Tips for entertaining one year old?

[Hevviie]

I have a soon to be one year old daughter, she absolutely loves being out and about but seems to get very bored/frustrated (read - incredibly whiny) at home despite having all my attention and plenty of toys etc.

Anybody have any tips on indoor activities we could do that would keep her entertained for more than 2 mins?

My daughter is a similar age, I think they just want our attention so it depends if you mean keep her engaged in an activity with you, or play on her own while you do some jobs?

My DS's favourite activity from around that age (when he stopped putting everything in his mouth) was an empty ball pit with a big tray of uncooked lentils, things to scoop with and things to hide. He's almost three and still plays with it.

Some of it I would actually say a bit less of your attention can be a good thing so she starts to learn to play by herself. Treasure baskets are good for this, look at Pinterest for ideas. I quite often set one up the night before and my 1 yo DS will spend up to 20 minutes with one while I unload dishwasher, do washing, sort breakfast for 6yo DS etc. She’ll resist a bit at first because she’s not used to it but be in the same room but pottering about and keep redirecting her back to it “oh look at this have you seen this” back to pottering.

Other good activities:
Tuff tray type stuff (I just have an old washing up bowl for this)
Water play - splashing, floating boats, kitchen utensils in the bath, letting her drop things into a bucket and fish them out
Towers
Singing songs
Books
Outside in the garden for an explore
Indoor picnic
Indoor tent

I tend to do quick bursts of play and attention (maybe 10-15 mins) then he has to entertain himself for 15 mins or potter around after me while I do something else.

My baby would definitely eat the uncooked lentils lol

Water play, cornflour and spaghetti go down well with my little one. Although incredibly messy!

Also emptying the kitchen cupboards and banging about with pots and pans. Putting on and removing lids from bottles and containers.

He's also just starting to show an interest in mark making.

Thanks so much everyone, all really helpful! X

100% lol