1. Music: With my boys, once I established a bedtime routine my life got a lot easier. One on our favorite nightly bedtime additions to our routine was listening to "Martha Stewart Baby: Sleepytime." This tradition started when they were infants and sometimes we still play the music to help our kids wind down after a crazy day. We start playing the music as we give bottles or eat snacks. It continues to play while brushing teeth, reading a book, saying prayers and hugs and kisses. Sleep always seemed to come quickly as the music lightly played.
http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewart-Baby-Various-Artists/dp/B00005NQK6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1302833940&sr=8-1
Amazon has it for sale new and used. Our local library has it, but several of the copies have scratches. You might want to rent it before you buy it.
2. Computer Games: Kids see adults on computers and think they should be using one too. Giggles Baby is a favorite. Sit baby down at the table or in a high chair and let them play on the computer.
You can find all different software on amazon.com
3. Busy Balls for Baby. Both my boys LOVED these balls. They keep little ones entertained for hours. My only suggestion is when they get older the balls disappear. The balls are hard and when they can be thrown hard, they can be a problem.
4. Switch Toys Out! Although toys are great kids can get board of them quickly. The best solution to this is to have a series of boxes you switch toys out with. You can have as many boxes as your home can handle, but really two boxes is great! When the kids are board of the toys, just pull out one of the new boxes. Put all the toys that have been played with in the box, and hide them away. Just make sure to divide similar toys into each box, so you don't have too many of the same item in the same box. Every few weeks switch out the old toys for the hidden toys. It will be like the toys are brand new!!! (this works with older children's toys too!)
5. My kids LOVED "Sesame Street." I like it because it is educational and keeps the kids entertained for an hour! Who can pass up Elmo and friends!!!
6. Take em for a walk. Planning a daily outing makes for a great division to the day. If you plan it around the same time each day, your child will know what to expect. You don't have to be gone long, even a 10 minute walk with brighten your child's day. If its raining take a rain coat and umbrella, and show them how to jump into puddles, and watch the worms crawling. (take your camera or video camera! First time worm introductions are so funny!) Even on snowy days you can take a quick walk. Point out and count snowflake shapes on a dark colored towel. Remember just have fun!
7. Painting! Painting and drawing can be so much fun! Dress them in old clothing or just a diaper. This is a much better activity to do outside, but can be done in a high chair during colder days. Pull out tempura paint and paper. Put blobs of paint at the top of the paper, and let them smear it all over. If you are thinking you want to frame your child's work, you will want to do it a little differently. Give your child one color and allow them to smear and play. When it looks good take it away to dry. When you take away the paper, you might want to give them another piece to play with. Then allow the paint to dry. Use another color after each color has dried completely. Use a blow dryer for quicker results.
I have used acrylics, and haven't had a problem other than it drys and can permanently stain.
8. Treasure Hunt. Kids are always walking around and searching for things. When they are not looking hide their favorite treat around the house. Smaller toddlers or babies might need your assistance when you first start, but they will quickly catch on. At first put the treats out in plain sight, then as they get better use more difficult spots. Use anything from raisins to fruit snacks.(small baby treats) Have them count the snacks out loud. They will love this game!!!
ENJOY!!!
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