Here at Lemon Lime Adventures, we have a busy house. We spend most of our days homeschooling our children, running to therapies, and transferring between houses. Teaching my older boys (6 and 8) is not always the easiest thing to do with a little one under my feet. That is why baby busy boxes are a must for both baby play and my sanity. Today, I can’t wait to share 10 of our favorite baby busy box ideas.
In case you are new here, I will give a brief overview of Baby busy boxes. For the full story, be sure to head over to Melissa and Doug for Ins and Outs of Baby Busy Boxes for great tips on setting up successful busy boxes.
What Are Busy Boxes?
A busy box is any container filled with materials or items your child can use independently. While one on one time with your baby is encouraged, it is not always realistic. Busy boxes allow you the extra 5 minutes you might need to give a sibling attention, make dinner or fold laundry. Busy boxes for babies can provide benefits such as fine motor skills, cognitive reasoning, and language development.
10 Simple Ideas for Busy Boxes
1. Fabric Scraps
2. Stuffed Toys
3. Musical Instruments
3. Recycled Lids
4. Wooden Toys
5. Kitchen Utensils
6. Books
7. Beads
Read more about Thrifty Baby Play
8. Balls
9. Discovery Bottles
10. Fabric Circles
Baby busy boxes do not have to take a lot of time, money or energy to put together. I have found the simpler the busy box, the better. As you can see, Super B has loved our Busy Boxes over the last year and continues to explore as we rotate the items. One of my favorite parts of our busy boxes is the fact that they are easy to clean up, minimal, and aesthetically pleasing.
These make great gifts and quick ideas for entertaining a little one. Not only do they provide entertainment for your tiny one, they also encourage interaction between siblings in the process. I hope you have enjoyed 10 Busy Box Ideas. If so, be sure to swing over to Melissa and Doug to read 5 Practical Tips for Busy Baby Boxes.
If you are still looking for more baby fun, be sure to check out my Pinterest boards just for Babies!
Do you have a favorite box for baby or toddler? I would love to hear about it!
Make sure you don’t miss the next in the series about Sensory Processing. We can connect on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram or subscribe by email in the sidebar.
Great ideas to entertain your baby when you need a few minutes. My children have always enjoyed the fabric scraps too! Their favorite was pulling the fabric scraps out of an empty wipes case. 🙂
Thank you so much!
I enjoy your ideas and many beautiful play ideas here. I believe the beads idea is dangerous for babies, strangulation and choking hazard if beads broke. Would love to share though if you remove this idea!
Thanks Jane
I completely understand your concerns. If you click through, I have written that post and I do state that no baby should be left alone with the beads. Thank you for your kind words.
Brilliant ideas, Dayna!
You are too sweet!
You always capture the best facial expressions with her! She seems like such a happy baby 🙂
What kind of bottles did you use for your discovery bottles?
I love the VOSS plastic bottles.
I would be careful with the beads – they can break off and be swallowed, and the musical instruments, long items like drumsticks or flutes can get jammed in the throat too far, especially if you have a moving baby. Great ideas tho!
Thank you so much. I am very careful with the beads and instruments and never leave her alone with either. Thank you!
I love all the ideas and projects you invent for Super B. All of the Science, Art, and Processing all 3 children learn is truly amazing. I am a proud Mama of Dayna and so inspired by her accomplishments.
Love, Momma
Pingback: Walk Away And Play With The Weekly Kids Co-Op - Triple T Mum
Pingback: Baby Safe Cloud Dough - Lemon Lime Adventures
I’m going to pull the lids fromrecycling bin now and keep them in the kitchen for the baby.
Pingback: 12 Sensory Play Ideas to Encourage Hands On Learning - Lemon Lime Adventures
This is a great list! I love the simplicity of baby learning and play. I will be using these with the twins!
Pingback: Ultimate Guide to Celebrating Baby's First Year - Lemon Lime Adventures
Pingback: Cardboard Rocket Ship |The Perfect Calm Down Retreat - Lemon Lime Adventures
Pingback: 10 Simple 2-Minute Toddler Activities - Lemon Lime Adventures
Pingback: Ultimate Guide to Baby Activities - Lemon Lime Adventures
Pingback: Beginner's Guide to the Auditory Sensory System - Melissa & Doug Blog
Chubby baby, funny faces and beautiful red hair – this may be one of my favourite posts to coo over! As a red head myself and mama to a red head I am really biased – but she is adorable. Oh and post was was good too!
Pingback: Independent Toddler Play Ideas
Pingback: 10 things you can do now to make Christmas a breeze - Mumma Hack
Pingback: Walk Away And Play With The Weekly Kids Co-Op - Playful Matters