20 Best Quiet-Time Activities for Young Children

Jenna Sims

Whether your child is transitioning out of naps, or you need a quiet activity to keep him or her occupied while you work, these quiet-time activities will allow your kids to explore, create, and play on their own.

Smart Stackers

Ring stackers have long been considered a great starter toy for children because it promotes fine-motor-skill development. “But these toys do more than boost dexterity, ” says Kirsten Cullen Sharma, Psy.D. and clinical assistant professor at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU Langone’s Child Study Center in New York City, “They can also encourage cognitive development.” The …

Green Items for Baby’s Play Time

Never before have there been so many amazing eco-friendly products available to parents. Here are some of our favorites. 1. BabyBjörn’s Travel Crib Light, made with Oeko-Tex fabrics, comes with a lightweight carrying case and fitted mattress ($300, buybjorn.com). 2. The reclaimed rubberwood Bird Walker features parrots that peck as you push ($100, plantoys.com). 3. Tummy time gets an upgrade …