Playful.Movements on LTK

Day 29 of Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids 🎄 This toddler gymnastics bar has been one of our most-used indoor toys — and the developmental benefits are huge. Hanging helps build grip strength, shoulder stability, and vestibular input. My 3-year-old loves it… and even my 16-month-old could hang for a few seconds on her own 👏 (And no, this isn’t a risk for nursemaid’s elbow — SHE is supporting herself and engaging her own muscles!) We use it for core strength, coordination, confidence building, and fun indoor movement all winter long. Plus it folds up in seconds, which is a win for small spaces 🙌 Linking our gymnastics bar for kids below 🎁 LTKHoliday LTKKids LTKGiftGuide

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FBSPORT Gymnastics Bar for Kids, Adjustable Height Gymnastic Horizontal Bars,Junior Training Bar ... | Amazon (US)

Fortunately, I do love these things as a pediatric physical therapist 💕

#LTKKids #LTKBaby

Yall, toddler birks that are actually healthy for our toddlers feet?! I’m so excited!

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

E is so proud of her creations that she makes at school and now they go perfectly in our playroom!

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

You’ve got a friend in me ❤️

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

If your toddler is chewing on shirts, toys, or literally anything they can find… you’re not alone 😅

Instead of constantly saying “that doesn’t belong in your mouth,” I’m focusing on redirecting that need with safer, more appropriate options 👏

✔️ Chew-safe tools
✔️ Easy grab options throughout the day
✔️ Blowing + resistance activities for oral input (we call this heavy work!)

You can also offer more intense flavors/textures (think crunchy, sour, cold, etc.) to help meet that sensory need…BUT if you’re in a picky eater phase like we are, that one might not always be an option right now 🙃

Meeting the need > fighting the behavior 💛

Ranking our Tonies because I hear them 100x a day 😅

Some are elite.
Some are questionable.
One is on thin ice (looking at you Elsa).

Drop your favorite and worst Tonie below 👇

#toddlermom #toddlerplay #tonies

This kept my toddlers busy WAY longer than I expected 👀

All I did was add a little color to water + set out some squeeze bottles, vials, and bowls

Pouring + mixing = instant entertainment 🙌🏼

#toddlermom #toddlerplay #outdoorplay #toddlerplayideas

#LTKKids #LTKmomlife

It’s already 96 deg here in west Texas 🥵

We literally use a collapsible dog pool because it gets the job done and I don’t have to inflate or deflate anything lol

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids #LTKSeasonal

Jumping progression and age ranges from a pediatric PT! Remember, development is a range, this is just when we look for these skills!

There’s a full progression that starts with the ‘almost jump’ (aka bend + bounce with no liftoff 😅)

If you’ve been wondering whether your toddler is on track, this is a great quick guide to what’s age-appropriate.

Save this for later so you know what to look for next 👇

Need more jumping tips? Let me know and I’ll make a video on that next!

#toddlermom #toddlerdevelopment
How to help your toddler jump

We originally bought these for E because she sized out of her crib because she was so tall for the crib, but she LOVED the rails, so we bought a frame for a floor bed and used these for over a year with her.

We just brought them back out because AJ has been hitting her head on the side of the crib and waking up because she’s essentially a little tornado in the crib. But since we still wanted her to be contained, we brought back out the sliding rails.

It allows us to easily lay in bed with AJ too when she needs us and to climb in and out on her own.

Have questions? Just ask!

#toddlersleep #toddlermom

#LTKBaby #LTKKids #LTKmomlife

Toddler spring sandals that are pediatric PT approved!

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

If you’ve ever built an epic play couch structure just for it to collapse 30 seconds later… you get it 😅

A few things about ours that ended up being a game changer:
- the pieces Velcro together, so the builds actually stay together while they play
- all the bases are the same thickness, which makes way more builds possible
- and it’s sturdy enough for climbing, sliding, and full toddler crash landings

That’s how we end up with things like the rolling triangle, mountain climb, giant house, and crash pit in our living room.

#LTKKids #LTKmomlife

Brb living my childhood dream of having American girl dolls but instead of American girls, they’re from target and wearing Harry Potter robes ⚡️

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

I LOVE making seasonal letter magnets for E! It’s just so much fun and works on visual tracking, body awareness, and motor planning for vertical play!

#LTKSeasonal #LTKmomlife #LTKKids

Skills that you can be working on with your 18-20 month olds ✨

Now that we’re walking, let’s work on higher level skill! This is stair climbing, uneven surfaces, early running skills (no true flight phase yet!) and getting ready to jump!

Again, development is a RANGE, it’s okay if baby isn’t perfectly in this zone, but this is what we want to be working towards at this age, you can still offer assistance as needed!

Need any specific exercise help? Let me know down below!

#pediatricphysicaltherapy #toddlerdevelopment #toddlerskills #grossmotorskills #toddler

Some bows are just too cute to let go of. 🎀

If you’re a girl mom, you know the feeling. Your baby outgrows those stretchy headband bows but you’re way too emotionally attached to toss them. Good news… you don’t have to.

✂️ Just snip the ends off the headband
📎 Attach the bow to an alligator clip
🎀 And you’ve got a bow that will last way longer

Little mom hack to keep your favorite bows in rotation a bit longer.

#girlmom #toddlergirl #momhack #momlifehacks #toddlerstyle

This little couch from Toki Mats looks like a tiny sofa, but it pulls out into a long cushioned surface, which makes it perfect for practicing developmental skills through play.

Here are a few ways we use it:
• Tummy time for babies who need a little support (can even turn it into a wedge to make it easier)
• Sitting practice
• Modified hands & knees to help prep for crawling
• Crawling obstacles to build strength and coordination
• Walking + balance practice for toddlers

I love tools like this because you can change the height, surface, and challenge level as your baby grows. One piece of furniture… a whole lot of developmental play.

#tummytime #babydevelopment #developmentalmilestones #babytips #crawlingbaby

#LTKKids #LTKmomlife #LTKBaby

Trying to pick toddler stepping stones for your playroom? I compared 3 popular sets so you don’t have to guess 👀

Stepping stones are one of my favorite toys for building balance, coordination, and gross motor skills… plus they make the easiest toddler obstacle courses.

Here’s my quick breakdown:

🪨 Tiny Land stepping stones
Pros: stable + fun layout when connected
Cons: only 4 pieces so there’s less to build with

🪨 Special Supplies stepping stones
Pros: comes with big and small sizes which makes obstacle courses really fun
Cons: the triangle tops are pretty small for little feet

🪨 Pebblestones stepping stones
Pros: super cute + sturdy and a great Stapelstein-style option!
Cons: the most pricey and they take up more space to store (but still the cutest to store in my opinion).

All three work for toddler gross motor play, it just depends on what matters most to you!

Save this if you’re building a toddler playroom or indoor obstacle course!

#toddlerplay #toddlermom #grossmotorskills #toddlerdevelopment #kidstoys

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

Not all baby containers support your baby’s body the same way.

If their hips are sitting low and their knees are way up high, that position can limit core engagement and put more stress on their joints. That’s why I don’t recommend the original Bumbo style seat. 🚫

What we want to see:
✔️ Hips and knees level
OR
✔️ Hips slightly higher than knees

That setup encourages a more supportive sitting posture and better alignment.

We personally used the Bumbo Multi Seat and the Upseat with our girls, but there are several great options that promote healthier positioning.

Your baby deserves a seat that works with their development, not against it.

#babychair #babytips #babydevelopment #pediatricpt #infantdevelopment

Easter eggs… but make them ✨pretend play✨

These Easter eggs turn into princess dolls (the egg becomes the skirt 😍), so instead of loading baskets with sugar, you’re adding imagination, fine motor practice, and coordination skills.

They come pre-loaded and look like some of your kiddos’ favorite princesses… just not exactly them 😉

Such a fun non-candy Easter basket idea for toddlers and preschoolers who love dress-up and pretend play.

Have you found any other super cool Easter egg fillers? I’m always looking 👀

#toddler #toddlermom #eastereggs #easter #toddlergift

You just never know when they’re watching you and want to do something for you too, and since my love language is acts of service, this really meant a lot to me

#LTKKids #LTKmomlife

W sitting isn’t automatically “bad” … but if it’s your child’s favorite and only way to sit, it’s worth paying attention.

W sitting creates a very wide base of support, which means your kiddo doesn’t have to use their core muscles as much to stay upright. Over time, that can limit core strength and postural control.

In some kids, prolonged W sitting can also contribute to hip or knee discomfort as they grow due to the rotational forces at the joints.

Sometimes W sitting can be a sign of hypermobility, but not always. More often, it just means we need to build strength and body awareness in different positions.

Here’s what you can do instead:
• Cue legs out in front (long sitting)
• Practice dynamic sitting balance on a swing, laundry basket, or box
• Push a weighted laundry basket or box
• Knee walking
• Crawling

Stronger core = better balance, better transitions, and better overall motor development.

Save this for later and follow for more pediatric physical therapy tips to support your toddler’s development 🤍

#babymilestones #toddlermilestones #babydevelopment #toddlerdevelopment #pediatricphysicaltherapy

Allergies were getting the best of E today so we brought out the bounce house so she could get out some big jumps still!

#LTKKids #LTKmomlife

Two underrated positions that help your baby learn to crawl 👶🏼⬇️

Crawling typically develops around 8 to 11 months, but before babies start cruising across your floors, they need strength, rotation, and stability.

1️⃣ Modified hands and knees
Hands on a support surface (couch, box, low step), knees on the floor.
This position builds shoulder stability, core strength, and weight bearing through the hands without requiring full body control yet. It’s a stepping stone toward independent crawling.

2️⃣ Z sitting
One leg bent in front, one leg bent behind.
Unlike W sitting, Z sitting encourages trunk rotation and weight shifting. That rotation is HUGE for crawling because crawling is not just forward movement, it is coordinated cross body movement.

Why crawling matters 👇
Crawling helps develop:
• Bilateral coordination
• Core strength
• Shoulder stability
• Protective reactions
• Visual motor integration

It lays the groundwork for walking, climbing, and even fine motor skills later on.

Save this for pre crawling ideas and share with a mama in the crawling stage 💕

#babymilestone #babycrawling #developmentalmilestones #babytips #babydevelopment

This is how we protect sensitive skin AND sensitive feelings before bed 🤍

Living in West Texas means hard water, dry air, and skin that flares fast. So bedtime isn’t just about getting clean, it’s about protecting their skin barrier and calming their nervous system before sleep.

Here’s what we don’t skip:

• Filtered bath water (hard water can worsen irritation)
• Gentle cleanser we’ve used since eczema baby days with Tubby Todd
• Hydrating hair care from Evereden to protect her curls overnight
• Low stimulation brushing with the projector
• Braids to prevent tangles
• Swinging for that last bit of vestibular input before bed

Simple. Predictable. Regulating.

Sensitive toddlers don’t need more stimulation.
They need support.

#LTKKids #LTKBaby #LTKmomlife

AJ’s emotional support little people is this Barbie. She calls her happy. We have lost 2 of them and keep getting more, and finally have found all of them! But since taking this pic, have already lost one again 😅

#LTKKids #LTKmomlife

St. Patrick’s Day toddler activity… but make it developmental 👏🍀

This simple brown paper roll setup worked on SO many skills for toddlers and young preschoolers:

🌈 Coloring the rainbow → body awareness, crayon pressure, hand control
☁️ Filling clouds with pom poms → visual problem solving + counting
🪙 Counting gold coins in the cauldron → early math + coordination
🔴 Dotting the rainbow → color matching + fine motor skills (perfect for 18 months!)
🧝‍♂️ Guiding the leprechaun through the line → pre-writing + body awareness
🌟 Stickers → pincher grasp + hand strength
🥄 Scooping + color matching → fine motor development + bilateral coordination

Holiday activities for toddlers don’t have to be complicated to build big skills. Simple setups = powerful developmental play.

Save this for an easy St. Patrick’s Day toddler activity 🍀

Follow for more toddler activities that support fine motor skills, pre-writing skills, and early childhood development.

#toddlerplay #toddlermom #toddleractivities #toddlermomlife #screenfreeactivities

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

Realllyyyyy into Toy Story currently over here ❤️💛💙

The outfits were from Walmart but I can’t find them to link, so might just have to check your local Walmart!

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

Morning obstacle course to work on body awareness, heavy work, and balance!

#LTKActive #LTKKids #LTKmomlife

Morning vet visits 🐶🐱🐰

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

She kept saying “pizza shop” 🍕

#LTKKids #LTKmomlife #LTKBaby

When you’re a pediatric PT married to a 3D printing dad… you get custom sensory play equipment on demand 😅

✔️ Sensory tray
✔️ Play doh roller
✔️ Dream machine holder
✔️ Dress up wall hooks
✔️ Magnetic tile storage

3D printing has been such a fun way to create DIY toddler play setups and organization for our girls.

What’s the coolest 3D printed idea you’ve seen?

#toddlerplay #toddlermom #playroom #sensoryplay

#LTKKids #LTKHome

Nightly routine with our girlies 💕

#LTKKids #LTKBaby #LTKstorytime

Very into Toy Story over here 💕

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

Upgraded to the upseat booster 😍

#LTKBaby #LTKmomlife #LTKKids

Ten Little is having a HUGE sale where everything is under $30! Need to go check it out now!

#LTKBaby #LTKKids