Baby Cabin Fever Cures

I don't have to announce that the winter has been long, cold, and windy.  I think everyone is aware.  In an attempt to keep things interesting without buying new toys, I've made a few objects to explore.  Here is a collection of a few things we've done at home this winter.

Discovery Bottles:

I found this idea a website called The Imagination Tree.  I've kept them in a corner under our island area, so when she cruises into the kitchen there is something interesting to look at while I'm cooking supper.  To be honest, I think she thinks they are okay.  But, they were minimal in effort and basically free.  Soap, water, food coloring, popcorn, rice, straws, and pipe cleaners.

 Rice:

This idea came from my friend Lindsay.  I copied it exactly, with the Rubbermaid container top and all.  This excellent sensory activity is a little messy, but quick to vacuum up.  It worked well months ago when she was unable to pick up little pieces, I'm not sure how it would go now.  Most likely would try to eat it. 

Pulling out Fabric:

Great use of a diaper wipes case.  Filled with socks,  fabrics, bandana.  At almost 10 mo, she just started becoming interested in pulling the fabric out.

We've also tried finger painting, but she's maybe a bit young and it was so, so messy!  At one point she sprawled out on her stomach on the paint and paper!  There was paint on the floor, her hands, her feet, my leg....I just started laughing and quickly halted that project. 

We've blown bubbles in the bathtub.  She also thought that was just so-so; she's a tough audience!

Her favorite indoor activities are actually the more basic ones of reading books, riding "airplane," singing songs and rhymes, and just recently, dancing! She also loves emptying out any container, especially her diaper bag.  Next project is to teach her to fill it back up.