Indoor baby activities: easy ideas for rainy days at home
4 min read
Quick answer
Good indoor baby activities are floor play, tummy time, reading, singing, water play with cups and sponges, and simple games like peek-a-boo or hide the toy. You can do them with things already in your kitchen. Supervise water play closely and check toys for small parts.
- Kitchen items make great baby toys
- Floor time beats time in a seat
- Never leave your baby alone with water
- Check toys for small parts and loose batteries
- Skip the TV: avoid screen time for babies
What indoor activities can I do with my baby?
The best indoor baby activities are simple and close to you. The NHS suggests reading, talking and singing while you hold your baby, and putting toys within reach for them to grab, push and pull.
Give your baby lots of time on the floor. Lying on their back to kick, wriggling about and supervised tummy time are all good for muscle development.
- Read a picture book and describe what you see
- Sing nursery rhymes and act out the actions
- Dance with your baby held in your arms
- Play peek-a-boo from behind a cushion or tea towel
- Stack a few plastic cups or blocks and knock them down together
- Take turns clapping hands
What can I do with my baby on a rainy day?
A rainy day is a good excuse to set up a few short activities and rotate them. Try one, then move on when your baby loses interest.
- Water play: fill a washing-up bowl with a little water and offer unbreakable things like plastic bottles, a sponge, a colander, a funnel and spoons
- Kitchen band: by 9 months most babies bang two things together, so offer wooden spoons and a plastic tub
- Hide and find: hide a toy under a blanket and encourage your baby to find it
- Pass it back: take turns passing a toy back and forth
- Story corner: build a cosy spot with cushions and read together
- Helper time: let a toddler help sort washing or unpack shopping
Indoor activities by age
Match the activity to what your baby is doing now rather than their exact age. These are typical ranges, and every baby is different.
- Newborn to 3 months: chest tummy time, face-to-face chat, singing while holding them
- 3 to 6 months: toys within reach, kicking on a play mat, picture books
- 6 to 9 months: floor play with toys just out of reach to encourage crawling or rolling, simple water play
- 9 to 12 months: hide the toy, peek-a-boo with a cloth they pull off, passing a toy back and forth
- 12 months and over: action songs, dancing, helping with simple jobs around the house
How to keep indoor play safe
Even water under 5 centimetres (2 inches) deep is enough for a baby to drown in. Stay with a young child at all times in the bath or during water play, even for a moment.
- Check toys for sharp edges or small parts your baby could swallow
- Do not give toys labelled 'not suitable for children under 36 months' to a child under 3
- Keep button batteries away from children and make sure battery compartments are screwed shut
- If your child might have swallowed a button battery, go to A&E straight away or call 999 (or your local emergency number)
- Once your baby is crawling, check the floor is safe and clear before play
Should I limit bouncers and screens on indoor days?
When you are stuck inside, it is tempting to lean on the bouncer or the TV. The NHS suggests walkers, bouncers and seats for no more than 20 minutes at a time, as long spells can delay walking and sitting. Short uses while you shower or cook are fine.
The NHS advises avoiding screen time for babies and toddlers. A video call with grandparents is a nice exception, as long as you do it together.
Sources
We check this guide against these sources. It is general information, not medical advice: speak to your health visitor, GP or paediatrician about your own baby.
Questions parents ask
How do I entertain my baby at home without toys?
You are the main toy. Talking, singing, dancing with your baby in your arms and peek-a-boo need nothing at all. Kitchen items like plastic cups, a colander and wooden spoons work brilliantly. Just check that anything you hand over is too big to swallow and has no sharp edges.
Is water play safe for babies?
Yes, with an adult right there the whole time. Use only a little water in a bowl or the bath and stay within arm's reach. The NHS warns that water under 5 centimetres (2 inches) deep is enough for a baby to drown in, so never leave them alone with it, even briefly.
Can I take my baby out in the rain?
Yes, if everyone is dressed for it. The NHS says outdoor play helps babies learn about their surroundings, and a short walk can lift a long indoor day for both of you. Keep your baby dry and warm, and head home if they seem cold or unsettled.
My baby gets bored indoors. Is that normal?
Yes. Babies often lose interest in one activity after a few minutes. Rotate two or three simple ideas, change rooms, or let them watch you do an everyday job while you chat. A change of scene, even to a different window, can be enough to settle them.