Things to Do at Home with a 2 Year Old (and a New Baby!)
Read Books Together
Cuddle up together on the couch and read some of your 2 year old’s favorite books. This helps them get settled in with the new baby and keep a normal routine. Look for books about animals, vehicles or everyday objects. Point out pictures on each page and make silly voices for characters. Laughter will fill the space.
Sing Simple Songs
Sing the alphabet song, number songs, nursery rhymes or simple kids songs. Holding a baby while singing with a toddler helps create bonding moments. March around in a circle while singing for some much needed movement. Toddlers will love copying the sounds the baby makes too!
Do Puzzles Together
Puzzles with large knobs or handles are perfect for little hands helping out with a baby. Puzzles help develop problem solving skills and patience while keeping kids engaged. Put on some music to keep things cheerful. Puzzles come in endlessly fun themes for toddlers like animals, vehicles or play food.
Play with Building Toys
Building toys like Legos, blocks, wooden blocks or magnet tiles encourage creative building and balancing skills. Let your toddler lead the way, only helping when they need assistance lifting bigger pieces. Building keeps babies securely propped up and entertained while tiring out a toddler both physically and mentally.
Cook or Bake Simple Treats
Cooking keeps tiny hands busy breaking and sorting ingredients. Baking brings the wonderful aroma of cookies, rice krispie treats, banana bread or muffins. Follow a kid recipe book or simple recipe for the perfect at home activity. Let your toddler mash bananas, measure dry ingredients or stir batter for just the right level of help and supervision.
Establish a Routine
Having a predictable set of activities brings comfort to toddlers adjusting to a new sibling. Keep things consistent at mealtimes, naptimes, bathtimes and bedtimes for the best results. With time and patience, everyone will settle into a new normal together.