My college roommate and I had baby girls about a month apart. She texted me today asking for indoor ideas for one year olds. At this point we’ve been at home for about a month, and it doesn’t look like Covid19 is going anywhere, fast. So we chatted about our girls’ interests and some of the best activities for them and I thought it might be wise to jot them down here so I don’t forget!
WaterWow Painting book. This one is so simple yet entertaining. It makes vitally no mess as they paint with water, but you could put them in a bib/smock in a highchair to contain it. A toddler favorite (my 4.5 year old STILL enjoys these!)
2. Rainbow stackers. Simone just started stacking this Melissa & Doug stacker last week. I was impressed! There are a few other options that would work, but I happened to find this one for $2 at goodwill.
3. Playsilks for peekaboo. Simone is all about Peek-a-boo and these silks are her favorite. We purchased ours at a local cafe/play space here in New Hampshire, but Sarah’s silks are beautiful too. I’ve always wanted to be cool and craft my own at home by dying silk from the fabric store…maybe someday.
4. Ball runs. We were lucky to receive this Hape Ball Run as a hand me down, the kids love it because of the bell at the end. But I’ve also seen online in the wooden toy groups I’m in on Facebook that people have luck with purchasing these egg spirals (for chicken eggs!) and then buying wooden balls to roll down.
5. We also recently discovered Spanish toy company, Grapat. We purchased the Nins, they’re little wooden peg people with color coordinated cups that they fit into, as well as little coins. You can stack them, use them as people, etc. They’re a great open ended toy and my 4 year old has been using them a ton as well.
Another great hack for entertaining one year olds is as simple as taping toys with painter’s tape. Sounds silly, but it works. I have taped toys the the coffee table for her to pull on and free, and to the highchair tray to entertain her while I’m finishing dinner. We also have a great wooden rocker from Cassaro Kids that both of my kids love to climb on and use as a little boat.
Do you have any suggestions that I could add to this list/my repertoire?
