Busy Babies at Beaulieu

A key consideration in any parents’ or carers’ property search is somewhere with access to an excellent childcare provider, somewhere they can play and learn, but most importantly be safe. For residents at The Arbour, parents are just a 15-minute walk from Beaulieu Park Day Nursery, conveniently located at Beaulieu Square, which provides access to first class childcare, where growth, learning and discovery happen every day in a caring, safe and playful environment.

 

Outside of school hours, or perhaps on the days kids aren’t at school or nursery, its universally understood that those charged with looking after young children are constantly looking for ways to keep them entertained.

With the days getting shorter and colder weather drawing in, the hours spent outside at the playground, the park or even just in the garden with children are becoming fewer and farther between.

 

 

Little ones don’t need extravagant play times set up for them. Absolutely everything is something to explore and wonder at when experiencing it for the first time. From splashing in the water, to bubbles and light shows, babies find out about their brand-new world around them using all their senses, sometimes all at the same time!

The idea behind sensory play is that it stimulates the five senses: sight, touch, sound, taste and smell. These types of activities help children to make sense of the world around them and develops cognitive and social skills that will prove to be beneficial throughout their lives. But most importantly – children of all ages can enjoy sensory play. Why not try some of the below at home?

Rainbow Spaghetti

Coloured spaghetti is so easy to make and young children love playing with it. Babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers all enjoy exploring the colour and texture of dyed spaghetti and as it is edible there are no worries about them putting it in their mouths. Follow the step by step guide below – you might want to think about popping a mat down underneath – it’s a little slippery otherwise from the oil!

  • Cook the spaghetti as you normally would and drain.
  • Once drained and cooled, add a small (very small) amount of oil and toss.
  • Add a few drops of food colouring and mix well
  • Lay spaghetti out on parchment paper to dry for about 1 hour

 

Water Play in the High Chair

This is such an easy activity to set up. All you need is a high chair that has a tray with a lip and some plastic balls. Add a small amount of water to the tray (just enough so that the balls will float) and then add some balls. Your baby will LOVE splashing the water and trying to move the balls around.

Musical Household Instruments

You might need some headphones for this one… but it’s not too messy. Fill a plastic bottle with dried rice or lentils (screw lids on tightly), place a washing up bowl upside down, raid the pan cupboard and set out an assortment of pots and pans, and hand your child a wooden spoon. If you can shake it, bang it, rattle it, or it makes a noise – it’s an instrument – let your baby’s musical creativity flow!

Taste testing

Take out the spices from the cupboard and invite your toddler to smell each jar. If there’s one that they really like, try sprinkling it on something (like apple slices or plain yogurt) so they can see what it tastes like!

What else?

But play isn’t limited to the home environment! Residents at The Arbour can also visit the Beaulieu Community Centre, located within Beaulieu Square, which has a jam packed schedule of classes for babies and toddlers to enjoy, from dance and music classes to sports courses.