Things to do ... ?

[babygirlisla]

Hi
I have a 14 month old and a 3 week old, I was wondering what anyone could suggest I do to keep my 14 month old entertained. Activities and such .... She likes to be busy but worried she is getting bored as I don't get out much at the moment as it's hard work with the two if them.
That's for your suggestions in advance :) x

There are some good tips here baby and congratulations

I used to take mine to baby and toddler groups. Everyone wants to cuddle the baby so you get one on one time with your toddler. I helped run one too.

Have you been to any mn meet-ups?

Summer's easier, you can have a sand pit etc.. Unless you have the room for one indoors?

Do you live in a town/city or are you remote?

Is there an [www.nct.org.uk nct]] group close by? They were really good for me as you just go along and can sit down, have a cuppa and just chat. There should be enough going on to keep your older one happy, a place to nappy change and bottle warming facilities.

Sorry try www.nct.org.uk.

If you are bfing, is there a Bfing group nearby you could go to? Try la Leche league or baby cafe

I did all of that, NCT, bfing group too. I even made a very close friend at the NCT. It's good to try a few groups.

Tumbletots is good too. You can even do this with baby in the sling or staff will support you.

I feel for you, OP, as I had a 14m gap too. It was hard at the beginning as DS1 was (and still is) very full on. I asked friends who'd had 2 kids how they did it and it frustrated me when they said that their elder used to just 'potter'. Well I never had a potterer... When I needed to BF DD2 I used to get all the cushions off the sofa and turn the living room into a soft play so he could jump and roll. He was walking by then fortunately.
treasure baskets are another good idea if you can get the time to organise them.
I never did too well at playgroups and still don't; maybe it's me. I just find them so claustrophobic and noisy and DS1 has never been interested in toys. I used to go to the playground or park to feed ducks when DD needed a nap so I had time with DS1.

Have you got a sling too OP? I used to stick dc2 in one so I was able to keep up with dc1/make a sandwich/have a wee...

Thanks for your replies.
I go to a toddler group once a week but like you brookville not keen on them.
Yes I do have a sling jiltedjohn I should work out how to use that, tried it the other day and thought it was a little uncomfy, knowing me wasnt using it right.
Like you say will be better in the spring/summer when we can get out to park/feed ducks or just go for walks.
Just struggling for indoor activities other than cartoons and toys, what other things do your LOs like to do? I let her play with shredded paper she finds that fun but not for long lol
Is she too young for playdoh etc?
Thanks again much appreciated :)) xx

She's not too young for play do has it is edible, so she won't come to any harm. How about a den? Has she got one of those trucks filled with bricks that you can push along, mine played for ages with that. How about some messy play, stick her in her highchair and give her jelly or baked beans (or both) to play with. Have you tried finger painting?

Think the main problem you will have is they have such a short attention span.

Thomas the tank Engine was my best babysitter for ds1

Maybe try another group babygirlisla? Some are more cliquey than others.

Also good is to get a bundle of DVDs. She might be a bit young to sit still for long but Peppa Pig is a good start if you want to feed baby. Mine like Postman Pat, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Ben & Holly all of which were cheap 2nd hand.
Indoor activities: look at the Imagination Tree website for ideas.
Have you got Duplo? Playdoh?

My 14 month old loves to have boxes and pots of things to fill/empty. You can keep a selection and rotate throughout the day, a saucepan with some spoons in, a tupperware box with things like small cuddly toys, shakers made out of a small pot with pasta in. My DD also likes filling and emptying the washing machine, so I just give her a load of clothes and let her do that for a while.