If you sometimes struggle to come up with ways to entertain your one year old you are not alone. I feel like I always had an issue with this one because so many things are still not safe for a baby or toddler who still want to put everything in their mouth.
I also don't want to push a loud light-up toy in my daughter's face all of the time. Don't get me wrong, those toys are fine but I like my children to have a break from them and have more imaginative play.
As will most of my posts, these ideas are super simple to put together and you probably already have the materials in your house so no need to buy a bunch of things. So if you want an easy activity for your little ones that they can do from the comfort of their highchair here are four basic ideas for young toddlers.
Ball or Box with Socks
This one is easy and mess free. If you have a ball, box or anything that has holes/ slots in it this one is perfect. I have an O'ball that I like to use because it’s the perfect size too.If you don’t have one though you can take any container or box as long as it doesn’t have sharp edges. Use an empty cracker box, tissue box or even a Pringle's can and cut slits or small holes throughout it. You could also use a kitchen whisk.
Then all you have to do is poke a bunch of socks through the holes. Make sure they stick out just enough for little fingers to grab them and you’re all set! Let your little one work on their fine motor skills by pulling and playing with the ball or box trying to get all of the socks out. I like to use socks because they are small enough to fit in the little openings and they are safe if my kiddo decides to chew on them a bit.
Coloring
It's never too early to start teaching your kids arts and crafts. Grab some chunky crayons and let your little one really explore their creative side! Tape a piece of paper to the highchair tray or table. Make sure you get all of the edges taped down so it’s not as easy to rip up. Then give your child some crayons and let them go.
My oldest even had to jump in and draw a few things so it was super cute watching them work together. My one year old started to copy her older sister and really enjoyed this one.
Just make sure if your kid likes to bite things (like mine) that they don’t nibble on the crayons.
Animal Rescue
For this activity all you need is some toy animals and painters tape. Just tape the animals to the tray and let your child work on their fine motor skills trying to free them. Do not use packaging tape or duct tape because their little fingers will not be able to pull it off and they could become frustrated. Using painters tape makes it relatively easy for your child to be able to free the animals.
It's a super simple activity but your little one will probably have a lot of fun. Plus it helps them practice some early problem solving skills as they try to figure out how to get the animals out.
Water Sensory Bag
This one can get a little messy and could leak but it can be so fun. Take a zip lock back and fill it with water and little objects like confetti, sprinkles or beads. Seal it up and place it inside another zip lock baggie to help prevent leakage. Fill it with a little bit of water and small objects like confetti, beads, or rice. Add some food coloring drops to make some fun colors they can mix together or a little soap and make bubbles.
Then take some packaging tape and stick it to the highchair tray making sure to get all of the sides covered. Let your child explore a neat sensory activity and play. I know my daughters loved pressing on the bag and watching everything move around.
What did you think of these ideas? Try one or two with your child for something a little different and engaging for their young minds. Leave a comment below and let me know which ones you tried and don't forget to subscribe for more weekly posts!