Planning First Playdates: 4 Keys for Success
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sprout Organic Foods for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
I never did much of the “baby playdate” thing. Babies don’t really play with each other after all. However, my daughter just turned two and now loves to interact with other kids, so we’ve started arranging playdates for her.
The idea of planning first playdates doesn’t have to be intimidating! The less complicated you make things, the better (and easier) for everyone. I love watching the kids have a blast together, and it is so wonderful for their social development.
Read on for my favorite tips for planning first playdates as well as a high-value coupon for an exciting new healthy snack!
4 Keys to Success when Planning First Playdates:
Keep it simple
Start small with your first playdate: one or two guests at most. New faces, while exciting, can be a bit stressful. Having a small guest list will also allow your toddler to have a chance to bond and get to know their new friend(s) and keep them from being overwhelmed.
Plus, it’s a lot easier for you to supervise a couple spunky toddlers than it is a whole room of them!
Avoid nap time
When toddlers are tired, no one has fun! Schedule your playdate for a time of day where your child is usually active. Giving your guest’s parents a call beforehand will ensure that their little ones will be well-rested too.
Make it easy on yourself with “free play zones”
With toddlers, you don’t really need to worry about setting up hours of structured activities. Instead, it’s easier to have safe play “zones” ready for them to explore.
Some of our favorites: dollhouse and figurines, outdoor sandbox, water table, large building blocks on the rug.
Happy tummies = happy toddlers
Even if your playdate doesn’t coincide with meal times, having wholesome snacks on hand will keep everyone full and in good spirits.
We love Sprout Organic Baby Food pouches because they are made with real food ingredients like those that you’d find in your own kitchen: no preservatives and nothing artificial! They’re clearly labeled so the flavor names on the pouch match the primary order of the ingredients inside. There are no mysteries and I can feel good about giving them to my kids and our guests.
Sprout offers tasty blends of whole fruits, vegetables, and grains that expose babies and toddlers to a wide range of wholesome foods. Research shows that developing a love of healthy foods early on helps foster healthy eating habits for life. That’s why Sprout is committed to providing the best nutrition and uses only certified-organic, non-GMO ingredients like whole fruits, vegetables and grains. (Read Sprout Organic’s Mission & Values here).
There are four flavors, to please every palate: Mango, Spinach Banana Apple, Blueberry Banana Oatmeal, and Pear Spinach Prune.
Sprout takes their commitment to “Keep it Honest, Make it Real” seriously, and backs their products with an honesty pledge.
I’m excited that these Sprout Pouches are now available at my local Target in Houston! Be sure to grab this downloadable Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Sprout Coupon so you can try the new Sprout Pouch flavors for yourself!
Make sure to grab a few to have on hand for your next playdate! Here’s Where to Buy Sprout Organic Baby Food.
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