Alvina Malik
2 min readMay 17, 2023

Engaging activities play a crucial role in the development of a 1-year-old child. At this stage, infants are curious and eager to explore the world around them. Here are some age-appropriate activities that can promote their physical, cognitive, and social development:

  • Sensory Play:
    Provide your 1-year-old with various sensory experiences to stimulate their senses. Some ideas include:

Sensory bins filled with safe materials like rice, water, or cooked pasta for them to explore with their hands.
Playdough or clay for them to squish, mold, and manipulate.
Textured toys or objects with different surfaces for them to touch and explore.
Exploring Nature:
Take your child outdoors to discover the wonders of nature. Activities can include:
Going for a nature walk and pointing out different plants, trees, and animals.
Allowing them to play in a safe, open area with leaves, grass, or sand.
Collecting natural objects such as rocks, leaves, or flowers and exploring their textures.
Music and Movement:
Encourage your 1-year-old to move and groove to the rhythm. Activities may include:

Singing nursery rhymes and using simple musical instruments like rattles or shakers.
Playing with scarves or ribbons to encourage movement and coordination.
Messy Play:
Engage your child in messy play activities that promote sensory exploration and creativity:
Finger painting with non-toxic paints or edible materials like pudding.
Playing with water in a shallow container, providing cups and objects for pouring and splashing.
Exploring different textures by playing with cooked spaghetti or jello.
Object Exploration:
Introduce your child to objects and toys that encourage exploration and problem-solving:
Stackable blocks for them to build towers and knock them down.
Shape sorters or puzzles with large pieces for them to manipulate and match.
Soft toys or dolls for pretend play and nurturing activities.
Reading Time:
Spend quality time reading books together, fostering language development and bonding:
Choose age-appropriate books with colorful pictures and simple stories.
Engage your child by pointing at pictures, making sounds, and using expressive voices.
Let them turn the pages and explore the book independently.
Socializing:
Encourage social interactions and playtime with other children or family members:
Arrange playdates with other children of similar age.
Attend parent-child classes or playgroups where they can interact with peers.
Engage in simple social games like peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake.
Remember, safety is crucial during these activities. Always supervise your child closely, use child-friendly materials, and ensure the environment is free from hazards. Enjoy these precious moments of discovery and play with your 1-year-old!

Alvina Malik
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Dentist, future maxillofacial surgeron, writer