Winter indoor activities for babies and children

Wherever you are in the world, chances are you and your little ones are staying put a lot. All the UK playgroups, soft play centres, baby classes have been cancelled until the pandemic ends (or eases, hopefully). Depending on the Tier you’re in, visiting other mums with kiddos is limited or banned. So it’s down to you and your four walls unless you’re ok being fined. So what is a mum (or a dad) to do, to keep their child happy in the house?

Winter crafts

Ah, the classic of indoor activities – crafting. Babies and toddlers love learning by doing, and exploring textures, however messy, is the perfect way to master new skills. To feel the vibe of winter, go for some themed activities, like making flour angels, building snowman puppets with cotton pads, cutting out paper snowflakes, or even making a mess with shimmery snow slime. Winter Wonderland on your floor may be messy but just look at the smile on your baby’s face, all covered in floury ‘snow’.

Make chores fun

Working from home, parenting a rambunctious toddler, and a lack of readily available childcare means you have to get creative if you want to get things done. Toddlers love practising what their parents do around the house. So, accept that maybe it’s going to get done slower, but it’s going to get done together. You would be surprised to see how much your child loves folding the laundry or unloading the dishwasher. Making meals together also ensures children grow up with healthier eating habits.

To tech or not to tech

If you panic at the thought of reading a picture book for the 10th time in the row but don’t want to plop your baby in front of the telly, try an in-between. Some books have codes taking you to an app on your phone that reads the story out loud these days. It might be a brilliant change for your little book enthusiast, and a moment to rest your voice for you. Of course, we live in the times of technology, and it’s unrealistic to expect that our children shun it altogether. As long as you stick to the age recommendations and appropriate content, you can introduce screen time from two years old and onwards. For younger babies, screens are a no-no, unless it’s to video call friends or family, and also within reason.

Exercise together

Kids love to move. Babies work every day on learning new motor skills, and toddlers seem never to tire… Parents can channel this energy, and even use it to their own advantage. Instead of waiting for the gyms to finally open, both you and your kids can play hide and seek, dance or even exercise. Including fun YouTube workout routines with kid-friendly online trainers can turn usually passive screen-time into a healthier, inspiring activity.

Be kind to your child, and yourself

If this pandemic is not the time for the gentle parenting to shine, nothing will be. Creating some uplifting moments while in isolation can completely redefine the memories your child will have about this odd time. Saying ‘I love you’ frequently, explaining the situation in age-appropriate ways, learning to name emotions, and not striving for perfection is something we can all benefit from. For a bright childhood, indoors or not, and even a brighter future, hopefully beyond the four walls that fostered its hope.