Developmental Toys/Activities for 1-2 Year Olds

Developmental Activities/Toys for 1-2 Year Olds:
Unbreakable mirrors, stacking objects, blocks, soft plush toys, pretend toys like trucks, cars, dolls, phones, etc. board books, containers, old magazines/egg cartons, toys that make noises, balls, containers of any shape or size, lacing cards, coloring with markers and crayons, musical instruments (keyboards, drums, etc.), and sorting shapes/colors. Of course always play with your child, sing to them, and talk with them.

Developmental milestones:
- talking, saying a few words to two-word sentences
- walking and running, standing on tip-toes
-follows simple commands, instructions
-can find hidden objects under 2-3 covers
- can stack 4-6 blocks on top of each other
- plays pretend or make believe (kitchen play, vacuuming, talking on phone, mowing)

Resources: - Huggies "Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5" http://www.amazon.com/Caring-Young-Child-Revised-Edition/dp/055338290X

Recent Finds that I Love!

It's no secret that I love the Target Dollar section. The first several items in this video I got from Target's dollar section. It's a great place to find cheap books, activities, party ideas, games, and gift wrapping. I also found some really cute Maxi skirts/dresses.
I got the last item, the jewelry organizer, from Bed Bath and Beyond.

Being a Good Mother

I needed this quote today. I felt like a horrible mother today and I needed this to feel better about my mothering today. Hope it helps you out too!

Travel Toys and Activities for your Toddler

We recently flew across the country and needed some toys/activities to keep my toddler entertained. Instead of buying an expensive online kit, just get the toys yourself! Important tip: Don't let your child see or play with the travel toys before your trip. And when you return, keep the toys only for special occasions or traveling. That way, your child will not get bored so quickly and the toy will be 'new' to them every time.

1. Melissa and Doug Lace & Trace Farm: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O7ITZM/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00
2. Melissa and Doug Animals Mini Puzzle Pack: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RW92BY/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i04
3. Melissa and Doug Friendly Fish Grasping Toy: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002OQQAWA/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i02
4. Melissa and Doug Wiggling Worm Grasping Toy: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GYWXR8/ref=oh_details_o03_s01_i00
5. Melissa and Doug Caterpillar Grasping Toy: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GYZ31Q/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i03
6. Munchkin Stay-Close Harness and Handstrap: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00259FE6E/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i05
7. 10 Pc Soft Plush Animal Finger Puppet Set:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041GUCDO/ref=oh_details_o06_s01_i01

Toddler Tips for Traveling & Packing

Tips for traveling with a toddler and packing for a toddler:
- Create a packing list several weeks ahead of time. Google "packing list for toddlers" and you'll get a lot of ideas. 


- Create 'sections' on your packing list such as "diapering", "eating", "bathing", "clothing", etc. so that you don't forget a lot of items.


- Start the actual packing process a few days to a week before you leave on your trip. It will be a lot less stressful I promise!


- Make a tally sheet for the amount of diapers and wipes you use for the same amount of time you will be gone on vacation. For example, we are going to be gone for 8 days so I marked on my tally sheet every time I used a diaper and wipe for 8 days straight. Then add in 50% to make sure you have enough. So if you used 40 diapers then you would pack 40 + 50% which is 20 for a total of = 60 diapers.