50 Fun Activities To Do With Baby At Home

Looking for ideas to keep your baby entertained at home?
When I had my first, I remember sitting there some days wondering what on earth to do with her. I was exclusively pumping at the time, which meant we were home a lot so I could keep up with my schedule.
Spending all day with a baby can be lovely, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming in those early months when they’re not giving much back yet. They can’t talk, they don’t move much, and their attention span is tiny.
I didn’t have much experience with babies before becoming a mum, so I often felt guilty that I wasn’t doing enough to keep her stimulated.
Fast forward to now, with two children under my belt, and I’ve picked up plenty of ways to keep little ones happy and engaged at home — while also keeping yourself sane.
When it comes to entertaining a baby, it’s all about interaction. Talk, show, engage, and play. You don’t need to be a professional entertainer to connect with your little one.
Babies are wonderfully easy to please. They don’t know your jokes are bad or that you’re rambling about your shopping list. They simply enjoy the sound of your voice and the attention you give them.
Toys are a great starting point. They not only hold your baby’s interest but can also inspire you with new ways to play. Rattles, soft toys, sensory items, and books are all brilliant tools for sparking connection and curiosity.
1. Make animal sounds

Use toy animals or pictures and copy the sounds they make. Moo for a cow, baa for a sheep, quack for a duck. Your baby will love the silly noises and may start trying to copy you in their own way.
2. Texture crawl or kick
Lay out a few safe mats or blankets with different textures. Place your baby on their tummy or back so they can crawl, kick, or wriggle across them, feeling each new surface.
3. High chair painting
Secure your baby in a high chair and use baby-safe edible paint or coloured yogurt for a fun mess-free activity. Spread it on the tray and let them “paint” with their hands.
4. Play “row, row, row your boat”
Sit facing your baby with your legs stretched out, holding their hands. Gently rock back and forth as you sing the song. This simple game gives them a mix of music, rhythm, and movement.
5. Light play

Shine a torch or use a small light projector to create gentle light patterns on the wall or ceiling in a darkened room. Move the light slowly so your baby can track it with their eyes.
6. Water mat play

A tummy time water mat is perfect for babies to explore. They can press on the surface and watch little shapes move around inside, which helps develop their hand-eye coordination.
7. Explore the garden
If you have outdoor space, take your baby outside to see plants, flowers, and trees. Let them feel the grass with their hands or feet, and talk about what you see together.
8. Balloon fun
Blow up a balloon and gently tap it in the air above your baby. Watch their eyes follow it as it floats down. Hold it loosely so they can touch and explore under close supervision.
9. Listen to nature sounds
Open a window or sit outside to listen to birds, rustling leaves, or distant traffic. Point out each sound and describe it so your baby learns to connect words with what they hear.
10. Stacking cups
Give your baby a set of stacking cups to explore. Let them bang them together, tip them over, or watch you stack and unstack them.
11. Washing toy animals

Fill a small bowl with soapy water and give your baby a few plastic animal toys. Show them how to “wash” each one using a soft cloth or sponge.
12. Make a treasure basket

Fill a shallow basket with safe household items such as a whisk, measuring spoons, wooden blocks, or fabric scraps. Sit with your baby and let them explore each object while you talk about it.
13. Ribbon play
Tie colourful ribbons to a wooden spoon or small stick, then wave them gently in front of your baby. The movement and bright colours are fun to watch and reach for.
14. Shadow play
In a softly lit room, use your hands to make shapes on the wall. You can create simple animals or just wave your fingers. Your baby will enjoy watching the moving shadows.
15. Finger puppets
Pop a small puppet on your finger and make it dance, wave, or “talk” to your baby. Change your voice for fun and let them try to reach for it.
16. Sensory play with food
If your baby has started solids, let them explore soft foods like mashed banana, cooked carrot sticks, or yogurt with their hands. It’s messy, but it’s also a great way to engage their senses.
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17. Play “airplane”

Lie on your back and place your baby on your shins, holding them securely. Gently lift and lower your legs to give them a fun flying sensation while keeping eye contact.
18. Gentle tickles
Softly tickle your baby’s feet, tummy, or under their chin. Keep it light and playful, watching for their smiles and happy wriggles.
19. Watch the washing machine
Place your baby in a safe seat where they can see the washing machine or tumble dryer. The spinning movement and gentle hum can be fascinating for them to watch.
20. Tummy time

Even just 10 minutes here and there can do wonders for your baby’s development. You can make it fun by placing toys within reach, dangling ribbons, or finding anything colourful that might encourage them to stretch and reach out.
21. Scent exploration
Fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, and parsley are perfect for this. Hold each one gently under your baby’s nose and tell them what it is. It’s a lovely, simple way to engage their senses.
22. Have a splash

Fill a shallow tray or bowl with water, roll up your baby’s sleeves or take their legs out of their grow, and let them kick in the water. They’ll be fascinated by the ripples and splashes. A Tuff Tray works really well for this, and you’ll be able to use it again for messy play when they’re older.
23. Dance
Put on your favourite songs and have a little boogie around the room. Hold your baby close or let them watch you sway to the beat. Babies love rhythm, and this is a lovely way to bond while sneaking in some cuddles.
24. Tour of the house
Walk from room to room with your baby and tell them what each one is for. The more you talk to them, the more you’re helping their language skills grow right from the start.
25. Create a sensory box
Fill a small box with safe household or outdoor objects — wooden spoons, scarves, sponges, feathers, pine cones, or smooth stones. Aim for a mix of textures and weights to explore together.
26. Different sounds

Talk about the sounds different things make, then copy them. You could act out farm animal noises or point out what you hear outside, like birds singing or cars passing.
27. Pillow mountain
Place a few firm pillows or cushions on the floor and help your baby crawl or roll over them. It’s a great way to strengthen their muscles and give them a mini adventure indoors.
28. Ice cube discovery

Place a few ice cubes in a shallow dish for your baby to touch. Talk about how cold and slippery they feel, and watch their reactions.
29. Baby yoga
Lay your baby on a mat and gently move their arms and legs in slow, playful motions. This can be calming and helps with flexibility.
30. Play with stacking rings
Stacking rings are a classic toy for a reason. Show your baby how to slide the rings on and off, and let them try for themselves when they’re ready.
31. Sensory crawl
If your baby is crawling, create a little sensory path with towels, blankets, mats, and cushions. Let them crawl over each surface while you cheer them on.
32. Balloon kick
Tie a balloon to a piece of ribbon and secure it to your baby’s ankle or wrist. When they move, the balloon will bob around, giving them instant cause-and-effect fun. Always stay nearby to keep it safe.
33. Nursery rhymes
Babies are drawn to the rhythm of nursery rhymes. Keep a little rhyme book handy if you can’t remember all the words, and make it a regular part of your day.
34. Sing your favourite songs
Pick songs you love so it’s fun for you too. Sit on the floor together and sing along, making it as cheerful as you like.
35. Have a chat
Your baby won’t reply in words yet, but they’ll listen to every sound you make. Tell them stories from your day, share memories, or talk about anything at all. Keep them close so they can see your face and expressions. Pause now and then — it’s their turn in the conversation.
36. Peek-a-boo
A classic game that never gets old. Use your hands or a light scarf to hide your face, then pop out with a big smile. The surprise and your laughter make it even more fun for your baby.
37. Sensory bottles
Fill a clear plastic bottle with colourful items like beads, ribbons, rice, or glitter and water. Seal the lid tightly, then let your baby roll it, shake it, and watch everything move around inside.
38. Read books together

Choose board books with bright pictures and simple words. Let your baby look at the images while you read aloud. Change your tone and make fun sound effects to hold their attention.
39. Hand and foot painting
Use baby-safe, washable paint and let your little one explore with their hands and feet. You can press their prints onto paper to keep as a sweet memory.
40. Gentle bouncing
Sit with your baby on your lap and bounce them lightly while singing a short rhyme or song. The movement and your voice will keep them engaged.
41. Explore different textures

Lay out a small collection of safe items with varied textures — soft fabric, crinkly paper, smooth wood, and a cool metal spoon. Let your baby touch and explore each one while you describe how it feels.
42. Look in the mirror
Sit with your baby in front of a mirror and point out their reflection. Babies are often fascinated by faces, even if they don’t yet realize it’s their own. Smile, make expressions, and see if they try to copy you.
43. Water play with toys

Fill a small bowl or tray with a little warm water and add a few waterproof toys. Let your baby splash with their hands or feet while you chat about what they are doing. Always stay right beside them for safety.
44. Blow bubbles
Babies are often mesmerized by floating bubbles. Blow them slowly so your baby can watch them drift and pop. It’s a lovely way to spark smiles and giggles.
45. Play with scarves
Wave lightweight scarves in the air, float them down over your baby, or gently swish them across their hands and feet. The colours and movement are simple but captivating.
46. Sensory scarf pull

Fill an empty tissue box with lightweight scarves and let your baby pull them out one by one. The surprise of each new colour keeps them engaged.
47. Sound shakers
Make simple shakers using sealed plastic containers filled with rice, pasta, or lentils. Let your baby shake them and enjoy the different sounds.
48. Balloon chase
If your baby is crawling, gently push a balloon across the floor and encourage them to follow it. The slow floaty movement makes it easy for them to catch.
49. Mini obstacle course

Create a safe crawling path using cushions, low boxes, and blankets. Cheer them on as they make their way through.
50. Nature basket
Collect safe natural items such as large pine cones, smooth stones, and big leaves. Let your baby touch and explore while you describe each one.