- busybebesatx
shelter-in-place survival guide: 20+ tips for littles
We're all losing our minds being stuck at home all day, everyday with no end in sight. Here's a list of products, websites, newsletters, deliveries(!) and general tricks that are saving our sanity.
SENSORY PLAY
Fill, engage, play, repeat. Littles never tire of a simple sensory bin.
Hold It: Containers for Play
Standard Size Cake Pan
Plastic Storage Bin
Wood Box
Fill It: Sensory Bin Materials
Rice
Beans (Black, White)
Lentils (Green)
Pasta (Any Shape)
Cloud Dough (Flour & Oil)
Sand
Salt
Water Beads
Play With It: Sensory Bin Tools
Buckets
Cups
Small Bowls
Shovels
Rakes
Scoops
Spoons
Kid Tweezers
Tongs
Easter Eggs
Mix It Up: Add Ons
Cars & Trucks
Toy Animals
Toy Action Figures
Letters & Numbers (Magnetic or Puzzle)
Rhinestones
Pipe Cleaners
Pom Poms
Rocks & Stones (flower vase fillers)
Seasonal Items
Play Dough Recipe + Tips & Tricks
DIGITAL STORYTIME
Frozen & Frozen 2
Olivia Series
Pout Pout Fish
Disney Books on CD + CD Player
These have been a LIFESAVER when I need to nurse babies, cook, S needs to calm down, before nap time, you name it! Fantastic alternative to screens. Since Amazon delivery has been delayed, order/pick up from Target if you can. We love this CD player because it can run on batteries (no worries with my daughter and electric cords), and you can plug in headphones.
Nightly readings of children's books from Olaf. Not to be missed.
DIGITAL MOVEMENT
Great videos for brain breaks from movement to mindfulness, all created by child development experts.
Yoga, mindfulness and relaxation designed specially for kids aged 3+, used in schools and homes all over the world.
Groove Mini Workouts (YouTube)
A collection of fun, easy to follow, dance workout videos. If you have 5 - 10 minutes in your day, try putting these routines into your daily schedule.
With Austin's Shelter-In-Place mandate, TuneBugz is hosting classes on ZOOM. Free classes this week to try it out. Spring Maracas collection starts April 5th!
DELIVER AUSTIN
Austin has some fantastic options for engaging your little, delivered directly to your door! Not only do you get relief, you'll be helping small businesses keep their doors open (virtually for now). Check your local small businesses for similar options.
The Cupcake Bar Cupcake Kits
Haley's Cookie Kits
Sugar Mamas Bakeshop Cookie and Cupcake Kits
*We love that you can also deliver a CupCare Kit to first responders. So sweet!
Brush Strokes Pottery/Coloring Kits
Busy Bebes Toddler & Preschooler Educational Busy Bags
TOT-FRIENDLY NEWSLETTERS
Help delivered to your inbox.
Easy slime recipe, articles to support mamas big concerns, helpful lists like this one!, etc.
Synopsis of one of their high-quality children's shows with questions to ask, easy at-home lesson ideas for early learners, etc.
Great for elementary and older. Educational videos on a variety of topics with lesson plans that include supplemental materials, plus Think, Dig Deeper, and Discuss sections.
I love this website for their high quality, safe, and natural products for littles. But right now I also love their Weekly Edit newsletter, which includes Montessori teaching ideas, help with struggling sleepers, creating a routine in these crazy times, etc.
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
These our are favorite accounts for fabulous ideas for stay-at-home fun and learning!
Stay tuned for our Survival Tips for Moms and Dads!
Disclaimer: busy bébés is not affiliated with any of the companies linked or mentioned in this post. We do not earn any money for product purchases or advertisement. All opinions are our own.