Baby activities!
Oh, I love a good baby activity. Particularly because it is SO much fun to watch my babies get completely immersed in an activity as I sip a peppermint white chocolate mocha that’s *actually* still warm.
Seriously.
There’s nothing better.
But, listen…
I don’t want you to have to scour through Pinterest during your *extremely* valuable baby naptime to find the best baby activities for your little one, so I’ve put together this giant list for you. To make it even easier, I’ve split this giant list of over 45 brilliant baby activities for busy 1-year-olds into three categories: Art, Games, and Sensory Play.
Let’s dive into this list, shall we??
First up is my favorite category: ART.
I know.
It can be a little daunting to think about clean up.
Or, maybe you cringe at the thought of your baby eating paint (I get you, girl), but this list has you covered:
- Most ideas are “contained” in a bag or box
- While other activities feature edible paint recipes that are safe for little ones!
Here are the best art activities that any baby will love.
Edible finger paint recipe | Rainy Day Mum
Color-mixing in minutes | Simple Fun for Kids
Clinging film art | Messy Little Monster
Ice painting | Messy Little Monster
Marble painting | Mama. Papa. Bubba.
Tummy time painting | Mama. Papa. Bubba.
Taste safe baby paint | Munchkins and Moms
Color mixing in a bag | Simple Fun for Kids
See?
Those art activities weren’t so bad, right?
Next up is my go-to category: GAMES.
If you have a busy baby like I do, they will absolutely ADORE these activities. Choose these activities during a time of day when you need the baby to be a little more independent.
Clothespin pull | Days with Grey
Poker chip drop | Happily Ever Mom
Q-tip push | Happily Ever Mom
Stacking cups | Mama Smiles
Sticky Grab | Happily Ever Mom
Stuffed ball | Little Worlds Big Adventures
Plastic egg drop | Happily Ever Mom
Ball in a box | What do we do all day
Make a discovery box | Inspiration Laboratories
Plastic egg roll | Inspiration Laboratories
Tummy time games | Mommy’s Bundle
Rhymes & finger games for baby | Simple Play Ideas
Spring flower bottle | Kid’s Craft Room
Music shakers | Kid’s Craft Room
Floating balloon game | Mama. Papa. Bubba.
Indoor leaf tunnel | Kids Activites Blog
Easiest ball drop ever | Kids Activities Blog
Sticky table | Learn with Play at Home
Wipes container play | Hands on: as we grow
Ribbon box | Teaching Mama
Take a dry bath | Busy Toddler
Last but not least: SENSORY PLAY.
Babies need a chance to engage their senses, but I know it’s not always easy to give them those opportunities. Particularly, if you have a baby who loves to put EVERYTHING in their mouth like mine does.
*insert eye roll*
This list is SAFE for those babies who love to eat everything, but who need dynamic sensory input.
DIY touch and feel sensory board | Happily Ever Mom
Taste safe rainbow | Happily Ever Mom
Cereal pool | Busy Toddler
Water bead play | Mama. Papa. Bubba.
Encourage baby to sit with sensory bags | Mama. Papa. Bubba.
Polka dot bags | Mama. Papa. Bubba.
Oobleck for baby | Busy Toddler
Make a sticky velcro board | Mama. Papa. Bubba.
Baby play dough – taste safe | Mama. Papa. Bubba
Sensory fort | Messy Little Monster
Fun under the umbrella sensory play. | Best Toys for Toddlers
Sensory food bags | Life is a lullaby
Sticky spaghetti play | Rainy Day Mum
Exploring Potato flakes | Natural Beach Living
Sensory balls for baby to hold & touch | School Time Snippets
Baby play with rice | Simple Fun for Kids
Latch board | Happily Ever Mom
Peek-a-boo busy board | Busy Toddler
Edible sand | Happily Ever Mom
DIY sound shakers | Days with Grey
Magic Water Bin | Happily Ever Mom
That’s it!
This list of over 45 brilliant baby activities is a fantastic resource for busy parents who KNOW that activities and play are essential for baby’s growth and development.
If you’re like me and you’ll want to come back to this list, you can pin this list HERE. Or, follow our Just for baby! board and our FUN toddler activities board for more inspiration.
Pinterest is my favorite spot to hang out, so I’ll see you over there!
~Katie
More Baby Activities from Happily Ever Mom
