Hellobee

Baby Pencil is reaching a really fun age… 9 months! I remember it being my favorite baby period with Toddler Pencil. One very key thing to keeping a 9 month old happy is constantly giving her things to play with in her hands – on the floor, the dining table, the stroller and on my lap.

Here are my favorite “busy hands” activities and toys!

1.) Sassy Wonder Wheel: I really like this toy because it’s pretty slim and easy to travel with. You can suction it to any table or highchair tray, although it honestly does not stick on THAT well. I almost wish I could stick it on with tape because it keeps falling off. However, it’s so cheap that I don’t mind if it lays flat or falls off. Definitely worth grabbing on the go for restaurant outings!

2.) Baby Crinkle Paper: This “paper” is really great for babies who love all kinds of wrapping, bags or anything that crinkles. Warning: this crinkle paper is very crinkly! I washed it in the washing machine and it was totally fine. It’s small and easy to travel with, but I wish it had a little handle or something to tie it to so it won’t fall off. This is also great if you want to give the baby something to hold onto during diaper changes!

3.) Baby Maracas: I love these for Baby Pencil because she’s teething and there’s a soft end on one side. She loves to bang things together to make a noise, so that other end is perfect for it. I place one on each hand and she loves to bang them together!

4.) Dollar Tree bead necklaces: I loop these around the car seat handle and let it dangle in front of Baby Pencil’s face. She loves the colors and tugs on it with her hands. You can also cut a hole in a paper cup, loop it in, tie a knot and have them play with the dangling cup! Perfect thing to toss in the diaper bag as an emergency play item.

5.) Baby Einstein soft piano: This was gifted to us and was great for floor play. The keys are soft and there are different volumes for the songs. She of course likes to flip it over, but it seems safe enough to leave on the floor with her.

6.) Puzzle pieces: These can be any type of puzzles, of course! I spread them out over the house and she loves grabbing them in each hand. I’m not sure if it’s because they’re so light and easy to pick up, but she likes to hold them with a fierce grip.

7.) Melissa & Doug bead educational toy: This is another highchair/tray suction toy and this suction is actually pretty great! It definitely keeps the hands busy but it’s a little bulky and I wouldn’t recommend it for travel. It’s also a bit difficult to wash so I just give it a rinse in hot, soapy water.

8.) Fat Brain PipSquigz: These are actually great for toddlers and infants! They’re rubber and easy to grip. Babies will most likely just clutch them in their hands but at least there’s potential to play with it in the future!

What are some other great toys for busy, little hands?