Emergency Baby Toys

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

26 Jun 2008 12:30 PM

What do you do when you don't have any toys on hand to occupy your little one? Perhaps you dashed out of the door for a visit and forgot to bring along a few toys? Or maybe your baby has decided that she is bored with her toys at the exact moment that you need to make an important phone call or do your dinner prep.

One time we were unexpectedly snowed in while away from home with our firstborn who was about 18 months old. We invented all sorts of games to play with him, but the following two things really occupied him for a few minutes when we really needed to take a bathroom break, etc. I warn you that these emergency toys can get a bit messy. And, like any toy for a small child, supervision is best.

The box of tissues

A plain box of tissues will provide tons of fun for a small child. They just love to pull out all of the tissues one by one and may even try to stuff them back in. The tissues can be thrown in the air or stacked for even more fun. Avoid tissues with lotion, and make sure that your baby doesn't chew on them. When your baby is done you can sloppily stuff the tissues back in the box with some success for next time.

A colorful catalog or magazine

Rip, rip, rip. Babies just love to look at magazines and rip up the pages. Some babies will determinedly rip out one page and then move on to the next in a methodical fashion. others will happily shred all of the pages into confetti. And some babies will even take the time to look and comment on what they see, such as baby and female faces. When your baby is done, gather up all of the loose pieces and head to the recycling bin. Again, discourage your baby from chewing on the magazine.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don't miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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tangerinelullaby (553) 27 Jun 2008 02:01 AM

Hi Mary, I agree with babies ripping on papers, magazines and tissues. My son just love doing that. Well it is messy but keeps him up for hours lol.

-Yvie http://tangerineslullaby.eachday.com

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 27 Jun 2008 04:19 AM

Sometimes it is the simple things that make a difference. Thanks for reading!