Occupying a 14 month old so I can get something done?

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

Any tips for keeping a 14 month old busy and happy so I can do something else for more than two seconds at a time? He's lovely and adorable and amazing, but 4yo DD would like a few moments of my time, and the housework really does need to be done.

He loves lots of things, but as soon as I try to do something with dd, or cook, or clean something, he is clingy and prone to crying. Obviously we do some things while he naps, and include him in as much as possible.

Sling doesn't help in these situations. I need super- exciting but safe and independent occupations. He's mobile and vocal.

Top tips please!

[lola88]

I bring out all the pots and give DS a wooden spoon to play with while I clean the kitchen and put him in the shower to play while I clean the bathroom then do the bath once he's out he also has a little hover to help me and is a pro with a duster. He's an only so can't help with that side of things.

[MatriarchalDreams]

I've reorganised my kitchen cupboards so I have one large cupboard which is safe for my 14 month old, it's got tupperware, DD's bowl and cups, pans, tins and other interesting but unbreakable/not sharp stuff. That keeps her occupied for quite a while whilst I'm cooking. Other than that, she likes pulling washing off the rack, shutting doors and playing in the dogs' water bowl but you might not mean things like that!

[MatriarchalDreams]

Oh yeah, my DD also likes wiping the floor so I give her a wipe to do that, she likes pulling all her nappies and wipes off the changing table too, that kills a bit of time. And if you can afford it, get a cleaner!

[BikeRunSki]

It can not be done. I speak from experience. I found months 14-20 to be the most difficult from this point of view.

[BikeRunSki]

Actually, DD could be occupied for 10 min or so with a packet of baby wipes to pull apart. Still can (23 months old), I buy Basics ones especially.

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

Oh the cheap baby wipes idea. I like that! He has a kitchen cupboard, dog, dog food and dog bowl to keep him occupied already.

Thanks for the honesty, bikerunski!

[sharond101]

My life sounds like yours. My 15mo DS loves my attention so much he notices the minute I take it off him and start on something else. We have a dog too and yes the bowl is popular but not as popular as my leg which he pulls and tugs at whilst making incomprehensible noises. I have found sitting with him and his toys (with ceebeebies on in the background) for around 10 minutes or so until he gets into playing with something and then easing myself away can sometimes work. Other times it's useless.We bought him a play hoover last week as I thought he'd like to copy me whilst I hoovered and at least that would be one task completed, no such luck he wants to play with it with me. I have found a creche at a local sports centre i took him to this week and he loved it. Meant I got an hour to myself for a swim and felt much better afterwards, is this possible for you?