seasons and holidays change.
SOURCE: PINTEREST
4. Look for a crib that has storage space built-in
Even though babies are small, their possessions vary from bite-sized to gigantic — and there is more than enough of them. To save space, look for a crib with additional storage (like one with shelves or drawers) where you can store extra crib sheets or bulk purchases, such as backup diapers.
SOURCE: PINTEREST
5. You can adorn open shelves with baskets
Wide shelves are ideal for storing baby toys and books – provided you have the time and energy to arrange everything perfectly. Line shelves with canvas bins and fill them with anything you choose for uncomplicated storage. A bonus is that when children are a little older, it is simple to keep this arrangement tidy.
6. Stock and back stock should be kept in different locations
It may seem a brilliant idea to keep your whole supply of a particular item or commodity in one place, but this is a mistake. Few helpful nursery drawer organization ideas include certain goods, particularly disposable items, like diapers and toiletries, that you must have quick access to but do not need to have your whole supply within reach at all times.
SOURCE: PINTEREST
7. Build the baby’s closet from top to bottom
If the clothing in your newborn’s closet used to be for adults, redesign it to accommodate a pint-sized collection. You may increase the amount of room in your closet by installing second clothes rod a few feet below the existing one. Increase the amount of overhead space available by installing additional shelves, which are ideal for storing items you will keep for a long time.
SOURCE: PINTEREST
8. Rearrange things according to who has access
If you decorated your baby’s nursery when you were pregnant, you’ve undoubtedly realized that some of your pre-baby choices aren’t serving you as well as they might. If this is the case, read on. Perhaps the backup diapers are kept too far away from the changing table, or the sound machine is kept on a low shelf where the baby can now easily reach. If you want to save time in the long term, consider scheduling an afternoon for a fast rearrangement based on what you often use.
SOURCE: PINTEREST
9. Make use of the resources you currently have
The most effective organizational tools are often things that you already have. That over-the-door shoe organizer you never use? It’s time to throw it out. Instead of socks, loveys, and ribbons, use such organizers to store them. Don’t want to spend the money on a glider? The old chair in the basement may be just what you’re looking for. Once you start searching for items that can serve two purposes, you’ll see that they’re all over the place.
SOURCE: PINTEREST
10. Maximize the available space
Save space in the baby’s room by working smarter, not harder. For instance, can you store your child’s dresser inside the closet to provide more floor room for playing and reading? Could you position a floor light behind the glider instead of in the center of the room? Being inventive with the arrangement may make a significant impact.
SOURCE: PINTEREST
If you follow these Organization and Relocation principles, you may create the structured nursery of your dreams. Now that all of your baby items are organized, you don’t have to hunt for anything or go out of your way to get anything. We hope that this article helps you go through your transition phase.
Also Read:
Baby Nursery Rhymes with Lyrics
Amazing Woodland Themed Nursery Ideas
Gender-Neutral Nursery Ideas for Your Child’s Room
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Four Tips to Develop and Nurture Your Baby’s Learning Skills for the Future
In collaboration with Nestlé Start Healthy Stay Healthy.
Did you know that babies begin learning from the time they are born? Yes. They are very quick at observing the environment they are brought up in. They can also demonstrate their understanding by responding, identifying, and differentiating between people, objects, and sounds. In a nutshell, learning begins in infancy. Therefore, it is very important for parents to have a healthy and positive environment around their little ones to nurture their learning skills and help them become future-ready, because learning never stops!
Your child’s future can be more challenging and demanding than the present. Therefore, you must begin to invest your time and energy to help your infant develop her learning skills.
So, what is it that you need to focus on right now? You need to help your baby develop some key skills, such as thinking, problem-solving, gathering and organising information, communicating, and developing judgement. It may sound like too much for your little one to handle, but these skills can be developed gradually. And, to help you do so, we have put together some tips that can come in handy when you need them.
Tips to Develop and Nurture Your Baby’s Learning Skills for the Future
Nowadays, each day demands a new plan, a new perspective, persistence, and patience. If you are all geared up to raise your munchkin to face the challenges her future would pose, remember that each baby has their own pace of learning. Go slow with these tips and enjoy the journey.
1. Nourish Your Baby’s Body
Step one for bringing about physical and mental development in your baby is to provide her little body with enough nourishment to grow. Breastfeeding plays an important role here. It is the only source of macro- and micro-nutrients that your little one needs to build immunity until she is ready to gum on some delicious solid food. Breastmilk contains nutrients like phospholipids, especially sphingomyelin, along with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), ARA (arachidonic acid), choline, iron, zinc, and folic acid, which help establish early brain connections and set the foundation for learning. However, if you’re unable to breastfeed, your doctor will point you toward alternatives that ensure your baby’s nutrition needs are met. So, be sure to consult your paediatrician for proper guidance.
2. Talk to Your Baby
Your little one’s little brain is active, receptive, and responsive to sounds and actions. Talking to her will prove to be very helpful to develop her language and communication skills. She will listen to the sounds you make, watch your actions, and eventually, will even respond to them by smiling, laughing, or making sounds.
3. Stimulate Your Baby’s Brain
Games, such as hiding games, playing peekaboo, imitating, and copying, can help stimulate your child’s learning. You may also get a bunch of developmental toys, like coloured blocks, stackable cups or rings, object permanence boxes, etc., to take it a step further. Other than these, letting your baby read picture books and reading stories to her can also help.
4. Keep Your Baby Active and Fit
An active baby remains fit and has fewer learning issues as compared to inactive kids. All the nourishment you will be providing will need to be exhausted physically too. Activities like light stretching during bath time, sitting up, playing with toys, grasping and throwing toys, tummy time, bouncing in your lap, crawling, walking, etc., can help her develop those muscles and remain fit.
The future calls for your child to be healthy, attentive, confident, and courageous. She may have to face complex situations and juggle through several things simultaneously. The time you invest in her now will ease some stress for her in the future as she would be able to think, solve problems, and manage most things independently and creatively. While these tips can help you prepare your baby for learning, you must also consult your paediatrician and gain thorough guidance, as each infant requires different levels of attention and care.
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11 Proven Ways to Develop Better Memory & Concentration in Babies
In collaboration with Nestlé Start Healthy Stay Healthy.
Early parenthood is a memorable time as it is filled with witnessing your baby’s many firsts. His first smile, his first grimace, and even the first time he babbles something. But this may also lead you to wonder – does your baby remember these events?
As parents, this is one of the many questions you may have on your mind– when will my baby start remembering things? Is it right after birth or much later than this? Also, since babies learn to speak only around the time they turn one, it’s difficult to tell what your baby is thinking about and how good his memories are since he can’t communicate verbally.
Well, turns out he has already started! Your baby’s memory is developing in multiple stages. There’s no particular age at which it happens, and it’s a gradual process. But memory in babies begins very early, in fact, even before they are born!
What and When Does a Baby Remember?
According to a publication by Dr. Sinead Mullally and Dr. Eleanor Maguire, babies recognise their caregivers by their face, voice, and smell within the first few weeks of birth. Newborns can recognise their mother’s voice at birth, while breastfed babies can recognise their mother’s smell after one week. At three months, babies can remember new toys or pictures shown to them one to six days prior. By the time the baby is nine months old, he will remember more specific details, like where his toys are in the house. He’ll also be able to copy actions he has seen as long as a week before. While memory is fragile in the first months of life, it improves with age.
Is There a Link Between Memory and Concentration?
Concentration is the ability to sustain one’s attention and focus on an event or task at will. On the other hand, memory is the ability to recall, preserve and obtain information that has happened in the past. In terms of concentrating and remembering information, these abilities are important to the infant’s development. Yes, there is a strong link between memory and concentration. If you cannot concentrate long enough to focus on the details, it is impossible to remember this information at a later stage correctly.
Ways to Boost Your Baby’s Memory
Here are the things you can do during your baby’s first year to help strengthen his memory skills.
1. Add new skills.
Introduce your baby to a new skill over short periods of playtime. For example, if a new toy requires a skill your baby hasn’t learned yet, you can spread out playtime with that particular toy over the entire week. Teach your baby how to play with it, and then reintroduce the toy for five minutes at a time over a couple of days. This will help your little one remember the skill longer than him playing with the toy for a longer period for only a day or two.
2. Encourage consistency.
Keep your baby’s surroundings consistent and create daily routines. Make his playtime predictable for him. If he plays with the same toys at the same time and in the same room every day, he will remember the arrangement much longer than if playtime changes every day. Right now, your baby is only developing his short-term memory.
3. Talk to him.
Talk your baby through your actions to help him remember cause and effect. For example, when you flip the light switch down, show that the light comes on. When you flip it up, the light goes off. Say the words “Light off” and “Light on.” These actions will help your little one learn simple laws and anticipate them the next time you perform the action.
4. Say his name.
Call your baby by his name as much as possible. By four months, he’ll begin to recognise the sound of his name and associate it with your attention to him. When talking to him, saying his name aloud as often as possible will help him remember that the name belongs explicitly to him. Ensure you call yourself “Mommy” as much as possible to help him build the connection.
5. Make sure he’s getting rest.
Your baby will retain information better if he feels relaxed and rested. Don’t try to force him to learn something at every point in time. Let him explore freely during playtime or simply lie with him on the playmat and spend time with him. Make sure you take multiple breaks as this will help your baby consolidate his memories and retain them for a longer time.
Ways to Improve Your Baby’s Concentration
You can try these effective tips to improve his concentration skills.
1. Play games with him.
Playing games with your baby that require him to concentrate is a fun way to help him develop. Simple age-appropriate jigsaws, peg puzzles, and even assembling coloured blocks will help him focus on a task while playing.
2. Focus on foods that can boost his brain development.
The first three years of your child’s life are critical for his mental development. Hence, during this period, the right nutrition, along with proper stimulus can work wonders for his brain development. This, in turn, will help him concentrate better.
3. Turn off unnecessary distractions.
This includes the television. Although concentration is mostly about ignoring distractions, turning off the television will allow your baby to concentrate more fully on you or the activity he’s doing.
4. Observe your baby.
Observing the way your baby chooses to spend his time will make you realise that he is not just lying there but actually doing something. He could be gazing towards a window, staring at the ceiling fan, or simply grasping at dust particles in the sunlight. Every time you interrupt your baby’s musings, you’re discouraging his concentration.
5. Don’t encourage distraction.
It is quite common and sometimes even advised to distract your baby with a toy on the diaper changing table to “get the work done.” But what this does instead is it trains your baby not to pay attention. Baths, diaper changes, and feedings are not unpleasant chores for babies. Your baby will want to be invited to participate in an activity as much as he can.
6. Let your baby choose.
Over time you’ll observe that your baby will be more interested in the things he chooses than the things you choose for him. Therefore, allowing your baby to choose what he can do in his play environment instead of directing him to your choice of activity will better engage his focus, interest, and heightened concentration.
Most of the memories during infancy are short-term memories. Hence a child can recall a memory or remember things from three years onwards. It takes time for a baby’s brain to form a long-term memory structure. As a parent, your role is crucial in your child’s memory development. You can thus enhance his memory development through various memory-boosting games and exercises like the ones given above.
In case of any questions or clarifications regarding your baby’s nutrition or development, do get in touch with your paediatrician.
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