Being home with a sick baby or toddler is never easy! Not only is it heartbreaking to see your little one unwell, but let’s be real—toddlers rarely want to just rest and cuddle all day. And while you’re running on little sleep and a lot of caffeine, you also want to avoid going stir-crazy.
So, what can you do at home that keeps them happy, takes minimal effort to set up, and won’t completely drain your energy? After a month of my little one battling every bug under the sun (currently typing this as August is sick again!), here are a few tried-and-true activities broken down by category.
Sensory Activities
Engaging their senses is a great way to keep little ones busy, even when their energy is low.
Water Play: Fill a small bin with lukewarm water, toss in a few plastic toys, measuring cups, or even a whisk, and let them explore. Keep a towel handy and set it up on a wipeable surface or towel-covered floor.
Taste-Safe Cloud Dough: Mix flour and a bit of vegetable oil until it forms a soft, moldable dough. It's easy to make and keeps them entertained while being safe if they sneak a taste.
Soft Textures Sensory Bin: Use cotton balls, scarves, or soft fabrics for them to touch and explore. Add a plastic container for "sorting" and they’ll stay busy for longer than you’d expect.
Creative Play
Let their imagination take over with minimal setup.
Sticker Fun: Grab a sheet of stickers and a piece of paper. Even the tiniest hands love peeling and sticking (just watch the furniture!).
Mess-Free Painting: Squeeze a few dollops of washable paint into a zip-top bag, seal it tight, and tape it to a table or window. They can “paint” without the mess!
Coloring Magic: If they’re old enough to hold a crayon, this is the perfect time to break out coloring books or those magic markers that only show up on special paper.
Quiet Time Activities
Sometimes, a little calm can go a long way.
Puzzles or Shape Sorters: Great for those moments when they seem a bit more mellow.
Story Marathon: Pull out all their favorite books, snuggle up, and take your time flipping through. If your voice is hoarse, audiobooks or YouTube read-alouds work too!
DIY Calm Jars: Fill a jar or clear bottle with water, glitter, and a few small trinkets. Seal it tightly, and voila—they have a mesmerizing toy they can shake and watch while sitting quietly.
Gross Motor Activities
If they’ve got a little extra energy but can’t go outside, try these.
Indoor Obstacle Course: Use pillows, couch cushions, and blankets to make a simple path for crawling, rolling, or climbing.
Ball Pit Bath: Toss plastic balls into the (dry!) bathtub for some safe jumping and scooping fun.
Follow the Leader: Keep it simple—marching, clapping, or crawling. It’s a fun way to engage while keeping the movement gentle.
Self-Care for You
Lastly, don’t forget about yourself. Put on a show for them if you need to catch your breath—no guilt! Being home with a sick little one is a full-on marathon, not a sprint, so take breaks when you can.
Hopefully, these activities give you a little peace of mind (and some quiet moments) while navigating the chaos of a sick day. You’ve got this!
Hang in there!
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