Keeping Your Toddler Busy

Our little man just turned one last month and we had a birthday party for him. I’ve been struggling since becoming a SAHM, I haven’t had to entertain a one year old all day, so I didn’t know what to do. So, for his birthday, I asked guests who were bringing gifts to bring books instead of cards and educational toys only. And for the most part everyone obliged. We received some great gifts and my one year old has already figured out his favorites, those he can stay busy with for hours. So, if you are in my boat and struggling to find ways to keep a toddler entertained when it’s raining outside, check these out.

One thing to keep in mind, our little guy loves anything and everything that makes noises and sings, so almost all toys will be noisy after hearing it for a while. If this bothers you, try giving the toy to the child only for a little while at a time, this will do two things, first it will serve as a “new” toy every time the child sees it which will make them even more interested, and secondly, it will give you a break from the noise. Mine gets his toys whenever he wants because we only have education toys in the house and as long as it keeps him entertained, I love hearing the noise of his laughter vs his crying.  

Reading Time:

As you probably guessed by all the educational toys only rule, we also have a book rule too. We are firm believers reading is the source of all success. “The more you read, the more you learn” is our motto. So, we have a ton of books, from all genres and categories. We try to focus on educational as well as imaginative.  if you are interested in what books are a big hit with a one year old check out these!

• ‘ target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Vtech train

Learning! Learning! And More Learning!!!! So it has two parts, the engine part that has all these buttons to push, along with a make-believe walkie-talkie to speak to the engineer of the train, but also best part…handles to help get your baby up walking. My son, who before getting this train for his first birthday had only taken steps while holding onto the couches. But within minutes of getting it out of the box, my little man was up on his two feet walking behind the engine all over the hard wood floors. I couldn’t believe it. The second part, which my little guy never used, was technically for sitting and pushing. He still hasn’t figured it out. But I don’t care, he’s walking!!!!! Thanks to this amazing toy!

• Otter ABC

My eldest daughter and her boyfriend got this toy for the big guy for his first birthday. And immediately, he started dancing to it. Its for the ABCs, simple as that, it does one song with colors, but it does a hip-hop version of the ABC song, with a beat and all, not like the original we all learned on. So when the beat starts, my son starts getting loud and holds onto the gates and starts bouncing with the beat. And lets not even mention how adorable otters are.

• Tent and tunnel ball pit

This is for outside, but since we live in Washington, it rains more often than it is sunny, so we have no choice but to put it up inside. And its AWESOME! Yes it takes up the entire living room, but it keeps our little guy busy for hours. And one time he was playing in it for so long, he passed out for his nap inside it. But the best part was seeing my husband climb inside the tent with him to play with his stuffed rhino, Roscoe.