Things to do at home with toddler(20month) & 6 week old.

[Littlerayofsunshine]

What things (activities & everyday things) do you do or have found helpful with this?

(i am currently raising them alone...not that it much relevance)

Does watching CBeebies count?...
Seriously though, are there any activities going on near you? We are really lucky in living near a library that does free childrens singing sessions, and a community centre that has toddler groups, toddler messy play etc etc. All of which is free I found the most important thing was to get out of the house as much as possible in order to remain sane and meet other parents in the same boat, and try if you can to get them to have a lunchtime nap so you can put your feet up and have a cup of tea. Do NOT, repeat, NOT, use that time to put washing in etc!!

I have not been in this situation but I am guessing you need things to entertain the toddler whilst you can cuddle and bounce and jiggle and feed the six week old? Especially when it is too rainy to get out or there are no groups on?

My five min sanity savers at twenty months were:

Filling the kitchen sink with bubbles, pulling up a chair and getting DD to 'wash-up'. At 26m DD can competently wash-up her own plastic plates and cups so this is kind of handy! You might want to pop a tea-towel on the floor first, then just scoot it round to mop up and pop it straight in the washing machine - voila instant floor cleaning too!
Popping dance music on, turning off the lights, giving DD some torchs and having a disco. I'd imagine boogying in your arms will keep the little one happy too.
Any kind of edible messy play like kneading bread dough, attempting to peel fruit, icing buns (you can buy the buns and the icing!), dipping things in to other things etc.
Birdfeeders in the garden - DD was very in to watching birdies.

Though I agree that groups are good and having people over so you can have an adult conversation and not just listen to Mike the Sodding Knight all the time is good.

TV.
Story books
Crayons and large sheets of paper
Toy cars/trains
Small world toys

DD is currently dunking the top of her head in rainwater that's collected in her sand table, whilst 13wo DS feeds.

Purplepansy Yes DD loves CBeebies, and her kiddie dvds. which i find fine :)

Its just those things as she is very intelligent and like any other toddler - likes to explore everything and be stimulated. So its just those moments where i think "well what can i do with you?? hmmm"

Penelopepipop - Thanks for the ideas! Will try those as she loves bubbles!

Karen9876 I'll check out the website!

Flissflaps that made me laugh. We are lucky enough to have a lovely little garden that my Dad has done up since DP has been away, (growing strawberries too, and DD has a sandpit)

We do playgroup twice a week, messy play once a week at a local church and we do luckily have friends (my two friends and their two girls of the same age) its just the "rainy days" at home ..