When creating a toddler morning basket, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Please ensure that all toys and items in the basket are age-appropriate and free from small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Always select items designed specifically for toddlers and comply with relevant safety standards.
I usually find my morning routine hectic when my babies turn into toddlers and have to go to kindergarten. There are so many little chores between getting ready and ensuring your toddlers are fulfilled. So, after a few weeks of struggling, I decided to do some research and found the idea of making a morning basket as a routine for my kids.
A morning basket is filled with engaging and educational activities to entertain your little one and make mornings smoother for everyone.
Understanding the Toddler Morning Basket
A morning basket is a collection of activities and items your toddler can explore each morning. The goal is to provide a variety of stimulating and enjoyable activities that will engage your toddler’s mind and keep them busy while you handle your morning tasks. The basket’s contents can be rotated regularly to keep things fresh and exciting.
In this blog, I have come up with a few basket item recommendations that can be easily rotated and stimulate your kids.
Recommended Items for Your Morning Basket
1. Books
Tips: Choose colorful picture books with engaging illustrations and simple text. Look for books with flaps, textures, or other interactive features to captivate your child’s attention.
Here are some suggestions for interactive and picture books for your basket :
- Hear Bear Roar 30-Button Sound Book – This book is super fun, with many animal references and sounds. Your little one will be able to explore 30 animal shapes, names, and sounds.
- An alphabet book is always a good idea. I love this simple and cute “27 Button Alphabet Sound Book”. Encourage your kid to click on each letter and sound it out after.
- I love “Moo on the Farm”. My girls love farm animals, so this book is a must-have in our basket at least once a week.
- The simple but effective “First Word Book” Series is an excellent addition to your collection of books. It will help your little ones learn how to say several daily objects.
- One of my favorite collections of little books for kids is “My First Library—Boxset of 10”. These books are a good size for traveling and can be switched around to add to your morning basket.
2. Puzzles
Simple Puzzles: Opt for wooden or chunky puzzles with large pieces that are easy for little hands to manipulate.
Here are some wooden puzzle suggestions to make your morning basket more fun & interactive.
- These animal puzzle sets 6 are wooden and colorful and can be changed daily.
- These stackable shapes puzzles are unique. They are made out of natural words and painted with beautiful colors. This is also a great choice as it is more advanced and will keep your toddler entertained longer.
- The screwdriver board puzzle is also a creative alternative. Kids who love fiddling with nuts and bolts will really enjoy this puzzle board.
- This shape sorting box includes 12 fun shapes to stimulate your little ones.
3. Art Supplies
Non-toxic crayons, coloring books, or blank paper allow your toddler to keep busy creatively. However, on weekdays, you can choose to stay away from markers and paint to avoid cleaning up the mess afterward.
Here are some of my favorites:
Egg crayon set – easy to hold and look inviting for your little one as a first set of crayons.
A natural alternative is these beeswax crayon sticks. I love their short and wide bodies, which make them easy for toddlers to hold.
A fun alternative is these rocket-shaped crayons. These fun crayons will get your little ones to create right away.
4. Sensory Toys
Sensory Toys is an interactive add-in for your morning basket. These toys will provide fun, sensory development, and cognitive learning.
A few toys that you can get :
- This Wooden pebble stacking set —This is so fun for young kids to explore. There are many ways of playing this, and it helps your little one develop hand coordination and learn how to balance objects on each other.
- This Fidget Tubes Set is another excellent choice for sensory toys. They are fun to shake & explore, and it will be engaging for your little ones to enjoy colorful & interactive activities with each tube.
- This Squishy Sensory Toy Set is a must-have for your sensory toy collection. These are very interactive, and they help your toddlers explore a range of textures and handling movements. My girls love squeezing and rolling these squishy toys, which are also excellent traveling toys for trips.
Tips for making your Morning Basket even more successful
1.Rotate Items Regularly: To keep your toddler interested, rotate the items in the basket every week or two. This will prevent boredom and continuously introduce new challenges and learning opportunities.
2. Keep It Accessible: Place the basket where your toddler can easily reach it. This encourages independence and allows them to choose their activities.
3.Incorporate Learning: To make playtime educational, include items that promote learning, such as the alphabet or number toys.
4.Limit Screen Time: The morning basket should be screen-free to promote hands-on, sensory-rich activities that foster development.
5.Stay Involved: Although your child can play independently, engaging with them over these activities can strengthen your bond and provide valuable teaching moments.
Creating a toddler morning basket is a simple yet effective strategy to enhance your morning routine. With a thoughtful selection of books, puzzles, art supplies, sensory toys, and educational items, you can keep your toddler engaged and happy while you tackle your daily tasks. Remember to rotate the contents regularly to maintain your child’s interest and make mornings a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
If you enjoy this blog post, you may also like these posts :
- 10 Pretend Play Sets that Should Be on Your Wishlist Right Now!
- Creative Sensory Bins Ideas For Your Little Ones!
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