Are you planning a family outing at the restaurant but don’t know how to survive going along with your one-year-old child? It is pretty understandable if you are thinking of how to keep 1 year old busy at a restaurant because they can be a handful. One-year-olds are toddlers that love to play and run around a lot. Getting them to sit quietly at the restaurant will require much effort. You might not enjoy your outing if you don’t find suitable ways to keep them calm. If this is your current predicament, read on as we show you vital steps to solve this problem.
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10 ways to keep 1 year old busy at a restaurant:
1. Order their favorite food and drinks
No doubt your toddler eats their favorite meals with total concentration. I guess that’s why it is called “favorite.” Ordering their favorites is one sure way of keeping your one-year-old engaged for a large part of your time at the restaurant. Remember to add their favorite drinks.
2. Go with their favorite toys.
Kids love to play, and you will do them a big favor by giving them objects to play with. When looking for how to keep 1 year old busy at a restaurant, give them their toys to play with. Ensure you also give them their favorite because that is the only way they won’t get bored quickly.
3. Get a Magic Reflection Ball
The magic reflection ball is one way to keep your 1-year-old from getting out of hand at the restaurant. The ball is fascinating and can keep your baby concentrated on it for a long time. The magic reflection ball makes your child laugh while they try to unravel the mystery behind it. You can check out the People Brain Builders Magic reflection ball Mirror for Babies on Amazon.
4. Go with crayons and drawing paper.
Give a child some drawing paper and crayons, or you get a baby art paper pad for finger painting, drawing, and coloring. They will stay glued to a spot for a long time. Kids love to be creative, and they have great fun drawing and scribbling. How to keep 1 year old busy at a restaurant? Take along enough crayons and drawing paper for them to have fun with.
5. Take a play mat along
While playing with their toys, some are likely to roll on the floor. When dining out with your 1-year-old, taking a baby mat with you will help them feel more comfortable. Rather than sit or run around while playing, especially with their toys, they could as well roll all they want on the play mat. Also, they won’t feel restricted if they have to play on the mat. If you don’t have one already, check out the baby play mat reversible and waterproof on Amazon.
6. Go to child-friendly restaurants.
How to keep 1 year old busy at a restaurant? Patronize restaurants that have a section for kids. You can enjoy your meal better knowing your child is having fun in their area.
7. Take advantage of off hours.
When going to the restaurant with kids, it is best to go at off hours when the place is less busy. Restaurants also have fewer crowds during off hours. That will help your baby relax as they can engage in playful activities without many distractions. You will also feel more relaxed knowing that your toddler is not a bother to many people.
8. Take along diapers and wipes.
Your one-year-old will be relaxed to enjoy themselves at the restaurant when their diapers are clean and fresh. Dirty diapers will make your toddler cranky, and you don’t want that on your family outing. You should take along some extra diapers and wipes and change the diaper if they should soil those they have on.
9. Pick a seat at the corner.
Where you sit at the restaurant will determine how calm your toddler can be. If you want them to be busy with their childish plays while you enjoy your meal, you should pick a seat at the corner. That way, you won’t have too many people surrounding you. That can give your family privacy and give your toddler freedom to be themselves.
10. Don’t spend too much time.
Even if you plan to enjoy your outing at the restaurant, spending only a reasonable time there would be best. You don’t want your toddler to get bored after playing for so long.
Conclusion
With the suggestions discussed above on how to keep 1 year old busy at a restaurant, you should have a blast when you next visit one with your toddler. These steps will also make your baby look forward to such outings as they know it won’t be a boring time where you spend half of the time chasing after them. You will bond better with your toddler when your outings go well.
