12 Simple Things to do with Your 1 Year Old

If you are a mama wondering what in the world to do with your baby everyday, then you are not alone. Keeping my one-year old entertained is a challenge I face every day. Below are the 12 Simple Things to do with Your 1 Year Old. I say “simple,” because when I was looking for things to do with my baby, all I could find were lists of homemade crafts and toys. Ain’t nobody got time for that. I’m looking for simple ways to fill our day, and these 12 activities are exactly that.

*Also, the above image is not Ronia, but isn’t the resemblance uncanny?

1. Read Books

One of Ronia’s favorite things to do is read books. Sometimes I let her look through books on her own. However, she usually ends up chewing on them, so to avoid that predicament we will read together. According to readingrockets.org, “Reading books aloud to children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. It helps them develop language and listening skills and prepares them to understand the written word.” Reading is so important.

2. Play with Paint

Playing with paint is another excellent activity for your one year old. Safe paint, of course, and with supervision. We got this powder finger paint by Eco Kids from Thrive Market that’s food-based. You just mix it with water. I will say it’s best to put your toddler in the empty bath for this activity. Easier clean up!

3. Go on a Walk

When the weather is cooperating, take your little one on a walk in the stroller or carrier. It’s not only good for them to get a little fresh air, but it’s also good for you. Being cooped up inside too much isn’t good for anyone. Being outside will build your little ones confidence, refresh their minds and fuel their imaginations. And it could do the same for you.

4. Fold the Laundry

Including your child in the daily chores is an excellent practice. Ronia is not really a “help” right now, but she loves to play with her clothes while I fold the laundry. It’s also good for her to see me completing tasks around the house.

5. Have a Snack

Ronia eats all day long. She is growing so fast that we now have to include several snacks in a day. Snack time is perhaps the most obvious of the 9 Simple Things to do with Your 1 Year Old.

6. Schedule a Play Date

Playdates help your toddler gain more confidence, learn social skills, problem-solving, sharing, as well as many other important skills. Spending time with others, and especially other children is very important for your baby. It’s also good for you as a parent to spend time with other parents. So it’s a win-win!

7. FaceTime with Family

Playdates aren’t always easy to schedule with the current state of the world. So if you aren’t able to go out and meet with other families, utilize FaceTime! Video chats with family and friends are a great way to break up the day and connect.

8. Play in the Kitchen

Meal prep is much more difficult that it used to be. If I need to cook for awhile I try to keep Ronia entertained in the kitchen. She plays with her drawer of plastic dishes, the spatulas or various other safe kitchen objects. We also have magnets for the fridge that she can enjoy while I’m cooking.

9. Let Them Wander

If you are able and your home is baby-proof, then let your little one wander. We keep the play room door open and I know that everything in that room is safe for Ronia. So from time to time I let her waddle into the playroom or throughout the house and I just keep an eye on her as she goes. I think there’s something so important about a child being left to explore.

10. Rotate Toys

I’m a big fan of the toy rotation. We keep a few toys out for Ronia to play with a place some of them in storage. Then every couple weeks we switch out the toys for her to re-explore. Her eyes just light up when she discovers new toys in the playroom. I’ve also rearranged the room a couple times just to change it up for her.

11. Eat Meals as a Family

We are blessed to both work from home, so whenever possible we sit down to eat as a family. Some days it’s just breakfast. Others it’s all three meals. I find there is something special about physically sitting at the dining table together and enjoying a meal. We talk and Ronia babbles like she’s a part of the conversation. It’s the best.

12. Run Errands

Ronia is such an extroverted baby. She loves seeing people and going places, and I’ve noticed that when we spend too much time at home she is a much crankier baby. I try to run errands with her ever couple days. Even when that errand is wandering aimlessly around hobby lobby and buying nothing, she still enjoys the trip!

I used to be nervous about going out and about with my baby for many reasons, but I’m getting more comfortable with it all the time.

Thank you for reading 12 Simple Things to do with Your 1 Year Old. For more tips and tricks on your next adventure, take a look at our latest content:

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Love Always,