10 Fun Activities To Do with Your 14-month-old Child

There is nothing more rewarding than watching your baby transform into a toddler. At 14 months, your little one no longer wants to stay inside their crib. It is the perfect opportunity for them to explore the world around them.

 

Growth begins at home, and it is parents who can facilitate the development of a toddler. And what better way to help your tot reach their milestones than through fun and exciting activities.

 

What are the Different Developmental Milestones?

Milestones are telltale signs that your baby is developing in the right direction. As your child grows older, those milestones become more challenging.

 

There are many skills a child needs for holistic development. These include cognitive, motor, social, and adaptive skills. These skills can guide a child in everyday tasks, such as solving simple problems, doing chores, making friends, and caring for themselves. 

 

What is a 14-Month-Old Capable of Doing?

A 14-month-old has different milestones to reach compared to younger toddlers and infants. In this stage, a toddler can do tasks that sometimes do not need adult help.

 

Past their first birthday, your toddler is more conscious of their surroundings and will interact with objects by pointing, pushing, pulling, and dumping. They learn to say a few words and can crawl, sit, stand, and walk without help.

 

Introducing different kinds of fun and interactive games can help them continue to grow and hone their skills. These activities can also help bring out their creativity and identity. Below are 10 ideas on what you can do with your 14-month-old:

 

10 Activities to Do with Your 14-month-old Child

1 Playing Games Outdoors

The outside world has many things to offer to a growing child. There are many sights and sounds that can excite your toddler. The park, beach, or backyard has more space and fresh air for a conducive learning place.

 

You can train your child how to walk outside and navigate uneven terrain. Or you can show them what flowers, trees, and houses are. You can even bring them to the local pool and teach them how to swim. But do make sure you are always there to keep your baby safe and supervised. 

 

2 Playing with Sensory and Textured Toys

Let’s say it is a rainy day, and going outside is not an option. What else can you do?

 

Toys can provide an endless amount of fun for toddlers and children. Sensory toys with colorful looks, textured materials, and pretty sounds can keep your child preoccupied while stimulating their different senses. These toys can help a toddler discover sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste while staying in a safe environment.

 

3 Finger painting with Edible Paint

Finger painting is a timeless childhood activity, but your child can potentially try taste testing craft paint. Instead, you can DIY yourself edible paint. With sugar, cornstarch, and food coloring, this easy-to-make paint is safe for your child to create their masterpiece. Painting can jog your toddler’s brain and teach them different colors and textures.

4 Dye Rice and Noodles and Use Them for Sensory Play

While many sensory toys are available online and in toy stores, some parents might prefer to save a few bucks and do something more homemade and out-of-the-box. Toddlers love making a mess, and getting dirty is part of the learning process. So why not dye some rice or noodles and let your child dig their fingers in them? 

 

Rice and noodles have a soft and intriguing texture (and not just inside your mouth!) Kids can squish and roll them around and make a mess. Make sure you cool them first before letting your toddler play with them. 

 

5 Use a Classic Childhood Toy: Bubble Wrap

Everyone loves getting a package in the mail, especially when it is covered in bubble wrap. While you are busy with your parcel, you can hand the bubble wrap to your kid to play with. Bubble wrap is another great sensory toy that can leave your child bursting with enthusiasm.

 

6 Give Them Colorful Playdough

This is the last sensory toy on our list, but it is equally fun. Playdough clay comes in different colors and can be stretched, mushed, and rolled into fun shapes. You can buy non-toxic playdough at the store or make it yourself at home.

 

Like the other activities on this list, playdough helps your child develop fine motor skills. It also teaches them what shapes and colors are and how some objects can change and transform.

7 Teach Them to Stack Blocks

Building blocks are fantastic toys for youngsters. These lightweight blocks can teach your child logical thinking, motor skills, and creativity. Just don’t accidentally step on them while walking around barefoot.

 

8 Watch Out! The Floor is Lava!

What to enhance your child’s physical abilities and coordination? A game of the floor is lava can get your child thinking sharply and moving swiftly. 

 

To play, put slip-resistant paper or carpets on the floor. Your child’s mission is to cross from one point to another using those spots and not touch outside them. Care to give your toddler a little challenge?

9 Teach Them to Organize Shapes and Colors

Shapes and colors are everywhere, from household items to toys. How can you teach this topic to your kid without boring them to sleep? Through cleaning, of course!

 

This simple activity will teach your child how to stay organized while also knowing their shapes and colors. Label your boxes with the right shape or color, and then tell your child to put in toys with those characteristics. Not only can this help them in critical thinking, but it also teaches them how to clean up after themselves.

 

10 Read Them a Picture Book

Finally, unwind with your toddler with a good storybook. Make sure it is full of pictures that your child can see and feel. Books can teach your toddler the importance of language while sparking their creativity.

 

FAQ

Which is better: store-bought or homemade toys? 

The choice depends on what a parent needs. Store-bought toys are convenient and easy to store, while homemade toys are cheaper and safer since you made them yourself.

 

What do I do once playtime is over?

Once your child finishes playing, ask them to help you clean up and store away clothes. You can then wash them, especially after a messy playtime.

 

My child does not enjoy the games I prepared. What should I do? 

Don’t worry! Choose another game you can play with your child. Children have different preferences, including what games they want to play.