Play + Movement
With four little kids, there is always something happening. Someone is building with Magnet tiles, the Little People are involved in some elaborate storyline, someone is jumping into the crash pad, another kid is swinging, and somehow an obstacle course has taken over the living room.
And while they're “just playing,” there is SO much happening underneath it.
They're moving their bodies and getting the sensory input they're looking for. They're imagining, creating, and problem solving. They're practicing taking turns, working through transitions, cleaning up, asking for help, and navigating some very big feelings when a sibling knocks down the thing they JUST built.Â
And they don't all need the same thing. One of my favorite parts of being both their mom as well as an OT is getting to notice what each of my kids is drawn to and meeting them where they're at. Sometimes that's jumping, crashing, climbing, or spinning and other times it's magnets and Little People for the third time that day. It could even be mud, water, bugs and whatever they find outside.
Over the years, we’ve found a handful of things that just WORK for the way our family plays: the things that stay out, get used constantly, and somehow keep finding new life as my kids grow. Look at the links below!Â
CLICK FOR OUR FAVS!We Play ALL Day.
And when I’m buying something for our playroom, I'm looking for toys & equipment my kids will use again and again, that can grow with them, and that give them lots of different ways to play. I especially love open-ended toys & things that create sensory experiences. Think: something they can climb, crash into, jump on, swing from, spin in, build with or completely reinvent tomorrow.
We own everything you’ll see below. My kids LOVE this stuff, and these are the things I would buy again!Â
Giant Crash Pad
Soft, cozy, and perfect for jumping and crashing for some great proprioceptive input. Ours gets used daily!
Trampoline
I love the handlebar for a little extra support + all that jumping gives some great proprioceptive input!
Stepping Stones
We use these ALL the time for obstacle courses! Great for working on balance, coordination, and motor planning!
Tunnel
Another obstacle course fav! Crawling through works on coordination, motor planning, and whole-body movement
Pikler Triangle
Great for climbing, balance, coordination, motor planning, and letting kids figure out what their bodies can do.
Spin Chair/Climber
We love to rock, wobble, climb, or spin. Lots of opportunities for balance, body awareness, and vestibular input.
Sensory Table
One of my favorites for open-ended sensory play! We use it for water, sand, messy play, and whatever else we come up with that day.
Nugget Play Couch
Love this for forts, obstacle courses, climbing, jumping, crashing, and everything in between.
Compression Swing
We use this daily! I love that we can use it for swinging, spinning, and compression depending on what kind of input my kids need.
Play Rug
It stays under our swing + crash pad for some extra cushion, but it’s also so comfy for tummy time and everyday play. Such a versatile rug for the early years. Bonus: it vacuums SO nicely.
Magnetic Tiles
No exaggeration, these get played with every. single. day. Usually multiple times a day! One of those toys that never gets old, with endless ways to build, create + play.
Play is where you see SO much growth!
One of my favorite things about watching my kids play is noticing all the little things they’re figuring out along the way. The new way they climb onto something. The first time they figure out a toy. The way their play changes as they start imagining, problem solving, communicating and doing more on their own.
And if you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Is this something they should be doing yet?” or “What should I be watching for next?” - I made something for that!!
The Growth Guide was designed for ages 0–36 months to give you a bigger picture of development and help you know what to look for as your baby grows into a toddler.
GRAB YOUR COPYNeed a little more support?
You’ve asked ChatGPT. You’ve saved the reels. But sometimes you just want to talk to someone who knows your family, your routines, your kid and what you’ve already tried.
That’s where I come in. 🤍
Parent coaching gives you a place to bring the real-life stuff and figure it out together.
Let's Chat!!
Tell me where to reach you and I’ll send you an email so we can talk a little more about what support could look like for your family!
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