1 year, 1 month old
Little Explorers on the Move!
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 13 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
5 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello, wonderful parent!
Month 13 quite a milestone! Your little one is starting to turn those tiny steps into adventurous toddles, or has fully taken off and your time is now fully theirs. Coffee dates at the park are definitely a new adventure now, with a little less chatting and more hovering, and the start of wondering why there are so many open drops on the equipment (this all fades, and as your little one grows bigger and more adventurous, you come to accept the playground designs a little better, but at the moment its tough).
Everything in the house is up for grabs, and you may wonder why they even have toys, they just need the remote, a toothbrush and endless toilet paper! A whole new chapter of discoveries and challenges await, its busy, messy and a lot of fun!
This newsletter is your gentle reminder that in all the chaos, you’re doing enough. Those everyday adventures, shared giggle and joy and the comforting embrace after a tumble, they all count in big ways.
Even if you’re juggling work, other children, and the general fullness of life, your baby is still thriving. They are learning from watching you, from being included in the rhythm of your day, and from the simple back-and-forth of connection. They don’t need perfectly planned activities, they need you, and they are getting so much from the world you’re already creating around them.
Here are a few ideas for extra joyful activity moments for when you feel up for it.
📦 Activity 1: Box & Basket Adventure
How: Find a large cardboard box or sturdy laundry basket and invite your child to explore it however they like. They might:
Push or pull it around the room
Fill it with toys, cushions, or treasures
Climb in and pretend it's a car, boat, train, or rocket ship
Hide underneath it and play peek-a-boo
Transport toys from one place to another
Create an obstacle course using the box or basket
Follow their lead and see where their imagination takes them!
Why: This simple activity encourages creativity, problem-solving, and imaginative play as children work out new ways to use the box or basket. Pushing, pulling, climbing, lifting, and carrying help develop strength, coordination, balance, and body awareness. It also supports spatial awareness as children explore concepts such as inside, outside, under, over, and through. Best of all, open-ended materials like boxes can keep children engaged for long periods because there is no right or wrong way to play.
Activity 2: Activity: Ball Run or Car Ramp
How: Create a simple ramp using what you already have at home, a piece of wood, a baking tray, a large book, a slide, or even a firm piece of cardboard. Prop one end up safely on a cushion or low step and show your child how to place a ball or small car at the top and let it roll down. Repeat (and repeat again!).
Why: This simple setup introduces early cause-and-effect learning, they begin to understand that when they let go, the object moves. It supports hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and early problem-solving skills. Plus, the repetition builds concentration and persistence, all while feeling like pure fun.
A little extra: Grab some PVC pipes or corragated plastic from your local hardware store- they might even be able to cut them for you, these make an amazing ball run, which kids will love for years to come. You can use them for water play, balls, cars and even exploring with sound as you trumpet into them.
Nursery Rhyme: Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,
Life is but a dream.
If you see a crocodile,
Don't forget to scream!
Rowing along to this tune tends to bring lots of giggles, especially if you add in a dramatic scream at the end. It’s also perfect for those playful moments during bath time or cuddling on the couch, or when they manage to climb into the washing basket or box. I’ve found myself singing louder than intended, but those giggles are well worth it!
There are also lots of variations you can find online to add to the fun.
Book of the Month: Dear Zoo
A sweet classic with sturdy flaps for little hands to lift, "Dear Zoo" tells the tale of a child looking for the perfect pet. Each lift of the flap reveals a new animal, keeping the anticipation alive and well. But remember, it’s your reading together that counts, not finishing the book. Cards, mail ads, cereal boxes ... anything goes for story time.
EXTRA: Got lots of 1st birthday cards? Put them in a little box for them to explore- they will love opening and closing them, you can read them to them and sing happy birthday (it never gets old) even cut a hole in a box and show them how to post their cards. This is will keep them busy for some time!
Did You Know?
Toddlers are little physicists! When they push things around, they’re learning about weight, force, and movement. It's their way of figuring out how the world really works! Its amazing how something so simple can stir up so much learning.
Social & Emotional Skill Building
Talking about what could happen next helps your toddler understand the outcomes of their actions. Narrate their play: “You can push it this way,” or “Put it at the top...it rolls down” This kind of gentle direction builds understanding and a sense of control over their environment, all through playful interaction.
✨ Remember
Your in such a beautiful and tricky time, I always think, this is the thick of it, when you feel you can't let them out of your sight, sleep may still be tough, their cutting down naps and it is just so busy. But you find their personality developing and showing a little more, they might be trying to be more independent or making themselves heard; and their smiles and laughs just make all the worries disappear! You are enough for them. You’re doing beautifully.