Highchairs are a mealtime essential, but they can also be a lifesaver when you need a few extra minutes to cook, tidy up, or take an important call. With a secure safety belt and a handy tray, a highchair provides a safe space for your child to play while staying within sight. To help you make the most of this time, we've rounded up a few fun and engaging activities, beyond coloring, to keep your toddler entertained while you enjoy a few hands-free moments.
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1. Tape Rescue
Grab a couple of small toys, like Little People, and tape them to the tray with painter's tape. Your kiddo will have a blast trying to peel the tape off. For the first attempt, fold over one end of the tape to make it easier to grip. Once they successfully remove one piece, they’ll be hooked! Once they get good at removing the tape, place the tape straight on the high chair tray to make it more of a challenge. Alternatively, place a toy inside a plastic cup and tape over the top—this also works great as an on-the-go activity for restaurants or waiting rooms.
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2. Stick It To You
Place sticky notes all over the tray and let your youngster peel them off and re-stick them.
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3. Ice, Ice, Baby
Give your child a cup and a few ice cubes. Watch as they push them around the tray, drop them in the cup, and splash in the melting water. You can also freeze berries inside the ice cubes for an added surprise.
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4. Paint with Water
Grab a piece of construction paper and give them a big, wet paintbrush. They can "paint" on the paper with water and watch their lines appear! As they get a little older, provide a small cup with a tiny amount of water so they can practice refilling their paintbrush.
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5. Magnets
Use a cookie sheet and some large magnets to introduce your tot to the fun of magnet play. Older children may enjoy using magnetic tiles. Be sure to choose magnets that are too large to be swallowed, and keep in mind that this can be a noisy activity—probably not ideal if you need a quiet moment for a phone call.
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6. Muffin Cups
A stack of muffin cups can be surprisingly tricky to separate, making it a fun challenge for your kiddo. Once they get them apart, they can practice stacking them back together. Silicone or paper cups both work! You can also turn the cups upside down and hide a small object under one—watch their excitement as they try to find it!
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7. Sensory Bag
Fill a ziplock bag with a squishy substance like soap or conditioner, then add some glitter and small items such as plastic beads, gems, googly-eyes, etc. Tape the opening shut. Let your child squish and move the items around inside the bag.
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8. Edible Playdough
Kids love playdough, but even non-toxic versions can be tempting to taste. Why not make your own safe, edible version? Try this simple recipe.
So instead of just handing over a handful of crackers or a spoon to make "music," give your kiddo a new adventure with one of these fun alternatives!
