Calm and busy, babies

Quiet, absorbing setups for before nap, after dinner, or when everyone needs the volume turned down. 11 ideas

Learn something
Peekaboo
3–10 min 4 mo–2 yrs Low mess
Nothing to gather
Learn something
Where Is Your Nose?
3–10 min 9 mo–3 yrs Low mess
Nothing to gather
Good for siblings
Learn something
Where Did It Go?
5–15 min 7 mo–2 yrs Low mess
- two or three cups
- a small toy
Learn something
Who Is That?
5–15 min 4 mo–2 yrs Low mess
- a mirror
Learn something
Scarf Pull-Through
5–20 min 8 mo–2 yrs Low mess
- a cardboard tube or container
- scarves or fabric strips
Learn something
Endless Pulling Box
5–20 min 7 mo–2 yrs Low mess
- a box or tub with a small opening
- scarves or fabric strips
Learn something
Tummy-Time Squish Bag
5–15 min 3–12 months Low mess
- a gallon zip-top bag
- clear hair gel
- duct tape or strong tape
Learn something
Bath Cups
10–25 min 8 mo–2 yrs Low mess
- a shallow bath
- a few cups
Learn something
Ball Drop
10–25 min 9 mo–2 yrs Low mess
- a cardboard tube
- balls that fit through it
Learn something
Ice and Fruit Tray
10–25 min 9 mo–2 yrs Some mess
- ice cubes
- a rimmed tray
Learn something
Treasure Basket
10–30 min 6–20 months Low mess
- a shallow basket

More for babies