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Educational toddler activities that promote development through play!

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Category: Toy Reviews

Home / Toy Reviews
Tesalate Beach Towel review pin
Toy Reviews Uncategorized

Review – Tesalate Beach Towel: Is it the perfect towel?

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on January 19, 2021January 15, 2021Leave a Comment on Review – Tesalate Beach Towel: Is it the perfect towel?

I was approached by Tesalate a few weeks ago, to see if we would be interested in trying one of their sand-free towels for review. I had heard really positive …

The trolley strap pin
Toy Reviews

Product Review – The Trolley Strap

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on November 19, 2020November 2, 2020Leave a Comment on Product Review – The Trolley Strap

Have you ever had that feeling, when you discover something new and your discovery just makes sense? Scrolling through Instagram one night, I came across a product that just made …

Bright Star Kids Review
Toy Reviews

Bright Star Kids Name Labels Review

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on January 13, 2020December 29, 2019Leave a Comment on Bright Star Kids Name Labels Review

I was recently approached by Bright Star Kids with the opportunity to review their back to school name labels. With the new school year looming and a box full of …

Book Reviews Toy Reviews Uncategorized

Jungle Bingo: Toy Review

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on December 19, 2019August 14, 2019Leave a Comment on Jungle Bingo: Toy Review

Does your family love board games or are you looking at starting your own board game collection? You NEED to check out the latest release from Laurence King Publishing : …

  • 🎈 Baby Balloon Play 🎈 

For something different we attached a balloon. With freshly filed baby nails and a splash of water in the bottom of the balloon, we presented him with his entertainment for however long it kept his attention. 

To begin with, he laid with his arms back behind his head just staring at the balloon. With a bit of encouragement, his curious hands began to investigate. Before too long, him and his frame were moving across the mat with all his movements. 

His loofah is still number one, however he did enjoy rolling around underneath his balloon. 

βœ… Gross Motor Skills
βœ… Hand Eye Coordination
βœ… Spatial Awareness
βœ… Cause and Effect

Inspired by @play_at_home_mummy πŸ’œ

#babyplaytime #playwithbaby #grossmotorskills #playtime #playtimefun #developmentthroughplay #learningthroughplay #babyframe
  • 🌈 Ball Run 🌈

After sharing Mr 17 weeks and I’s early morning play in stories this morning, we had a lot of questions about our ball run. 

I have added this ball run to our featured resources via the link in bio πŸ™Œ 

Our whole family love building with these tiles! They are such a valuable open ended resource! 

#magnetictiles #ballrun #openendedtoys #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #learningisfun #playtolearn #ballrun #meaningfulplay #playathome
  • πŸ‡¦πŸ‡ΊπŸ“š Possum Magic Bookish Play πŸ“šπŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί

πŸ“£ COMING SOON πŸ“£

Calling all parents, carers, teachers, early childhood educators and child development professionals! 

We have been privileged enough to enjoy a sample of a brand new subscription from Little Wooden Toybox! 

Highlighting a popular book, each week there are a range of printables to further develop comprehension of the literature and other learning areas through play! 

I just love how both Miss 6 and Miss 3 have been able to benefit from our Possum Magic themed collection! 

Comment below and I’ll let you know as soon as it has been released! 😘

#bookishplay #subscriptionforkids #subscriptionfortoddler #learningthroughplay #learning #comprehension #teachersofinstagram #aussieliterature #possummagic #earlyliteracymatters #earlychildhoodeducation #earlychildhoodeducator #playathome #learnathome #teacherresources #teacherprintables #preprimary #toddleractivities #readingwithkids #readingtime #funwithbooks
  • 🌱 Seeds Exploration 🌱 

The girls were tired this morning after a later night last night. They were driving each other a bit batty so we went for a walk. To give them a bit of direction (and to help them leave each other alone), we went on a seed hunt! We collected seeds, pods and nuts - there were so many varieties! 

We then dropped into the store to get some yummy stone fruits so we could inspect the seeds from these too. Miss 6 asked if we could try growing them. From there we spent the afternoon smashing nuts and pits to reveal the seeds, then placing them in vials with damp cotton. 

Watch this space! Hopefully we will be showing you a plum tree and some gum trees 🌳 

#growingseeds #seeds #natureplay #biology #playinspiredmum #sciencewithkids #experimentalplay
  • 🌈 Baby’s First Felt Busy Book 🌈 

Mr 16w has really found his hands this week. He loved exploring his @bookywoo felt book this morning. 

His hands were exploring the different textures, running his fingers between the ribbons and materials. 

We even managed to slip in some tummy time while the contrasting shapes caught his attention πŸ™Œ

Love this book? Use coupon code PLAYINSPIREDMUM15 to get a 15% discount 😘

#playinspiredmum #feltbook #busybook #lookbook #babyplay #babyplayideas #tummytime #tummytimehack #playtolearn #learningthroughplay #sensoryplay #parentingunplugged #mummyblogger
  • πŸƒ Baby Nature Play πŸƒ 

I love incorporating nature into our play. On the way home from collecting gum leaves for our pet stick insects, I noticed Mr 16w watching the leaves. A prime clip on his frame and we had a happy chappy exploring the leaves. No fussing for ages - take that #forthleap! πŸ’ͺ 

Super multi sensory experience between the sound, smell, texture and gentle swaying of the leaves as his hands brushed through them.

πŸƒ Grasping
πŸƒ Hand eye coordination 
πŸƒ Spatial awareness
πŸƒ Cause and effect
πŸƒ Fine motor skills
πŸƒ Gross motor skills
πŸƒ Cognitive development

#playinspiredmum #babyplay #natureplayb#babynatureplay #playtime #babyplaytime #learningthroughplay #wonderweeks #happybaby #babyplayhack #babyplayhacks #mummyblogger #aussiemumbloggers
  • πŸ’¦ Tummy Time Splash πŸ’¦

Continuing on our quest to find Mr 16w happiness while tummy timing, we gave him a little baking dish with some water and cups. 

It bought us an extra few minutes before he started protesting. He did really enjoy watching Miss 3 scoop and pour water between the cups. 

Thank goodness for our Rudie Nudie Waterproof Playmat! There was water splashed everywhere. Luckily it was sucked up quickly and the waterproof backing prevented the water from getting on the carpet! 

There is a link on our resource page to save 10% off your own Rudie Nudie too πŸ˜‰

#playinspiredmum #tummytime #tummytimehack #playwithbaby #babyplay #babyplayideas #learningthroughplay #sensoryplay #sensoryaywithbabies #playtime
  • πŸƒ Leaf Anatomy πŸƒ 

We are very lucky to be surrounded by a plentiful variety of flora. We collected samples during this mornings walk. 

We then sorted by attributes including

🍁 shape
🍁 texture
🍁 veins
🍁 edges

#playinspiredmum #natureplay #groundingplay #explorativeplay #sciencewithkids #earlynumber #leaves
  • ⚫️βšͺ️ Baby Contrasts βšͺ️⚫️

We moved Mr 16w contrasts sheets from his change to table to his play mat this morning. 

Although he had seen them about 5-6 times a day already, they held his attention for his longest tummy time yet! Just goes to show, location, location, location πŸ˜†

That was until his sister came to join in. He seemed very happy to be relieved of his work out πŸ˜‰
#playinspiredmum #tummytime #babycontrast #grossmotorforbabies #babyplaytime #playwithbabies #babyplayhacks #babyplayideas #tummytimehack
  • πŸ’¦ Sponge Water Bombs πŸ’¦ 

After having a blast with some water balloons recently, the girls had been asking to get some. Although they are so much fun, I struggle with the waste element of them. So to replicate the play, we made some that can be reused again and again! 

Surprisingly they weren’t all that interested in throwing them at each other so we drew targets on the fence. They loved it!

#playinspiredmum #grossmotorskills #handeyecoordination #sponges #craftidea #diyplayideas #playhack #diyplaythings #summerfun #waterplay #finemotorskills
  • πŸͺž Tummy Time Inspiration πŸͺž 

Mr 15w and I were hanging out on his play mat when I thought I might pop into the kitchen to get some aluminium foil. The plan was to tape a square on the carpet to engage Mr 15w in his tummy time session. Then amongst the mess the girls had made, I noticed this baking dish thing they use in their toy kitchen. Propped up on the kinderboard and it worked a treat! The light shone off it beautifully and held Mr 15w attention for a good few minutes- yes, he still is not a fan... at all! Getting stronger though! πŸ’ͺ 

#playinspiredmum #tummytime #tummytimeideas #playhacks #babyplay #babyplayhacks #babyplayideas #babyplayidea #tummytimefun #mummyblogger
  • πŸŒ‹ Volcano Discovery πŸŒ‹ 

To further understand volcanoes, we set up a little experiment. Referring to our volcano book, Miss 3 and Miss 6 used sheets of paper and some dried mung beans to represent layers of the earth. A few pieces to create a little setting before the tectonic plates started shifting! 

#playinspiredmum #sciencewithkids #scienceexperiment #volcanoes #earthquakes #smallworld #smallworldplay #learning #makinglearningfun #funlearning #funlearningathome #bookishplay #pantryplayideas
  • ✨ Sensory PomPom Shakers ✨

With tummy time becoming increasingly challenging since Mr 14w learnt how to roll over, we impulsively gave him something to help keep his attention. The girls had been playing dress ups and one of their pom poms was hanging out of the box. As Mr 14w start to grump, I placed the sparkly strands in front of him. He stayed on his belly for a good few minutes longer (which is huge for him).

Once he rolled, we then used it as a prop for some sensory play. He loved the way it felt and he seemed to respond to the sound too!

I was very mindful of him trying to mouth the streamers. For this reason, whenever he started to bring them to his mouth, they were removed from his hands - definitely not something to encourage your baby to mouth! πŸ˜‰

#playinspiredmum #sensoryplay #sensoryplayforbabies #babysensory #babysensoryplay #playtolearn #tummytime #tummytimefun #babyplayhacks #babyplayideas
  • ✨ Magic Milk✨

Colours dancing across the surface with the most delicate touch of a cotton tip! Is it even the holidays if you haven’t done this super easy science experiment?

Search β€˜Milky Tray’ via link in bio to learn how or comment below and I’ll send you the direct link πŸŒˆπŸ˜‰

#playinspiredmum #magicmilk #science #scienceforkids #scienceathome #simplescience #learningthroughplay #funwithscience #mummyblogger
  • πŸŒͺ Tornado Bottle πŸŒͺ

Miss 6 was keen to do a science experiment today however Mr 15w had other plans for Mummy 🐨 

Within 10 minutes we created this little contraption using some things around the house. 

Fill a plastic bottle two thirds the way up with water. Add a tiny drop of dishwashing liquid and a sprinkle of glitter. Secure a second bottle (the same size), opening to opening with some tape. Turn it over, give it a swirl and presto! Tornado in a bottle πŸ˜‰

Everyone in the house enjoyed this little science experiment. In hindsight, next time we will use smaller bottles so they are easier to manage.

#playinspiredmum #createrecycleandplay #sciencewithkids #tornado #scienceexperimentsforkids #scienceexperiments #playtolearn #learningthroughplay
  • πŸ₯ 🎢 Loose Parts Music Play 🎢 πŸ₯ 

I was packing away some random bowls, scoops and bottles that the girls had been using for a tea party earlier in the afternoon when Mr 14w started to become unsettled. 

When I placed these next too him, before I intended to pick him up, the sound of them clanking together caught his attention. From there we clanked and twanged all the vessels together. He loved listening to the sounds!

Miss 3 heard the commotion and grabbed some of her toy drum sticks to join in too. We spent a good 20 minutes exploring the different sounds, creating rhythms and beats.

#playinspiredmum #noisemakers #looseparts #babyplayhacks #babyactivities #activitiesforbabies #activitiesforbabiesandtoddlers #loosepartsplay #causeandeffect #learningthroughplay #makingmusic #witchinghour #sensoryplay #babysensoryplay
  • πŸ’¦ Baby Water Play πŸ’¦ 

Mr 14w was having a right grump of a morning. To try and snap him out of his funk, we set up this super simple water sensory play activity.

Literally, a baking dish half full of water for him to splash about in with his feet πŸ™Œ 

To say he loved it would be an understatement! The water seemed to be the perfect distraction from his worries. We took turns spooning water over his feet, experimenting with different heights so the water would sound and feel different. 

Our waterproof Rudie Nudie play mat sucked up the spilt water beautifully, protecting the carpet. I was impressed with how it held the water, especially after the girls got their feet in the dish too! For more info on the mat (and a 10% discount) check out the link on our resource page in the bio 😘

#playinspiredmum #babysensoryplay #babyplay #sensoryplayforbabies #moodbooster #waterplay #babywaterplay#playmat #sensoryplay #babyplayhacks #babyactivities #babyplayideas #learningthroughplay #buildingbrains #playingwithbaby #makingmemories #mummyblogger #aussiemumblogger #aussiemumbloggers #playtolearn #meaningfulplay #easybabyplay
  • 🌈 Magnetic Tile Rainbow 🌈 

Inspired by the rainbow song Mr 14w’s nursery rhyme song book, Miss 6 made her own rainbow using our magnetic tiles. 

The challenge certainly offered opportunities to develop resilience and problem solving skills. She stuck to the task at hand, took on advice when she asked for it and made a beautiful rainbow 🌈 

#playinspiredmum #rainbow #magnetictiles #magnetictilescreations #magnetictilesaustralia #rainbows #learningthroughplay #openendedplay #playtolearn #parentingunplugged #childhoodunplugged #aussiemumbloggers #mummyblogger
  • 🍼 Baby Loofah Sensory Play 🍼 

A little left of centre but I am not kidding when I say that this is Mr 14w favourite toy at the moment.

We suspended a pink (unused) loofah to his A-frame. We offered a little encouragement to start him off by brushing the loofah against his hands. It didn’t take long before he was reaching, gripping and rolling onto his side with his new discovery. 

Busy hands were working on gripping the loofah. He was mouthing it and lifting his feet to it. When he lost his grip, his little arms would bat at it until he coordinated its retrieval. 

After a little time passed, we repositioned his frame to give his feet some game time. Mr 14w protested after a few minutes so we moved the frame back within the reach of his hands. He loves his loofah! 

βœ… sensory play
βœ… fine motor skills
βœ… gross motor skills
βœ… grasping
βœ… cause and effect
βœ… hand eye coordination 
βœ… visual tracking 

#playinspiredmum #sensorybaby #babysensoryplay #playathome #babyplay #playideasforbabies #playtolearning #learningthroughplay #babyboy #babyplayhacks #playhacks #babyactivities #mumblog #mummyblogger #playideas #aussiemumbloggers #aussiemum
  • 🌈 Ball Run Rattle 🌈 

Miss 6 kindly made her brother a rattle using pieces from her magnetic tile ball run. 

While he need to wait until he is older to play with them, he loved watching the ball spin through the coloured tubes- great for visual tracking and getting some smiles! 

#playinspiredmum #siblings #creativeplay #diyrattle #visualtracking #babyplay #babyplayideas #learningthroughplay #brotherandsister #openendedtoys #buildingbrains #causeandeffect #activitiesforbabies #playwithbaby
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