Ideas to try at home

Here are some of our favourite activities:

Baby footprints

If you'd like to try making them yourself, we simply use poster paints and small canvases. But of course paper, card or whatever you have will do. The internet has lots of creative ideas for gifts and cards etc too.

Here are our top tips: 

Have an extra adult to help you if possible and set up everything first.

We apply the paint to baby's feet with a brush, then bring the canvas to the feet (heel first) for a better result (this helps spread the toes). 

We "jump" them on some plain paper afterwards which gives more footprints, but also removes most of the paint, making foot washing easier. 

Please note baby handprints are incredibly hard to do, as they like to eat their hands and screw their fists up. 

With toddlers you could still do it this way, or use a tray/sponge/pad which they can walk through then onto a large sheet of paper. Take extra care as they may easily slip in the paint - or run off! - Handprints are much easier for Toddlers though!

Sensory Bottles 

Take a clean, empty plastic bottle or jar and fill it with interesting items for baby to explore. 

Secure the lid to keep baby safe. 

You can theme bottles, or simply use what you find. 

• Stars and sparkles (stars, tinsel, sequins, glitter)
• Circles (buttons, coins, sequins)
• Small cracker toys
• Beach theme (sand, stones, shells) 
• Rice and pasta make good noises too

 If you are feeling more creative you can use liquids;

• Coloured water with a squirt of washing up liquid and some sequins to float around 
• Coloured water and oil to create bubble effects.

Messy sensory play 

Babies love getting messy and exploring, but it really is messy! Put down lots of protective sheets - or go in the garden, and use either a large tray or paddling pool. 

This is also a good weaning session as baby will probably try to eat everything. Take extra care if you are aware of any allergies and intolerances. 

Take extra care as babies will become slippery! - Have the bath ready!

Our favourites are: 

• Cornflakes (you could add milk too) 
• Pasta (cooked and cooled) 
• Spaghetti (cooked and cooled) 
• Mashed potatoes (instant) 
• Ice (with a bit of water so not too cold) 
• Baked beans (will stain clothes) 
• Jelly 
• Cornflour puddles (cornflour and water mixed together) 

Baby Disco

 Put on your favourite tunes, hang up the Christmas lights again and dance!