The 3 B’s: Books, Blocks, and Bubbles

Entertaining babies and toddlers can be hard. I’ve had times while interacting with kids where I think to myself, “What the heck should we do?” Between sleeping and meals, there’s definitely going to be down time. And there’s only so many ways you can be creative. I’m going to introduce you to my secret weapon for boredom, The 3 B’s: books, blocks, and bubbles. Each of these activities are simple, stimulating, and have the potential to entertain for a while. I have found The 3 B’s useful with one child and in groups of up to twelve kids. So let’s talk about each of the 3 B’s.

The First B: Books

I can’t say enough good things about books for young kids! Reading books to babies and toddlers helps with literacy down the road. The variety of color and pictures in books make them a great sensory object, especially books like “Baby Touch and Feel: Puppies and Kittens.” It doesn’t seem like people think of children’s books as toys, but so much fun can be had with them. Kiddos can flip through the pages on their own or it can be used as a bonding experience between caregiver and child.  

In group settings, I like to put a few books on the floor so little ones can explore the books themselves. I then sit on the floor with them to read and show pictures in the books. It works great to focus a group of young children. 

If you need help figuring out good books for babies and toddlers, I like “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and “I’m a Dingle Dangle Scarecrow.” Both books are engaging with simple words. Plus they’re just super cute!

The Second B: Blocks

Blocks are a great way to spark the imagination. A child can make anything with blocks, even a rocket ship to the moon! They are a great creative outlet. It’s important to start encouraging imaginative play; this is how a young child learns. They also help in various areas of development. Blocks that can connect together, like Mega Bloks, are wonderful for problem solving skills. The ability to stack blocks is important in development for reasoning and motor (moving) skills. Picking up blocks can improve motor skills by utilizing arms, hands, and fingers. Blocks in almost any size or form are awesome for young kids so be sure to have some on hand. 

The Third B: Bubbles

Bubbles are a simple and fun way to entertain kids. While working with infants, there were times where I could have up to eight very fussy babies and no backup. My saving grace—bubbles. I started blowing bubbles and crying would settle down. For a few minutes, all little eyes would be fixed on the bubbles, mesmerized. 

I haven’t met a kid who doesn’t love bubbles. They are enjoyable for all ages. Very young infants can become fixated on the bubbles as you blow them. Toddlers and bigger kids giggle with excitement trying to pop them. Letting kids blow a few bubbles themselves can be fun too. Plus bubbles are a great and inexpensive sensory activity. So get to blowing some bubbles!  

 

So there’s my easy go-to activities to fight boredom with young kids, The 3 B’s: books, blocks, and bubbles. What activities do you use to entertain your baby or toddler? Share with me in the comments!

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