How to Keep a One-Year-Old Busy During Your Errands

Your young toddler is a wonderful little person who will never cease to amaze you. And that can especially include this precious stage of just turning one year old, full of new discoveries and budding skills. But with that comes new challenges...like how to keep a newly crawling or walking troublemaker out of...well, trouble! There will be times where you can't help but to bring her to your 'adult' appointments, like to see your doctor or dentist or even to get a haircut. So how do you keep your one-year-old happy while you take care of your own needs? Read on for some tried-and-true ideas from real-life moms.

Use a stroller
There is nothing quite like a stroller! Whether you choose to use a normal full-size stroller (which usually includes a tray that's perfect for housing snacks and sippy cups) or an umbrella stroller (which is small and very maneuverable), a stroller is the best way to go. You can strap in your little one so she's not free to move about and get into things, which is a major plus. Just make sure you have things to keep her busy in it, like strapping toys onto it that she can play with, or laying the seat back so she may be able to take a nap.

Toys
This seems kind of obvious, but take a moment to really consider what would be appropriate. For example, you probably wouldn't want to bring anything that has pieces so that your toddler doesn't lose them. But it might make more sense to bring a stuffed animal or a rattle you can strap to her wrist.

Board books
This is a great age to expose books to your child, so bring a few board books for her to look at. Why board books? They can't be ripped, the pages are much easier for a child this age to turn, and, most importantly, they can be wiped clean when you get home.

Snacks
Want to really keep a one-year-old busy? Bring food; they usually can't resist a snack, especially if it's something they can feed themselves. Keep it simple: try using a snack trap with puffs or Goldfish inside - it's a challenge she won't be able to resist. You could also give her a biter biscuit, which usually takes a good while to chew on -- just remember that it can be pretty messy, so you may want to bring extra wipes. And last (but not least), bring a sippy cup, which is usually also a big winner.

Magazines
No, not for you! Bring a couple of old magazines that you don't mind losing and a plastic bag to collect trash with. If your little one starts getting fussy, let her tear the magazine apart. This can usually keep her busy for awhile, but beware of her trying to put the pieces in her mouth (some babies don't bother, but others do try, so you'll have to keep an eye out). This kind of activity works best with things like grocery shopping, since you still can keep an eye on her, unlike if you're sitting in a dentist's chair.

Sing your way through it
Get yourself acquainted with an array of kid-friendly songs that you're comfortable singing. This doesn't necessarily mean that they have to be nursery rhymes, either. My daughter personally is a big Jason Mraz fan, and luckily, I know a few of his songs by heart. Also, don't be embarrassed to talk to baby throughout your errands or appointments. Your baby loves to hear you talk and is interested in what you have to say, so take advantage of this and explain everything as it's happening in an excited voice. ("Wow, mommy's getting her blood pressure taken, I wonder what the number will be. And look at the doctor, doesn't he have an interesting jacket?")

If all else fails, just remember that babies are curious creatures, and a lot of times will be amused with just people-watching and looking around at the places you bring her. Every experience is a learning time for baby, and running errands may be boring to you, but educational for her. Also, don't be afraid to try all options, because you never know what will work with your little munchkin, and you're the one who knows her personality best. Good luck!