Debbie So you have a rambunctious toddler on your hands. The toddler years are fun but frustrating. Your small human is learning how to get around, talk, and get into trouble!
More and more people are raising children in small apartments in 2022. The luxury of owning a home is out of reach for many Americans, but that doesn’t have to hinder your parenting. Raising a toddler in an apartment isn’t too different from raising them in a house.
We’re here to talk about how to raise a toddler in a smaller space without losing your mind. Read on to learn more.
Have Plenty of Enrichment Activities
Toddlers don’t take up a lot of space, but they can get bored easily when they’re under-stimulated. A bored toddler is a toddler who’s going to get themself into trouble, so it’s in your best interest (and theirs) to make sure that there’s no lack of enrichment activities available.
We recommend having many educational toys available. They’ll teach your child valuable problem-solving skills and keep them entertained.
You should also provide a few simple toys so your child can engage in imaginative play. This will teach them how to entertain themself.
Take Them Out as Often as Possible
If your apartment is small, you and your toddler might feel “stuck” in there. To avoid this problem, take your child out as often as possible.
Is there a park within walking distance? Many families in major metros, like New York City, prefer to bring children to the park instead of letting them play at home because it lets them burn off excess energy.
Consider trips to local museums and other fun activities, so you can both get out of the house and meet other parents and children. You can even use educational experiences, like speech therapy for toddlers here, to get your child out into the world.
Toddler-Proof Everything
Toddler-proofing is essential when you’re handling a toddler, whether you’re in an apartment or a standalone house. Remember that your baby isn’t really a baby anymore. They can now walk around and grab things, and they’re sure to be curious.
Put baby locks on all of the cabinets. Cover all unused outlets with outlet covers. Even if you think that it’s not possible for your toddler to find or grab ahold of something dangerous in your apartment, protect it anyway.
Let People Help
You don’t have to do everything on your own. Many parents of toddlers get overwhelmed because they aren’t taking care of themselves. It can be maddening to share a small space with a toddler without ever taking time for yourself.
Let friends and family step in to babysit once in a while. Hire a babysitter if it’s possible for you to do so. Get out of the house without your toddler in tow so you can return feeling refreshed and ready to parent.
Raising a Toddler in an Apartment Can Be Tough
There’s no one “best way to raise a toddler,” but these tips can help you maintain your sanity when you’re sharing a small space with a tiny mischievous human. Raising a toddler in an apartment doesn’t have to be harder than raising one in a house!
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