Product test
Utensils that work well together
by Pia Seidel
Ten everyday objects that will sooth your crying baby
13.11.2018
Translation: Eva Francis
It’s tough when your baby won’t stop crying or is upset all day. These everyday objects stimulate the little ones' curiosity and hopefully make your baby forget why he or she was crying.
For this reason, I've been looking for everyday objects that will keep my little one entertained for a little longer. These products are also great for anyone who’s babysitting and doesn’t have toys.
Everyday objects that will do anything but bore your baby
Storage containers
Plastic storage containers are hard but don’t break easily. Their shape and material are interesting and fun for babies to discover with their mouth. If the containers come in bright colours, even better.
Silicone baking dishes
Small silicone baking dishes are easy to grip even with tiny baby hands and can be moved and squeezed in all directions. The outer surfaces are often ribbed, which is fascinating for babies to explore with their tongue.
Drinking straws
They’re long, unusual, bendable and can’t break. If one straw gets too boring, just hand your baby two or three more and see what happens.
Wooden cooking spoons
Silicone, wood, metal, round, straight, angular, with a hole, with an indentation – cooking utensils are made of a range of materials and come in so many different shapes that your baby can spend hours exploring them. As soon he or she notices that the object makes noise when it is hit on a surface, your little one will be busy for even longer. But yes, your ears won’t thank you.
Balloons
Once inflated, a balloon is sure to make your baby laugh. WATCH OUT: A balloon can burst and the small parts are dangerous if swallowed. For this reason, do not inflate it too much and never leave your baby alone with a balloon.
Coasters
Small coasters made of cork or plastic aren't only useful for glasses or pans, they also make for great toys.
Tissues
Babies love to chew on closed packs of tissues for minutes on end. Once it's open, I don't recommend using it any more, as the paper issues could get wet or even eaten. On top of this, the sticky opening may cause danger of suffocation (input from a customer in the course «Emergencies with small children»).
Toothbrushes
The bristles of a soft toothbrush for adults or children feel good in a baby's mouth and on their growing teeth. And as a welcome side effect, babies get to know what a toothbrush is before their first tooth appears.
Depending on the age of your child, try experimenting with the size and materials of objects. Be careful when the little ones start to get teeth. After this moment, some objects will no longer be suitable – or will be well chewed on in no time at all. For reasons of hygiene, I recommend only to use objects that you can wash off, put in the dishwasher or throw away after your baby is done with the new toy.
Typical baby toys
You've read this article and still prefer to use toys that were designed especially for babies? Or you're just not into experimenting with unusual toys? No problem! We have a huge range of toys for all ages. Have fun browsing!
Go to our full range of baby toys.
Know of any other great everyday objects that will sooth a crying baby? Go ahead and use the comment field below this article to share your tips. Don't want to miss out on any tips, tricks and topics about babies and toddlers? Follow my profile.
I’m the cook, cleaner, police officer, nurse, entertainer, motivator, author, storyteller, coach, organiser, chauffeur, lawyer and judge. To put it simply, I’m a mum to a daughter and not just a (Content) Manager at the office but also at home.
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