Sit beside me IDEAS
for infants age 0-12 months
engaging activities and toys with minimal prep (or none at all) for the parents who need a fast fix!
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Spice Jar Drop
Take an old spice jar and fill it with cake pop sticks. That's it! Let them drop the sticks through the holes.
Age
Likes
9 months +
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Low prep
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To-go activity! Small enough to fit in diaper bag
Notes
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Use a spice jar with two types of dispensers on the lid. One flap with smaller holes, and one flap with a larger pouring hole so the child can get the sticks out on their own.
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Order plenty of sticks for replacement.
Materials
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Spice container
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Cake pop sticks
Container Drop
Take an old plastic or cardboard container and cut a hole out of the lid big enough for an object to pass through. Give your child objects to drop into the container. I used the plastic lids to all the pouches my kids were gobbling up as the object. You can also do a deck of cards, pom balls, popsicle sticks, etc.
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OR if you don't have time/interest to make this, I have linked a toy version to purchase instead.
Age
Likes
9 months +
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Low prep for long-term use
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To-go activity (depending on the size of container)
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Easy to switch this up with a different container/objects when your child seems to lose interest
Notes
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Use tape around the hole you cut in the lid so the rough plastic doesn't hurt tiny fingers.
Materials
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Container with a lid
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Scissors
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Objects to put in it
Ribbon Pull
Easy DIY engaging activity that will let your little one explore textures.
Age
Likes
6 months +
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Low prep
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To-go activity
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Endless options of materials
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Practices fine motor skills
Notes
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Click the button on the right to see my blog post for multiple variations of this activity.
Materials
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Snack cup with a no spill lid
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Ribbons of various colors or textures
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Scissors
Hula Hoop Sensory Ring
Make your own playmat for the baby to explore on the floor next to you while you work.
Take a hula hoop and attach items of varying textures to enhance your baby's discovery. Beware that your baby at this age explores their world through their mouth so keep that in mind when picking materials.
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Image from creatingreallyawesomethings.com. For 'how- to' instructions click the box on the right to link to the website.
Age
Likes
3 months +
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Encourages tummy time
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Can switch out objects to explore
Notes
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This activity can take some time to prep but your baby will use it for months.
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If you like this activity but are short on time or supplies, you don't have to make it all at once. Start with just a few items to look at and build on it.
Materials
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Hula hoop
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Items with different textures and sensory appeal
Latches Board
I recommend this for age 9 months and up, but it is a great toy for whatever age your child really starts playing with things. They might not start understanding the concept of the locks and latches until after 12 months but kids younger than 1 year just love opening and closing things.
Age
Likes
9 months +
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ZERO prep
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Vibrant colors
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Long-term use
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Also includes counting and numbers
Notes
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Younger children may get frustrated with latches they can't lock or unlock. This might need more adult participation than you anticipated.
Materials
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Click the "Buy it!" button to get it on Amazon.
Lovevery
This is a subscription box with montessori type toys for ages 0-4 years old. There are lots of boxes like these out there. I am recommending this box from Lovevery as a "Sit Beside Me" activity because, from what I know, this has little parent involvement. Certain toys may require teaching kids what to do at first but after that, the child will be able to play more independently.
Age
Likes
0 months +
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They offer boxes for a variety of ages.
Notes
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I have not personally tried this subscription box, but I have many friends that have and love it.
Materials
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Order a box by clicking on the "Order it!" button.
SpinAgain by Fat Brain Toys
This is great for kids who are learning how to stack things. It is fun to watch it spiral down.
Age
Likes
9 months +
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ZERO prep
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Kids will play with for many years
Notes
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Many young children with older siblings may like to watch this toy before they are able to work it themselves.
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Travel size available
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Other brands available on Amazon
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Older siblings may use the stick as a sword - You've been warned!
Materials
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Click the "Buy it!" button to get it on Amazon.