diy activities for 12 month old

Diy Activities for 12 Month Olds

By Melissa WalkerApril 18, 2026

At 12 months, your little one is growing rapidly, and so are their cognitive and motor skills. DIY activities at this stage are not just fun but also crucial for your baby's development. They help stimulate your baby's senses, encourage learning, and strengthen your bond. Here are some engaging and age-appropriate DIY activities for your 12-month-old.

Remember, safety is paramount. Always supervise your baby during these activities and ensure all materials are baby-safe and age-appropriate.

Sensory Play

Sensory play helps your baby explore and understand the world around them through touch, sight, sound, and even taste. It's an excellent way to stimulate their senses and promote brain development.

9 Things To Do Everyday with Your 12 Month Old - Happy Toddler Playtime

a baby standing in front of a wall with magnets on it and the words easy activity ideas for 12 months old

At 12 months, your baby is curious and loves to explore. They're also developing their fine motor skills, making sensory play perfect for this stage.

Texture Bags

Create texture bags using zip-top plastic bags and various soft, safe materials like fabric scraps, beans, or rice. Seal the bags tightly and let your baby squish and explore the different textures.

ten montessoi activities for 12 - 18 month olds to help them learn how to play

For added fun, you can draw or write the name of the material inside the bag. This helps introduce your baby to new words and concepts.

Sensory Bin

A sensory bin is a large container filled with various materials like rice, water beads, or sand. Add small toys, scoops, and cups to encourage your baby to dig, pour, and explore.

You can also create themed sensory bins. For instance, a 'farm' bin could include small plastic animals, pebbles, and wooden sticks for fences. This encourages imaginative play and storytelling.

12-18 Month Old Toddler Development: Fun and Easy Activities to do at Home.

a toddler playing with toys on the floor in front of some baby's artwork

Easy Toddler Activities, Baby Play Activities, Physical Activities For Kids, Homeschool Preschool Activities, Nursery Activities, Kindergarten Learning Activities, Baby Learning Activities, Fun Classroom Activities, Daycare Activities

a baby sitting on the floor playing with an egg carton that says 6 ways to spice up 9 - 12 month play

Fine Motor Skills Development

At 12 months, your baby is starting to use their hands more purposefully. DIY activities that promote fine motor skills help strengthen their hand muscles and improve their dexterity.

These activities also help your baby develop important skills like holding a pencil, picking up small objects, and manipulating toys.

Playdough Mats

Create playdough mats using cardstock or foam board. Draw shapes, letters, or numbers on the mat and let your baby trace and manipulate the playdough to fit the shapes.

Instagram Activities For Toddlers 18-24 Months, 18-24 Month Activities, Fine Motor Activities For 1 Year, Sensory Activities For 12-24 Months, Activity For 12 Month Old, Games For 18 Month Old, 24 Month Old Activities, Activities For 24-36 Months, Fine Motor Activities For Infants 1218 Months

18 Simple, Developmental Fine Motor Activities for Infants 9-12 Months Old

the baby is playing with his colorful art project on the floor, and then making it look like he's getting ready to paint

Simple Edible Foam Recipe for Sensory Bins

a baby is sitting on the floor playing with some blue plastic birds and looking at it

Edible Play Sand...Made with Cheerios!! (Video)

The Best Easy And Fun Activities For 12-Month-Olds | Glad To Be Mama

Activity Ideas for 12-18 Month-Olds — Oh Hey Let's Play

many different pictures with the words 27 easy things to do at home with your 12 month old

This activity helps your baby develop fine motor skills and introduces them to basic shapes and letters. Plus, it's a fun way to keep them engaged and quiet for a while!

Stringing Activities

Stringing activities involve threading large beads, pasta, or cheerios onto a shoelace or pipe cleaner. This helps your baby develop their pincer grasp, a crucial skill for holding a pencil later on.

Start with large beads or cheerios, then gradually introduce smaller ones as your baby's skills improve. Always supervise your baby during these activities to prevent choking hazards.

Language and Cognitive Development

At 12 months, your baby is starting to understand simple words and may even say their first words. DIY activities that promote language and cognitive development help your baby's brain grow and strengthen their communication skills.

These activities also provide opportunities for you to talk to your baby, sing songs, and read stories, all of which are crucial for their language development.

Storytime with Props

Create a simple story using props like stuffed animals, puppets, or even household items. As you tell the story, use the props to illustrate the characters and events.

This activity helps your baby develop language skills, improves their attention span, and fosters a love for reading. Plus, it's a fun way to bond with your little one!

Matching Games

Create simple matching games using pairs of objects like socks, buttons, or pictures. Place the objects face down and help your baby find the matches.

This activity helps your baby develop cognitive skills like memory, concentration, and problem-solving. It also introduces them to the concept of 'same' and 'different'.

As your baby grows and changes, so will their interests and abilities. The key is to keep activities fresh, engaging, and fun. Happy exploring!