Cosy nights in

Now the clocks have gone back the days are getting even shorter. If you’re wondering how to keep your little one entertained during those longer evenings, we’ve got some ideas for you.  

As always, we’ve separated our ideas into baby, toddler and child – have a look and pick the things you know your child will love. Each of these ideas could be adapted according to your child’s skills – even tummy time, which can be a great way of developing core strength for toddlers and children as well as babies.  

Remember you can find ideas linked to the skills your child is developing now on your activities screen. 

Babies 

Tummy time textures 

What you need 

• A selection of soft fabrics – this could be blankets or clothes 

What to do 

• Lie your baby on their tummy.  
• Place the fabrics close to their hands.  
• Give them time to feel and grasp the items 

If your baby is a little older  

• Place the fabric in a basket or box and put this next to your baby.  
• Sit close by and watch as they explore.  
• When they look at you, give a reassuring smile or say something about the item they’re touching.  

Toddlers 

Dress up time 

What you need 

• A selection of winter clothes, for example, hats, gloves, jumpers and jackets. 

What to do 

• Place the clothes where your child can get them easily.  
• Ask them which they’d like to try on.  
• Give them time to pick up and put on the items they choose.  
• Talk about what they’re doing.  
• Suggest they take them off again and try something else.  
• Toddlers often love putting things on and then taking them off again – and as well as a nice way to spend time it helps them become more independent when getting ready to go out!  

Children 

Story den 

What you need 

• A large cardboard box or blanket  
• A selection of books 

What to do 

• Put a cushion or blanket in the cardboard box or place the blanket over a chair or table to make a den.  
• Put the books inside.  
• Sit with your child and look at books together (if you use a cardboard box you might need to sit in front of the box).  
• If you have a torch or lantern which is child-safe you can use this inside the den to make it feel especially cosy.