Engaging activities for 1 year olds at home

Finding engaging activities for 1 year olds at home can be a delightful yet challenging adventure. Whether you're a parent or a caregiver, having a variety of activities on hand can help stimulate your child's developmental milestones while keeping them entertained. Let's dive into some fantastic ideas that cater to 1 year olds, including those 18 month old activities, right in the comfort of your home.

 

Exploring sensory play

At the age of one, toddlers are naturally curious and eager to explore their environment. Sensory play is an excellent way to nurture this curiosity while supporting sensory development. Consider setting up a simple sensory bin filled with safe items like rice, pasta, or water. You might even want to add a few drops of food coloring for visual interest. Check out our Play and Learn collection for products that enhance sensory play experiences.

DIY musical instruments

Music is another way to engage your child's senses. Create simple instruments using household items. For instance, you can fill a sealed container with rice or beans to make a shaker. Pots and pans make excellent percussion instruments too-just hand your little one a wooden spoon and watch the joy unfold! These activities not only entertain but also promote gross and fine motor skills.

Movement and coordination

Encourage physical play by creating an obstacle course in your living room. Use pillows, boxes, or cushions for them to crawl under and climb over. Activities like these help improve coordination and balance, crucial for toddlers' growing bodies. An indoor tunnel or tent can add to the fun.

Dance party fun

Turn up the volume and have a mini dance party! Dancing not only boosts mood but also strengthens muscles and promotes a love of movement. Choose upbeat, child-friendly tunes and let your toddler dance as they please. Remember, it's all about having fun and releasing some energy!

 

Educational activities for 1 year olds

While play is primarily about fun, incorporating educational activities for 1 year olds can significantly enhance learning. Reading books together, even if it's just looking at pictures, helps with language development and cognitive skills. Many of our Pacifiers come with interesting patterns that can also be a talking point during educational time.

Puzzle time

Puzzles are a classic choice and highly beneficial for developing problem-solving skills. Start with simple puzzles featuring bright, large pieces. As they grow older, you can introduce more complex designs. This activity supports spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination.

 

Creative crafts

Get those creative juices flowing with some arts and crafts! Safe, non-toxic crayons or finger paints are excellent tools for little hands to express themselves. Be sure to provide large sheets of paper for them to scribble on freely. These crafts can also support learning activities for 18 month old children.

Nature crafting

Include nature in your crafting by using leaves, sticks, and flowers collected from your backyard. It's an eco-friendly way to teach your child about the natural world and incorporate it into art projects. This stuff to do with 1 year olds can be incredibly rewarding and educational.

 

FAQs about daycare activities for one year olds

What are some simple daycare activities for one year olds?

Simple activities such as stacking blocks, playing with soft toys, or exploring different textures can be excellent choices. These activities help in developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

How can I make learning at home similar to daycare?

Recreate some structured play routines, such as circle time or storytime. Using familiar activities from daycare at home can create comfort and continuity for your child. Visit our Sleep and Cuddle collection for items that can aid in creating a cozy learning environment.

Parents have the unique ability to tailor activities to fit their child's needs and interests. By providing a range of enriching activities for 1 year olds at home, you'll be nurturing both their curiosity and developmental journey. Explore our Bandana Bib collection to keep craft time a bit tidier!

 

Disclaimer: At BIBS, we aim to support parents with helpful, research-based information. However, every child is unique. The content in this blog post is for general guidance only and should not replace personalized advice from a healthcare professional or pediatric specialist. Please always follow official safety guidelines and consult a professional if you have concerns about your baby’s wellbeing.