Three things to keep babies amused for under $3

So much money goes into the care for a newborn especially with a preemie. Add to that you may have moved to one income, and if you had a prem this may have happened sooner than you thought – funds might be tighter than expected.

Some good news – you don’t need to spend endless amounts of money on toys and gadgets to keep your baby entertained. This is the time where every aspect of the world is new and exciting, and many of us forget that everyday simple things can stimulate babies’ minds.

If you’re stuck for ideas, we have listed a few below that will keep your baby amused for hours on a tight budget.

Bubble blowing – You can easily make a soapy solution up at home with dish washing liquid or keep a few bottles in the house. Using an old metal coat hanger or purchasing a set of bubble wands, your baby will be fascinated by the way they form and float and have an extra little giggle when the bubble decides to pop!

A balloon – Whilst your baby wiggles on their back, tie a helium balloon to your baby’s leg. This s a great way for your little one to learn and strengthen their kicking motion. Watching the balloon float up and down when they move their little legs, gives them great delight through the interaction. For older babies beginning to crawl, the same concept with a toy can be applied as baby will then have a friend to crawl around with.

Kitchen Utensils and containers – Where you might see a wooden spoon, your baby sees a drumstick! Don’t underestimate the objects that are lying around your house.

Plenty of everyday items can be used to stack, stick, roll etc. into amusing and educational equipment. Banging on pots and pans, shaking a container of rice, or the empty boxes from food packets can all serve as useful and budget friendly toys.