Home » Parenting & Kids » Babies » Baby Activities

How to Keep Your Baby Busy

Ranked #9,351 in Parenting & Kids, #333,202 overall

Where Do I Begin?

Babies are in constant need of stimulation and the need increases the older they get. By the time your little one begins to crawl, he/she will be into everything. You will be cleaning up messes, fighting over the kitchen cabinets, and chasing down a little motor baby that seems downright intent on getting to your $1,000 laptop.

So how do you keep your baby busy when you need a break from the grind of crying, feeding, chasing, and changing? There are some little tricks you will discover on your own, of course. However, if you need some inspiration (and who couldn't from time to time?) read on for how to keep your baby busy. You may learn a new trick along the way.

Image Credit: I Should Be Folding Laundry

Variety & Simplicity

You have probably heard that babies can get overwhelmed very easily by too much variety. It is important to keep toy choices down to about three at a time. Otherwise you may find a foggy-headed fussy monster on your hands after he/she has been overstimulated for a while.

But remember, babies also need variety. Changing out the toys every now and then is important to keep them interested. Also, make sure you keep a stash of toys with you where ever you go. Sometimes the shake of a rattle or the squeak of a bath duck can make the difference between a screeching baby and a blissful day out.

Bubbles

Bubbles can be endlessly fascinating to a little developing mind. I have kept my son busy for long periods of quiet time just by blowing bubbles around him. The dog loves them too! This is also a great activity if you have older children who can blow the bubbles. Everyone has fun!
Loading

Having a child

is surely the most beautifully irrational act that two people in love can commit.
~ Bill Cosby

Puzzles

Babies love a good puzzle, anything that allows them to figure something out can keep them busy for a relatively long period of time. While there are a lot of excellent toys out there to suit this purpose, you can also create your own puzzles at home.

Try putting toys into a box and watch as he/she takes them out. Put a towel in a door and leave it poking out just a tad. Your baby will be thoroughly entertained as he/she tries to get the towel out. You can come up with an endless number of homemade puzzles if you put your mind to it.

Remote Control Cars

B. Wheeee-Mote Control Car

This little remote control car is really simple and fun. Watch your crawling baby try to catch it as it races around with flashing lights and noise. It also has a simple control system with just one button, so as your baby gets older he/she can control it on his/her own.
Loading

Jumparoos

Baby Einstein Musical Motion Activity Jumper

A jumparoo can provide loads of excitement and a much needed break for mommy and daddy. This model from Baby Einstein is one of the best on the market. It is solid and had a variety of activities including a mini piano that plays songs, plays notes, or speaks the names of the colors in both English and Spanish. It is also really easy to clean and take apart quickly for travel.
Loading

The Simple Answer

Sometimes the simplest object can keep a baby entertained. This can be a cardboard box, a set of measuring cups, or whatever suits the time and place. Babies like new things. I once watched my baby play with a full, sealed box of diapers for at least a half an hour. Imagine that!

Babies also like changing scenery. If you find that your baby is fussy and irritated despite your best efforts, try a new room, a trip to the store, or a walk outside. Changing his/her environment can provide some much needed stimulation.

When the first baby

laughed for the first time, the laugh broke into a thousand pieces and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies. And now when every new baby is born its first laugh becomes a fairy. So there ought to be one fairy for every boy or girl.
~ James Matthew Barrie

Fun Ballz

This set of balls can provide a lot of entertainment for a baby. My son likes to travel around the room tossing one around. If you put a bunch of them into one of these little baby gates, you can have a little fun baby pen where he/she can be entertained for a long period of time under your supervision. These balls also make a fun addition to baby pools or bath time.
Loading

B. Toys

B. makes some fun and artsy toys for babies and toddlers of all age ranges. The Meowsic Keyboard appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and LIVE! With Regis & Kelly and was awarded the top 10 Disney 2010 FamilyFun Toy of the Year (T.O.Y.). Warning: You might find yourself playing with these toys more than your toddler.
Loading

Fun for All

Babies love to interact with you. If you're having fun, your baby can have fun too. Think of activities that involve the two of you and take some time out to play with your baby. Sometimes just rolling around on the floor and making silly faces can bring delight to a baby.

My son loves to crawl all over my back when I lay down on the floor. A happy voice and a smiling, enthusiastic face are all your baby needs to play. Just be silly and let yourself go! It will be good for the both of you.

Save and Share

Add this to your lens »

Bookmark and Share

Blessed!

Thanks to JDWheeler for blessing this lens on 08/17/2011.

Who am I?

Loading

What did you think?

  • JDWheeler Aug 17, 2011 @ 8:57 am | delete
    Great ideas. There's never a dull moment with a baby!
Show All

by

anticloud

I am a graphic designer and freelance writer living in the humid south with my adorable son, quirky husband and crazy dog.

I have a horrible fetish... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Related Tags