Being a stay-at-home mom is hard - more so than many people think. Between mountains of dirty diapers and attempting to keep a clean, functional home, stay-at-home parenthood can often feel like a never-ending struggle. While every parent would love to give their precious little ones undivided attention, the reality is that housework doesn’t do itself. You may even be working from home - yet another task to juggle. Hence, sometimes you need to find ways to keep your baby occupied while you get some essential jobs done. Here are some ideas for fun, safe and educational ways to entertain your baby.
Most modern parents aim for limited screen time. The World Health Organization recommends no screen time for babies under two and a maximum of one hour of screen time per day for children aged 2 to 4. How strict you are about following these guidelines is a matter of personal choice, as allowing your little one to watch a few minutes of baby sensory videos each day can be beneficial to their development. Studies suggest that these videos may help to improve eye coordination and movement.
Introducing your little one to books from a young age will help to instil a love of reading, which will help to build self-esteem, improve vocabulary, and feed their imagination later in their childhood. While it is always best to read baby books with your little one, allowing them to explore books of their own accord helps to improve their confidence and independence. Consider sensory baby books with varying colours, patterns and textures.
Montessori toys are designed to stimulate learning and development by encouraging young children to experiment, aligning with the Montessori learning philosophy. Self-motivated growth for children inspires commitment and a passion for learning - something that begins in infancy and is carried throughout life. Hence, Montessori-inspired toys give your little one the best possible start whilst keeping them entertained with puzzles that help to develop their fine motor muscles and problem-solving skills. Consider shape sorters, age-appropriate jigsaws and colour-matching puzzles.
Messy play is an excellent form of sensory exploration, providing a safe environment for babies to investigate different textures, temperatures, sounds and colours. The concept of messy play might seem alarming, but it doesn’t have to ruin carpets and stain clothes. Consider purchasing a tuff tray or inflatable paddling pool to contain the mess and keep your baby safe. You could even fill it with things you already have in your home, such as rice, lentils, pasta and shaving cream.
Baby bouncers are great for keeping your baby upright and contained while you take care of potentially hazardous household chores like cooking and cleaning without them interfering. Not only will your baby enjoy watching you from the comfort of their babybjorn bouncer, but the gentle bouncing motion makes for a pleasant sensory experience. Furthermore, younger babies can experience the exciting sensation of independent sitting. Many bouncers even feature detachable toy bars, keeping them entertained while you get on with your to-do list.
Many parents prefer waiting until nap time before they cram in as many household chores and work-related tasks as possible. This method may not always be practical, but you can rest assured that your baby is safe and peacefully sleeping as you busy yourself. That said, a consistent nap time routine isn’t always guaranteed. Avoid planning any important work-related phone calls or video meetings for your baby’s nap time, as it may not always go according to plan.
Playpens, like baby bouncers, keep your baby safe and in one place while you have to divert your attention to other matters. Playpens have the added benefit of allowing your baby to crawl, play and explore, with plenty of room for various toys and puzzles - ideal for little ones who have just begun crawling and sitting upright without support. You could even add ball pit balls to your baby’s playpen for an excellent sensory experience that supports fine motor development and coordination.
Some babies experience separation anxiety and need to be close to their parents and caregivers at all times. While there are steps you can take to alleviate these issues, a comfortable, lightweight baby carrier or sling wrap will help your little one feel safe, secure and included as you get on with household chores and work.
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