Baby Activities: 12 Months Old (Part 3)

Here are a few more simple activities that you can do with your 12 month old. You may also be interested in Part 1 and Part 2.

Pillow Highway: If you have a rambunctious little one, this is a great way to expel some energy! Form a winding path or "highway" out of pillows or couch cushions on the floor of your nursery or playroom. Let your baby crawl or walk down and around the highway. Emma also gets a kick out of it when I lay down and become a "speed bump" that she gets to crawl or climb over!

 

Bubbles: Sometimes I feel like I am in a rut as I try to come up with fun activities to do with Emma. When that happens I always have to remind myself "Don't over-think it!" Even something as simple as blowing bubbles can be a real treat to your little one. If it's a nice day, bring your baby outside and blow bubbles for them  to watch, crawl or chase after and, of course, POP! Even on rainy or cold days, you can blow bubbles in the tub during bath time!

Ocean in a Bottle: This mesmerizing toy is sure to capture your baby's attention! All you need is an empty plastic water bottle. Fill the bottle about 1/3 full with water, then add a few drops of food coloring. You may also drop in some small beads, glitter, or sequins if you have them on hand. Then fill the bottle up to the top with baby oil. Tighten the cap securely, and let your baby watch the waves!

 

Highchair Peekaboo: This is a great diversion to keep your baby entertained in their highchair while you're making dinner. Take three stands of ribbon, each about two feet long, and tie one end of each to three small toys. Then attach the other ends with suction cups or tape to the tray of your highchair. Demonstrate to your baby how they can pull the ribbon onto their tray and the toys will come up and say, "Peekaboo!"

And, of course...

Read! Reading is one of the best activities you can do with your child at any age!

 

A few of Emma's current favorites are:

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
• Bear Wants More by Karma Wilson
• Bright Baby Animals by Roger Priddy

My 3 good things for today are:

1. We had clear skies this morning, and played with bubbles outside.
2. We had rain this afternoon, and got to listen to the thunder go boom-boom.
3. I made a delicious meatloaf for dinner while Emma played Highchair Peekaboo!