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If your child is 19 months old, you can expect more running around, exploration, destroying things, and curiosity. Since your child is now walking more than crawling, you’ll need to incorporate specific activities and learning games for 19-month-old babies to redirect their energy into learning and educational activities while having fun. Appropriate activities for this age group help to enhance your child’s cognitive functioniThe ability of the brain that helps one obtain, process, store, and use information. and physical development. Engaging in age-appropriate activities fosters cognitive and physical skills and enhances emotional and social development. These activities can help strengthen the parent-child bond, as they promote interactive learning and communication, which are essential for overall development during this critical period. We have compiled a list of interesting games and activities for your 19-month-old to keep them engaged and entertained.
Key Pointers
- At 19 months old, children are more active and curious; engaging them in activities can help redirect their energy into fun learning.
- Activities like Family Album, Counting with Fingers, and Walk the Path promote cognitive function and physical development in toddlers.
- Try to engage in interactive playtime, practice patience and flexibility with game choices, and maintain a safe environment during the activities.
- You may consider opting for childcare and preschools that engage in unstructured playtime during the early years of development.
13+ Learning Activities And Games For 19-Month-Old Baby
Each activity here nurtures a particular developmental milestone or a set of skills in your baby.
1. Making Wheat Dough Balls
Image: Shutterstock
You will need:
- Kneaded wheat flour dough
How to:
Place a large bowl of kneaded dough in front of the baby. Take some in your palm, press it into a ball, and put it on a tray. Ask your baby to do the same. He may find the sticky dough fascinating and play with it by throwing it around. Place a few plastic sheets around to prevent the dough from sticking to other objects. If the baby seems confused, then take his hands in yours and show him how to press the dough into a ball. At the end of the activity, you could bake a few dough balls to record the activity. It is a great way to help your baby indulge in sensory exploration.
Skills developed: Sensory skillsiThe ability to obtain, process, and infer information through the major senses, namely, smell, sight, touch, taste, and hearing. , grip strengthiThe amount of force a person exerts with the hand muscles when gripping an object. , ability to manipulate items
2. Odd One Out
Image: Shutterstock
You will need:
- Small, plastic bucket
- 15-20 white plastic balls
- About ten balls of varied colors
How to:
Put the white plastic balls into the bucket along with one colored ball. Mix them together. Since your little one is now a toddler, he will understand simple instructions and gestures. Ask the baby to find the color ball. He will shuffle through the white balls and spot the colored one. Babies by this age can understand basic colors such as red, blue, and green.
Skills developed: Visual interpretationiThe ability to decipher and infer meaning from visual stimuli, such as photographs, diagrams, charts, and videos. , color perceptioniA process by which the human brain infers and identifies the different wavelengths of light and distinguishes colors. , adhering to instructions
3. Walk The Path
Image: Shutterstock
You will need:
- Colorful adhesive tape
How to:
Toddlers can walk by themselves at 18 months. This makes walking activities ideal for them (1). Stick two parallel lines of tape on the floor. Zigzag the tape so that the space between the two parallel sides twists and turns. Ask your baby to stand on the starting line, and when you say “Start” he should walk in the path between the two lines. He must stay on the path to walk to the finish line. You can make the activity interesting by saying “Freeze!” or asking him to clap his hands while walking. This game can help enhance their motor skills.
Skills developed: Walking skills, muscle dexterityiThe ability to perform a task with coordinated muscle movements. , vision-muscle synchronyiCoordination and integration of visual information and muscles used to accomplish a particular task.
4. Everything in pairs
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You will need:
- Household objects such as spoons, bowls, or fruits and vegetables – all in pairs
How to:
Place a spoon from the pair in front of you in a clean straight line while the rest lie in a pile beside the baby. Ask the baby to pick the other spoon from the pile, and place it next to the first spoon. Ask him to do the same with fruits and other objects and make pairs.
Skills developed: Object-noun associationiA cognitive process in which our brain links an object with its name Object-noun-location association: A mental process in which our brain links an object with its name and a location in which it is usually found. , instruction obedience
5. Where is the nose?
Image: Shutterstock
You will need:
- You, your baby, and your partner
How to:
Let your partner and the baby sit or stand together. Tell them that you will ask a question such as, “Where is the nose?”. Your partner can prompt the baby by touching his nose, which the baby will copy. Ask about other body parts as well. Once the baby starts understanding, your partner can leave the game, and both of you can ask questions together. Babies learn one new word per week between the age of 18 and 24 months (2). This game is a good way to teach him new words and their meanings, and improve his attention span.
Skills developed: Object-noun-location association, noun memory
6. Reading along
Image: Shutterstock
You will need:
- Colorfully illustrated storybook for babies. You can even use a magazine and page through it, naming the things/objects. By repeating it, your little one will memorize and also learn new words and meaning. This is a great way to promote language development in your child.
How to:Skills developed:
Basic alphabet and number learning, overall cognitive skills
7. Counting with fingers
Image: Shutterstock
You will need:
- You and your baby
How to:
Introduce numbers to your baby by counting them on fingers. Demonstrate by counting on your fingers first. Count from one to ten, over and over, so the baby remembers them for longer. It is one of the best learning activities that can help a 19-month-old learn basic numbers.
Skills developed: Basic number-quantity association, memory skills
8. Animal names
Image: Shutterstock
You will need:
- Pictures of animals
How to:
A 19-month-old does not speak perfectly but will remember the sound of words, and you can teach him animal names. Show animal images in a book or even a phone or tablet. Every time you show an animal, point at it and say “That’s a Lion. What is it?” The baby will try repeating the name, but do not worry if he just babbles it. At the end of the activity, you could ask him, “So this a Lion. Yes or No?”. You could say incorrect animal names to check if the baby has registered it correctly the first time. It is also fun to try to make the sounds of the specific animal. You can then point at it, say the name and make the sound.
Skills developed: Object/Image-noun association, memory skills, basic pronunciation
9. The family album
Image: Shutterstock
You will need:
- Family photo album
How to:
Open the photo album in front of the baby and point at individuals in the photographs to ask the baby their name or relation. If the baby seems confused, then prompt him. Repeat the activity but let the baby take the lead.
Quick tipSkills developed: Visual memory, face recognitioniThe ability to identify an individual using their face. , social skills
10. Baby basketball
Image: Shutterstock
You will need:
- A wall-mountable basket or a bucket
How to:
You can buy a junior basketball set available in the market. You could also make a basket with a baseless bucket and hang it at a height on the wall. Alternatively, place a bucket on a table about waist height of the baby to play the game. Give the ball to the little one and ask him to throw it into the basket/bucket. Babies can throw a ball under or overhand by 19 months. Start from a short distance, and increase the distance slowly. This is a great form of physical activity.
Besides basketball, another activity you may do for your child’s muscle strength development and body agility is kicking a ball. Parents of four children, Kaleigh and Quinn Carnahan, share this activity as one of the gross motor skill development games they employed for their 19-month-old son Christian. They say, “At this age, your child should be starting to learn to kick a ball with some precision. The activity we’re going to be doing to work toward that milestone is just playing in the backyard, and we’re going to be encouraging our toddler to kick the ball and then to follow it and kick it again (i).”
Skills developed: Vision-muscle coordination, muscle strength, general body agility
11. Home treasure hunt
Image: Shutterstock
You will need:
- Various toys
- Your partner
How to:
Take your baby’s toys and place them in different rooms. Put them in a manner that they are inconspicuous. Give the baby a basket and tell him to collect the toys from each room. Accompany the baby and if he is unable to find a toy, give him clues and hints. It is a fun family activity that will help promote socialization skills in your 19-month-old.
Skills developed: Walking skills, visual analysis and interpretation skills
12. Hidden Toys
Image: Shutterstock
You will need:
- A blanket and baby’s toys
How to:
Place toys at a distance on the bed while the baby sees you doing it. Cover the toys with a blanket. Now ask for a particular toy. If the baby gets the location right, uncover the blanket to retrieve the toy. This would help him have a memory refresher about locations of other toys. Repeat till the baby has identified all the spots. This game can be a great source of entertainment for you and your child.
Skills developed: Visual memory and observation, object-noun association
13. Trace the drawing
Image: Shutterstock
You will need:
- Drawings with bold and black outline
- Butter paper
How to:
At 19 months, babies love drawing and scribbling. You can use this interest to introduce the little one to art. Buy a tracing book, or you can print traceable drawings at home and purchase butter paper separately. Give the baby a pencil and ask him to trace the images. You can show him the correct way of doing it but keep the images simple and attractive.
Skills developed: Hand-eye coordinationiA critical cognitive skill of performing movements with hands while being guided by the eyes. , basic pencil gripping skills, introduction to art and creativity
Along with activities, there are some pointers which you could employ. These would further aid in the baby’s development.
14. Tickle game
You will need:
- Any soft toy safe for babies to play with
How to:
Select a plush toy that is safe, soft, and appealing to your baby. Use it to tickle your baby’s feet, tummy, and underarms and give a comforting sensory experience. As you tickle, narrate the actions (‘Here comes the tickly bear!’) to enhance language exposure. Pay attention to your baby’s reactions and stop if they seem uncomfortable or overstimulated. Singing a playful song while tickling can make the activity more engaging and enhance auditory learning. Parents can also hide the toy and gently tickle the baby to add an element of surprise and cognitive stimulation. Sharing laughter with your baby strengthens bonding and enhances the fun. This activity not only stimulates laughter and joy but also aids in developing fine motor skills, understanding cause and effect, and strengthening the parent-child bond (3).
Skills developed: Fine motor skills, sensory skills, emotional bonding
5 Good Practices For Parents Of 19-Month-Old
Here are the best ways to ensure the baby gets the maximum benefit out of each activity:
- Encourage interactive play: Let your child actively participate in playtime to enhance engagement and learning. When parents join in, it fosters a deeper connection, allowing toddlers to learn through imitation and shared experiences. This interaction is crucial for your child’s emotional and cognitive development.
- Be patient: A baby can take time to grasp an activity or to play it the right way. Do not fret or lose patience and keep encouraging the baby to do better.
- Skip the game: The baby might not like the game sometimes. If he refuses it more than twice or thrice, then skip that activity and try something different.
- Maintain a schedule: Do not do an activity for days at a stretch. Instead, have a schedule where you have a unique activity every day for the entire week. Plan them out in such a way that the baby gets a comprehensive benefit from many games.
- Baby-proof your house for safety: It is still essential to baby-proof your house since the baby is still curious. Keep dangerous objects, such as sharp items and electronic appliances, beyond the baby’s reach.
Point to considerFrequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I play games with my 19-month-old?
Playing with your baby will not only help in their emotional and physical development but also help you bond with them. Therefore, play with your baby when they look cheerful and playful.
2. Are electronic games appropriate for a 19-month-old?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends no screen time unless the baby reaches two years (5). Even after that, you should limit their screen time as much as possible for their best health.
3. How can I encourage my 19-month-old baby’s cognitive development through play?
Playing games and indulging in activities like drawing, sorting, and playing with sensory toys can help your baby practice their thinking and comprehension skills, thus, helping in their cognitive development (6).
4. Can board games be played with a 19-month-old baby, and if so, which ones are suitable?
No, board games are not appropriate for a 19-month-old baby. Instead, you can give them blocks and colors to play.
5. How can I ensure that the games I play with my 19-month-old baby are safe?
Supervising your baby at all times, giving non-toxic and age-appropriate toys and objects, keeping all edgy and small objects away from their play space, and baby-proofing the house are some ways to ensure your baby’s safety when they’re playing.
6. How can I encourage my 19-month-old baby to play independently?
Giving them toys, such as dolls, blocks, and puzzles, instead of moving and singing toys, enough safe space to move around and play alone in the house under your supervision, and giving them several types of age-appropriate toys will encourage independent play. You may first start with playing together, then gradually move them to independent play (7).
7. Can I incorporate music into playtime with my 19-month-old baby, and if so, how?
Yes, singing and playing songs together and dancing to the tunes can help your baby’s brain and physical development. You can also give them some musical instruments to play with to improve and develop their fine motor skills (8) (9).
8. How can I introduce new games to my 19-month-old baby without overwhelming them?
When introducing new games and activities, introduce them individually when your baby is in a playful mood. Also, participate in the play at first; once your baby learns how to play, you can encourage them to play independently.
Activities enhance babies’ physical and mental development, improve their imagination, and kindle their curiosity. Therefore, you need to introduce age-appropriate activities to them. The different games for 19-month-old babies will keep them engaged and promote learning in a fun way. So, introduce making wheat dough balls, reading animal names to your child, and watch how they interact. Remember to be interactive and patient while conducting social and emotional activities for toddlers. Your child may not like all the games, but it does not matter as long as they gain some benefit from it. Experiment with different cognitive activities for toddlers and see which ones are your child’s favorite.
Infographic: Exciting Activities And Games For A 19-Month-Old Baby
Having a growing baby at home means you always have to be on the lookout for activities and plays to engage them. Also, you need to ensure the games will help them reach their developmental milestones. Check out the infographic below for activities that will support the healthy growth and development of your little one. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Learning Games And Activities For 19-Month-Old Baby
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
Uncover the secrets of an enchanting environment to foster your little one’s growth and development from this video on 50 Montessori-inspired activities to engage and captivate your curious 19-20 month old toddler!
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. How to play with your 19 month old | Baby activities | Developmental milestones | CWTC.https://youtu.be/TqEYIICWf0c?si=9rnyOM7SIg38KuTf
References
- Your toddler’s developmental milestones at 18 months.
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/your-toddlers-developmental-milestones-18-months#:~:text=Your%2018%2Dmonth%2Dold%20toddleras%20a%20cup%20or%20spoon. - Milestones During The First 2 Years.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Milestones-During-The-First-2-Years.aspx - Sachine Yoshida et al.;(2021); Physical contact in parent-infant relationship and its effect on fostering a feeling of safety.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8250458/ - The Power of Play – How Fun and Games Help Children Thrive.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/power-of-play/Pages/the-power-of-play-how-fun-and-games-help-children-thrive.aspx - To grow up healthy, children need to sit less and play more.
https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/24-04-2019-to-grow-up-healthy-children-need-to-sit-less-and-play-more - Thinking and play: toddlers.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/play-learning/play-toddler-development/thinking-play-toddlers - Encouraging Independent Play for Toddlers and Preschoolers.
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/encouraging-independent-play-for-toddlers-and-preschoolers - Indoor play ideas to stimulate young children at home.
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/games-child-development - Baby music: The soundtrack to your child’s development.
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/baby-music-soundtrack-to-development
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