Once your toddler is upwardly mobile and walking, the little one will be off to the races in the blink of an eye. (So get ready to put those babyproofing skills to the test!) Looking for new things to do with your little one that will challenge those developing motor skills and keep the kid engaged? Scroll on for activity ideas that are perfect for early walkers and come highly recommended by experts, real parents, and us!
Encourage 'Exploration' Tasks
According to Heather Marenda-Miller, MS, CCC-SLP and Amy Wilhelm, MS, CCC-SLP — two licensed and certified pediatric speech-language pathologists who founded Social Scouts, Los Angeles — the early walking phase is a great time for your toddler to practice following directions and increase her vocabulary.
As you go about your day, give your little one small, but simple tasks that will make her feel like one of the big kids. (For example, "Go get your toy," "Go get Mommy's hat," "Go get your diaper …" etc.)
It may not seem like much of an "activity," but Wilhelm and Marenda-Miller say it can actually be pretty fun and rewarding for kids who are just learning to walk and communicate. Not only is there learning involved, but they're also getting to move their bodies and explore the world around them.
Set Up a Fun Activity Table
Molly Dresner, a certified speech-language pathologist and feeding therapist in New York City, is a big believer in standing activity tables — especially when it comes to ones that play music and sounds.
"Little ones can cruise around them and use their speech and motor skills at the same time," she tells CafeMom. By the same token, push walkers (not to be confused with baby walkers) are also great for toddlers, since they have a wide, stable base and motivate them to walk, adds Dresner.
Dive Into Pretend Play
Whether it be playing "dress-up" or playing "house," the benefits of pretend play have been touted by experts for years, and Marenda-Miller and Wilhelm couldn't agree more. Even if your child isn't talking yet, introducing him to imaginative play will open new doors and help him express himself.
Marenda-Miller and Wilhelm suggest setting up a make-believe store for your little one, like a grocery store where he can pretend to go shopping. Then, place objects from the "store" around the room, and have your toddler go "shopping" by placing items in a grocery bag or push cart.
"This helps toddlers build on their vocabulary, and they love to go shopping with Mommy," the experts share.
Wagon Pulling
If you don't own a kid-friendly wagon yet, put one in your shopping cart STAT. Not only are they perfect for lugging all your kid stuff to the beach, but they also double as fun toys kids can play with themselves.
For your early walker, let her pull the wagon around on the grass, which will challenge her to take more steps. Here's a pro tip, though: Have her fill the wagon with some of her favorite toys first, so the added weight prevents any tipping.
Stock Up on Push Cars & Stacking Toys
Wooden cars, toy trucks, building blocks … they all have one thing in common: They're easy for little hands to grab and encourage movement.
Mimic the sounds and motions a real car or truck makes by pushing them around on the floor and saying, "Vrooom!" as your toddler watches. Before you know it, the little one will be doing it right along with you.
Stacking toys will also challenge your kiddo to reach up high as they build a tower or castle.
"It gets them working on balance," explain Marenda-Miller and Wilhelm. "They're bending their bodies, and leaning over and grabbing."
Have an Afternoon Bubble-Fest
Let's be honest — blowing bubbles is fun at any age, but toddlers could chase those magical floating blobs around in the air for hours.
Have fun with your kiddo both indoors and out, by getting some bubble wands, bubble makers, and other fun accessories that will get those little arms and legs moving.
When All Else Fails, Mimic Mom & Dad!
"Kids this age love brooms and mops or anything to help," say Marenda-Miller and Wilhelm. "You can give them toy ones or they can use real ones."
It doesn't just end with cleaning supplies, though. One CafeMom user told us her son was "obsessed" with a doll stroller that he pushed anywhere and everywhere he went. Another said her toddler loved pushing a little toy lawn mower around the yard, just like his dad.
Basically, toddlers love to do whatever they see Mom or Dad do, which can be pretty adorable (most of the time). But along with getting their little bodies moving, this kind of activity also has an added bonus: it encourages little ones to develop a sense of responsibility and independence at an early age. (In other words, it's win-win!)
— Additional reporting by Elena Donovan Mauer
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
