How to entertain newly mobile 1 year old while cooking?

[wishIwasonholiday10]

Any suggestions on how to entertain a newly mobile almost 15 month old while I’m cooking on evenings when DH is home late from work? She’s only bum shuffling rather than walking but no longer wants to sit and play with toys. The kitchen is quite small and it feels dangerous to have her on the floor around my feet. I tried toys in a high chair but she just chucks them on the floor and tries to break out of the high chair if I put her in it near me to watch at a safe distance from the oven. Also won’t tolerate a playpen.

OL @ won't tolerate the play pen,mine wouldn't tolerate lots of things but still had to get used to them

I am inclined to agree. I do realise that this is a thing though, so DD was put into a playpen at a very early age. We also used reins on her as soon as she could walk, so neither of these were an issue.

I did this. Just filled it with random stuff like plastic skittles, empty boxes, etc.

Baby gate in kitchen doorway. Toys on the other side so that they might stay within sight and you can talk to them whilst cooking.

That only worked for dc1 though, dc2 would have been over the gate in about five seconds! They had a selection of kitchen items on the floor to play with instead, usually right in the doorway 🙄

I have a son the same age and am a single parent so can’t wait for someone to come home for me to cook. He goes in the playpen- he is not always happy about it, but to me it’s a safety issue. He is unsafe in the kitchen (gets under my feet, can reach worktops and the oven is at a low level), and we both have to eat. So he doesn’t get a choice! (Cocomelon on while he is in there definitely helps his tolerance though!).

I'd try putting a waterproof sheet or towel down and giving her a washing up bowl with a few toys/cups/spoons etc and a bit of water in it. There's something about water play that's really compelling to young children and they will play for ages in a way they won't with bog standard toys that get boring fast.

Likewise with sand, but you need to be sure she won't eat most of that.

You could even get her a little play sink with a tap if she likes that, they sell them at Smyths.

Cook when she's asleep

I used to find myself cooking dinner at 9am some days. Something like bolognaise or chile that can be reheated later

Cook in the evening once they're in bed or napping at weekends, or plan for something you only have to prep, not cook, and get them to 'help'

I loved having mine on my back in a baby carrier - she loved watching what I was doing and enjoyed the closeness I think.

Connectas are good.

I cooked when they napped and warm it in microwave when ready to eat. Also I'd cook twice as much so only need to cook every other day. I never found a way to do it safely when awake.

We have magnetic letters on the fridge. We have a tiny kitchen so nothing ideal but this works well.

Put her in a highchair and give her some veg and a child’s knife, a spoon and bowls, mine loved it and I also did it with my grandson’s, they all love coming here as I now let them make cakes to take home youngest is 6 and he knows how to make cakes off without a recipe as he memorised what we need

Childproof the room closest to the kitchen and have a safety gate. Toy rotation helped keep mine entertained, changing the toys just before you go to cook may work well for you. I'd be very nervous having a baby playing around in the kitchen when I'm cooking, it's too risky, especially if your doing things like moving a hot pan to drain the water or the oven is on.

When I can, I cook whilst DS eats so we’re together in the kitchen and he’s occupied. If it’s something quick I can usually pop him in the pushchair in sight with his toys (sometimes Ms Rachel) and if desperate it’s him playing pan and spatula drums at my feet.

I would second filling one of the bottom cupboards with a range of items for them to play with e.g saucepans, spatulas, spoons, tin foil. Just let them pull everything out and make a mess while it keeps them occupied 😂Anything that makes a noise really! My little boy walked at 10 months old and we did this everyday.

High chair with play dough/ messy play/ bowl full of bubbly water.

Stair gate on kitchen but lots of toys on other side so they can see and talk to you.

In kitchen with you with kitchen cupboard full of wanky basket items.

I think they are a little old for door bouncers etc.

That's when I bring out cocomelon or super simple songs for my 10 month old.

i used to put mine in a walker, he walked at 10 months but still kept him confined. he's 21 months now and i cook when he's sleeping

Yep, another vote here for persevering with the playpen. It's for her safety more than enjoyment 🤷‍♀️ maybe keep new /different /special toys in there so she sees it as more of a treat. Failing that, baby walker (can still be hazardous bumping into you while you've a hot pan /sharp knife etc!), or else giant magnets on the fridge in the hope she'll at least sit still for a bit

This is exactly what I do too. Tupperware, plastic bottles, spatulas etc. The plastic and cardboard recycling is also pretty entertaining.

I also have cupboards on the bottom that are safe for baby to empty. I have 1 Tupperware cupboard, a cook books and drink bottle cupboard and one with unopened drink bottles and some safe cleaning things like dustpan and tea towels etc. Whenever she starts getting in the way I open a cupboard to tempt her to play there.

Thanks all! Lots of great tips here.

This is what we did, mushrooms and a plastic knife so DD could prep food while I was.

Second this, our bottom drawer is filled with Tupperware, mines now nearly 3 still rummages through it and plays. Also magnets and sit her in front of fridge (obviously nothing that will fit in her mouth) or tv and a small snack? Or a rice tray, a tray with rice with scoops and little tubs, thus kept mine busy for ages.