Last summer I visited my friend Lesley shortly after her second baby Owen was born. We sat on her couch chit-chatting about life and motherhood, when he started to cry. As she got ready to nurse him, her toddler Anna promptly asked for the “nursing bag”. Lesley nodded in approval and minutes later Anna reappeared with a special bag full of toys and books that she only had access to while Lesley was breastfeeding. And then she sat on the floor, quietly, while Lesley nursed and we continued to talk.
Brilliant.
Likewise, we have a special bin of toys in Everett’s closet that he is only allowed to play with during independent play time. And let me tell you: there is something magical about toys that are only available some of the time. Every morning when I pull that bin out, Everett’s face lights up like he’s never seen those toys before. He picks a few handfuls to dump into his crib, and plays for 30-45 minutes in his room by himself.
Magic I tell you.
Now that we’re 12 weeks out from adding another baby to our clan (!!!), I’m starting to get our ducks in a row. We’ve got a nursery to decorate, a toddler bed to transition into, and a nursing bag to create.
Here’s what I have planned for ours so far:
1. Drawstring backpack ($5.60) – Simple, multi-functional, classic. And you can’t beat the price.
2. Finger puppets ($4.99) – These are just plain cute. Great for encouraging imaginative play.
3. Shape puzzle ($10) – Everett is obsessed with puzzles, and I love that this one teaches shapes and colors. Plus, it’s the perfect size for our little bag. Use promo code wmHEARTr for 10% off and check out Becky’s blog here.
4. Wooden tow truck ($40) – If there is one thing we can never have enough of, it’s toy cars and trucks. This little set comes with a tow truck, car, and two little “passengers” to add to the fun. Best of all? They’re handcrafted in the good ole USA. Use promo code SUMMER10 for 10% off any purchase through the end of August.
5. Touch and feel flashcards ($8.99) – We have the “first words” version of these flashcards and Everett still loves them one year later. Another set would be a guaranteed win.
6. String-a-farm ($12.99) – Encourages fine motor skills and manual dexterity, plus you can just play with the animals individually. Cute, cute.
7. Classic ball and cup game ($6) – I’m not sure if Everett would be able to do this, but his athletic ability and hand/eye coordination never ceases to amaze me. At any rate, he’d have a blast trying. Handcrafted in the USA and available in multiple colors (from all natural dyes). Use promo code GADD10 for 10% your purchase.
8. Wooden balancing game ($18) – Helps build intuition about weight, balance, and motion. You pick your own animals and wood (so many options!). Handcrafted in USA from American hardwood. Use promo code “Ashlee” for 10% off through the end of August.
9. Latches board ($21.08) – Everyone I know who has one of these, raves about it. Plus it’s the #1 bestseller in “pegged puzzles” on Amazon so I’m sold.
Any other ideas for a busy bag? Do tell.
