Hi everyone, I made myself a list this morning of activities for my baby to do, when it feels like we're going insane stuck indoors. I thought it would be nice to share as I expect a few parents are going through the same, in these unprecedented times.
Move around the house - Can't possibly think of anything else to play in the living room? Play with everything again in your bedroom/siblings room/at the kitchen table. A change of scenery can help.
Bath time - they don't have to need a bath to have a bath. Make it 98% bubbles/put some ball pit balls in it/add 5 different coloured flannels.
Outside - get some fresh air for two minutes. No garden? Sit on the doorstep and point out stones, twigs and wheelie bins you can see. Too cold? Put on your snow suits and hats. No garden toys? Drag the jumperoo/Walker through the door.
Virtual babysitting - put baby in a safe chair, jumperoo or rocker. Face time a willing grandad or family friend etc. to pull funny faces and speak in silly voices, for 10 minutes while you have a cuppa.
Unboxing - My baby loves to pull things out of boxes. Nappies out of the nappy drawer. Plasters out of their box. Fill the washing basket with clean socks and she's happy to go ham.
Forbidden items - Did you know my make up bag is a magical land filled with the most hypnotizing items known to man? I didn't until the baby got hold of it.
Drum sets - Pots, pans, tubs, spoons and an apology letter to your neighbour.
Ripping paper - Okay I admit it. I love a trashy magazine. And the baby loves ripping them to shreds after I've finished reading them.
Jars - fill jars with various objects to see what sounds they make when shook. I've found the small baby food jars best for little hands.
Spaghetti - I know, we have to be careful with food. But even 5 strands of cooks spaghetti for baby to squish/eat/put on her head, will provide some entertainment.
Baby dough - Flour, water and a dash of oil. Fun to squish, safe to eat. Add some food colouring if you have any. Throw out after use or it may go mouldy.
YouTube&TV - No one wants their baby staring at a screen all day but it's exceptional circumstances. Recommend YouTube channels - Hey Bear Sensory, dancing fruit and veggies in bright colours. CocoMelon - Nursery rhymes that you will never get out of your head. Ever. Sparkabilities - Engaging fun "learning" channel with different age ranges.
Baby books - to read obviously, but also the hard baby books are great to build with. Stack them up before baby can knock them down, balance them in a square, build teddy a book house.
Please add to my list with your own fun activities, and I hope someone finds use in this. Stay well. 