11 Things to Do with a 1 Year Old

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The internet can make us think that our little ones need elaborate, planned activities in order to thrive and feel happy. But honestly, our babies are sooo content with simple play and quality interaction with loved ones. In this article, you’ll find inspiration for things to do with a 1-year-old that keep them thriving and incredibly happy ( spoiler alert…it’s super simple!).

When my daughter was around 8 months old, I remember telling my husband —

“I want to make sure my baby is getting enough stimulation to support her development, but I don’t have the capacity or resources to plan out tons of activities and elaborate daily activity schedules. I feel like a bad mom!”

As a stay-at-home first-time mom, I wanted to make sure I was giving my daughter the best quality of life possible, but I felt I was running out of new ideas!

Here’s what I eventually learned–

There is so much learning and healthy stimulation already present within the “ordinary” activities of every-day life. You just have to point it out!

11 Things to Do with a 1 Year Old

After 14 months of motherhood so far, here are my 11 go-to things to do with a 1 year old that I use on a daily basis with my daughter.

#1. Literally, anything involving eye contact and communication

Any quality interaction involving you making eye contact and conversation with your child is a wonderful thing to do with your 1 year old (this goes for adults too). If your toddler babbles something to you, babble right back with enthusiasm and corresponding facial expressions.

Ask them questions like

• “How did you sleep last night? Did you have any dreams?”
• “What do you see over there?”
• “Is there anything in particular you would like to do today?”

Smile at them, look them in the eye, and tell them “I love you _______!”

Showing them that you see them, hear them, and take an interest in what they are doing is meaningful to your toddler and important for their social, emotional, and cognitive development.

#2. Mealtimes

While eating is a necessary part of the day, the act of mealtime is another avenue through which little ones experience healthy stimulation. Mealtimes are like a built-in sensory activity!

When they eat, your child experiences both familiar and new tastes and textures. The act of eating exercises their hand, finger, and hand-eye coordination.

On days when you’re feeling inspired, you can feel free to make them something a little extra special to spice up the mealtime experience with new flavors, colors, and shapes (try my baby-approved Morning Glory Snack Bites). But even on the days when you keep it the same ol’ same ol’, there is still good brain work being done in that little noggin.

#3. Reading Books

A some point, your one-year-old will probably fall in love with books. They will have their favorites that they want you to read over and over and over…like this classic!

Embrace this (even if the same books over and over become boring to you). Reading books with your child is so good for their development (and way better than the TV). Most importantly, once your child hits their book phase, understand that this is their love language. 

So read those books with your 1 year old knowing that you are watering your little seedling with every turn of the page.

#4. Walks

Take your baby on walks several times a week or even every day…and not just in the stroller either! Once they are walking, put their little shoes on and let them walk next to you outside for short distances (in a safe place of course.)

Letting them have walking time outside the stroller fosters their sense of independence and curiosity! Plus it works those little muscles and builds their endurance as they learn to walk.

Getting outside in the fresh air and sunshine is so good for them (and good for you too), and all the outdoor sights and sounds will be very captivating to them and grounding for their nervous system and yours. Plus it’s a great way to wear them out for naptime 🙂

(Check out my favorite first walker shoes that are easy to clean!)

#5. Daily chores

One of the best things to do with a 1-year-old is to let them tag along with you as you do daily chores! You’ll start to notice your little one mimicking your motions and actions.

• Let them “help” you unload the silverware basket (take the knives out first though!)
• Let them stand with you while you take laundry out of the dryer or fold sheets.
• Let them cruise around the bedroom with you while you make the bed.
• Give them a small pile of clean laundry to “sort”. My 1-year-old loves this!

Of course, your 1-year-old isn’t at the age where they can actually complete a chore from start to finish correctly. But even still, slow down and allow them to get hands-on with what you are doing. They love you and look up to you. They WANT to be with you and do exactly what you are doing.

Smile at them, talk to them while you two work, thank them for their help, and praise them for their hard “work”. It’s really all about connecting with your child and giving them a sense of success and belonging. Plus, involving your toddler in chores now sets the stage for them to have their own chores once they’re a little bit older.

#6. Simple Games

Turns out, you don’t need lots of toys to come up with fun games that will keep your baby laughing and engaged. You can turn ordinary tasks into games they will love.

For example, when sorting laundry, toss the paired sock bundles at them (not too hard!). As you fold blankets or sheets, wave them around a little and let your toddler run/walk through them,

Do it for a couple minutes then move on with your tasks. It doesn’t need to be for hours! Little moments of intentional fun throughout the day go a long way with your baby.

#7. Small outings (grocery store, park, etc.)

Include your 1-year-old on small outings when feasible. The change of scenery is so good for them If possible, make sure they are napped and fed (bring a snack or bottle if need be) so that they are in their best possible mood during your time out. 

Avoid overstimulating places or long outings that will infringe on their nap times and meal times. This is just not a good idea. The best outings with your 1-year-old are ones where both of you are enjoying it.

When it comes to selecting outings for your 1-year-old, protect and prioritize those nap times and meal times. If the outing will leave you or your child overly hungry or overly tired, IT’S NOT WORTH IT. As cool as it sounds, leave that all-day children’s museum experience for when they are a little older and last longer. In the meantime, stick with outings that are suitable for their energy level and age.

#8. Pajama Rides

If your child is okay in their car seat, a pajama ride can be an easy and relaxing thing to do with a 1-year-old.

Our family likes to take “pajama rides” some evenings after dinner during sunset. Sometimes we listen to music and sometimes we don’t. But it’s a great way to get out of the house for a short period of time and wind down from the stimulation of the day.

#9. Baby Play Dates

Have a good friend who also has a young child? Now is a good time to set up some play dates every so often!

1-year-olds are at the age where they can really start engaging with other little kids and developing basic social skills like waving, sharing, and playing with another baby.

The social interaction will be good both for you and for your little one.

#10. Independent play

Listen mama (or dada), it is healthy and good and needed for your child to have some independent playtime. Not only does it help them learn how to play by themselves, but it also helps them (and you) to not become overstimulated from constant interaction with people.

I have found that placing a small bin of assorted toys (like this montessori silicone balls, blocks, and rings set!) and books on the floor in each main room of the house helps facilitate independent play. Additionally, keeping toys in small quantities at different points in the house keeps the cleanup very manageable.

I keep a small bin of toys in these areas:

• the living room
• the nursery
• the office
• The lower kitchen cabinets are their own built-in toy bins (keep a mini set of silicone spatulas and utensils in a lower cabinet for your toddler to access easily and play with).

Pick up anything in the house that would be dangerous and close the bathroom doors. Then, start on your tasks for the day. Of course, keep an eye on your child as you work, but let them roam and explore around the house on their own.

Independent play fosters your child’s sense of adventure and independence…and it also keeps you sane!

#11. Nap times

Amidst all this talk of activities to do with your 1-year-old, protect those nap times! Our little ones need rest in order to engage in all these fun activities!

Whether your 1-year-old is still taking 2 naps a day or is down to 1 nap a day, prioritize those naps. Put them down when you see they are sleepy/when it is nap time.

Even if they just lay in their crib and play with a safe stuffed animal for a time, rest times help them decompress and avoid overstimulation from constant activity.

1-year-olds need to be well-rested to truly enjoy their day.

Takeaways

In conclusion, our little ones need to be nurtured through nourishing daily rhythms (just like us adults!). So don’t overthink it! Don’t put pressure on yourself to come up with super unique and extraordinary things to do with a 1-year-old every day.

The truth is — There is so much life for all of us to experience amidst the ordinary elements of our day. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel!

You can be confident in creating a healthy routine for your child because you know your child best. Ask yourself…”What will my son/daughter enjoy? What will help them flourish based on their personality, skills, etc. ?”

Every kiddo is different, and you can tailor activities to suit your child. If your child is not ready for a certain activity yet, don’t force it.

Expose them to activities that both nourish them where they are at developmentally and that also give them little pushes to grow into new milestones.

You got this mama (or dada)! Here’s to raising a thriving 1-year-old! 🙂

Healthy Recipes your Baby/Toddler will Love!

• The BEST Banana Almond Milk Pancakes
• Morning Glory Snack Bites (Oil and Refined Sugar Free)
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Chicken
• Black Eyed Pea Vegetable Soup

Baby Gear Favorites

• Stride Rite Soft Motion Baby/Toddler Sneakers for girls (I love these because you can wipe them clean!)
• “Brown Bear, Brown Bear: What Do You See?” Slide and Find Board Book
• Small aesthetic toy bins to place around the house
• Montessori Silicone Balls, Blocks, and Rings Set
• Set of Mini Silicone Kitchen Utensils

Hey! I’m so glad you’re here. Comment below with some of YOUR go-to activities for your littles!

Wherever you find yourself today…take time to nourish yourself — body, mind, & soul <3

Warmly, Caroline