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Here are some of our favorite ideas to get you started no matter how you’re child likes to play.
Warning: You know your children best. If your child is still mouthing then provide appropriate supervision or wait until they have passed this phase as some ideas include materials that are deemed a choking hazard.
I didn’t know tape play was a thing until I had my second son. But it’s something I know my first would have loved as a baby. There are many reasons to embrace tape play and activities.
- It’s a cheap and easy material to use
- Encourages use ad development of their pincer grasp (thumb and one finger)
- Works on hand-eye coordination
- AND, it’s amazing the amount of concentration that peeling tape requires
The bonus is this will be sure to keep your baby and toddler busy for long enough so you can enjoy a moment of quiet!
Whether you opt for painters tape (which comes in rainbow colors) or washi tape, there is no worry about it damaging your floors, wall or home. Check out our favorite activities below.
Create a contrast board
From 0-4 months, babies only see in black and white. You can create your own contrast cards using white paper, a 8×10 cardboard you can cut yourself and black tape (you can always adjust the sizing to your liking). Have fun creating new patterns and designs. These are easy for your infant to focus on and can encourage their vision development.
Peeling tape
It doesn’t get more straightforward than this. Great for babies that can hold their head up while practicing tummy time. Even if your baby isn’t able to grab and remove the tape yet, they can see and touch it on the floor. As your baby starts standing, use the tape on your wall to let them work on their balance and strengthen their legs. I liked using it on my daughter’s feeding tray while I was getting her food ready. Lift a corner and model for your baby or toddler and they will begin to mimic and do it themselves over time. Start with individual straight lines and as your child masters the skill, start overlapping the strips of tape. It’s a great early problem solving activity.
Stuck on you
Stick small squares of tape on your face and body and ask your toddler to free you from the tape. This is such a silly and fun activity to share with your child. When I would pretend that the tape coming off hurt, they just giggled louder.
Toy Rescue
There are two ways to play this game. 1) Place tape (sticky side out) on a tray. Place the tray on the floor for your baby to explore. Stick toys or objects such as spoons, small containers and paper towel rolls for your baby to pull off and stick back on! 2) Secure the tape over the toy so your child can rescue their toy
Ball Fetch
Tape sticky side out across a hallway or on a chair. Stick balls of paper or ball pit balls to it. Place a laundry basket opposite and ask your child to collect the balls into the basket as fast as they can.
Color Sorting
Using colored tape, create squares on the floor and go on a color hunt. Your child has to match the object to the right color!
Walk the Line
Tape lines alongs your floor (straight, zig zag, and curves) for your child to follow
Giant floor maze
This is a really fun open ended activity. First tape the outer square and then begin to create the inside. Your child may want to use toy cars and vehicles or other figurines to navigate the maze.
Spider's web
Use painter’s tape to create a spider web between two walls and see how your child find’s his way through
Sticky name game
Use tape to create the letters of your child’s name on the wall and let them remove it piece by piece
Game of toss
Use tape to create marks to signify point structure. Use balled up paper or bean bags to toss and keep track of your score
Tape resistent art
Use big piece of cardboard, cardstock or canvas to create this effect. Make a design using tape and let your kids use paint to stamp over all the white space. Once the tape is removed, you’ll find an incredible effect. We love this activity to create a mother’s day canvas gift.
A Tot’s Life Learner is a HOPS digital learning program gives busy moms back your time, saves you stress from planning and provides loads of hands on fun and learning for your child.
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