7 Easy Baby Play Ideas with Stuff You Already Own
You don’t need a tuff tray, themed sensory bin or a house full of toys to support your baby’s development. In fact, some of the best play comes from the things you already have lying around.
These simple ideas are perfect for babies aged around 6–12 months (but many work earlier or later too) — low effort, low cost, high value. Because the magic is in the moment, not the materials.
1. Cushion Climb
A pile of sofa cushions becomes a soft obstacle course for crawling, climbing, rolling or flopping. Great for building strength and coordination — and surprisingly entertaining to watch.
🧠 Supports: Gross motor development, problem-solving, body awareness
2. Bowl & Spoon Bash
Give them a wooden spoon and a couple of mixing bowls or saucepans. Let them make noise, swap hands, and explore different materials.
🧠 Supports: Cause and effect, coordination, sensory exploration
3. Treasure Basket
Gather a few safe, everyday items: a scrunchie, wooden spoon, silicone brush, metal whisk, loofah. Pop them in a basket or box and let your baby explore freely.
🧠 Supports: Independent play, sensory exploration, fine motor skills
4. Mirror Play
Place a baby-safe mirror on the floor or prop it up securely. Watch as they smile, babble, or reach towards their reflection — a favourite for many babies.
🧠 Supports: Self-awareness, social development, curiosity
5. Laundry Peekaboo
Grab a basket of clean laundry and play peekaboo with a T-shirt or muslin. Let them pull items out, wave them, or bury themselves underneath.
🧠 Supports: Object permanence, sensory play, physical interaction
6. Wipe Packet Rescue
An empty wipes packet with a few bits of fabric inside (cut-up old T-shirts or muslins) is endlessly fascinating. Stuff them in and let baby pull them out again... and again... and again.
🧠 Supports: Fine motor skills, persistence, concentration
7. Kitchen Disco
Pop on some music and hand over a wooden spoon and saucepan lid. Bounce your baby, dance around, or just let them bop along and bang things in rhythm.
🧠 Supports: Sensory integration, bonding, rhythm and coordination
Final thought
There’s no gold star for spending the most money or curating the most photogenic activity. Your baby is wired to learn through doing — and you’re already giving them what they need, just by offering space, time and connection.