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Chronicles of a Babywise Mom
  • BABYWISE
    • All Babywise Posts
      • All Babywise Posts
      • Eat
      • Wake
      • Sleep
    • How To Do Babywise
    • Babywise FAQs (Frequently asked questions)
    • Babywise First Year
    • Babywise Schedules
    • Starting Babywise Late Guide
    • Why I Love Babywise
    • Babywise Benefits
  • SCHEDULES
    • All Schedule Posts
    • Sample Schedules
    • Schedule Tips
    • Play Time
    • Wake Time Length (Wake Windows)
    • Eat: The “Eat” Part of Routine
  • SLEEP
    • All Sleep Posts
    • Naps
    • Night Sleep Tips
    • Sleep Training
    • Sleep Problems
  • DISCIPLINE
    • All Discipline Posts
    • Consequences
    • Discipline Methods
    • Discipline Phrases
    • First Time Obedience Tips
    • Keeping Kids in “Funnel”
    • Moral Training Tips
    • Strong-Willed Child
    • Tantrum Help for Parents
  • BLOG INDEX
    • All Posts
    • Index By Age
    • Babywise Mom Blog Archive
  • AGE RANGES
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • PreToddler
    • Toddler
    • Preschooler
    • Child (5-8 Years Old)
    • Preteen/Tween
    • Teens
    • Index By Age
  • MORE
    • All Parenting Posts
    • Childcare
    • Chores
    • Dates With Kids
    • Education & Learning
    • Family Tips
    • Gifted Children
    • Hair
    • Holidays & Seasons
    • Home Management
    • Infant Loss
    • Marriage Advice & Tips
    • Motherhood Tips
    • Multiples
    • Parenting Book Reviews
    • Parenting Siblings Tips
    • Potty Training
    • Travel Tips for Parents!
  • SHOP
    • Babywise Mom Shop
    • doTERRA
  • ABOUT
    • About Me
    • Using This Blog
    • Work With Me

Play Time

Find all of your wake time activities and ideas here. Learn to calculate baby wake time, how to structure your child’s playtime from baby on up, and great toys to use in that playtime each day.

Optimal Waketime Lengths for Toddlers 12-24 Months Old

May 21, 2026May 21, 2026 by valplowman
Toddler sleeping in bed with a stuffed bear

Find the best amount of time your toddler should be awake between naps — and why getting it right makes all the difference for great daytime sleep and a smooth …

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Categories Toddler, Wake Time Length Tags babywise info, optimal waketime, printables 20 Comments

The Cornerstone for Good Baby Naps

May 14, 2026May 13, 2026 by valplowman
newborn baby wearing yellow sleeping on a muslin blanket

If your baby is taking short naps — or fighting sleep altogether — there’s one foundational variable you need to get right before anything else will work. Here’s what it …

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Categories Naps, Wake Time Length Tags optimal waketime, printables 12 Comments

How To Start Independent Playtime Late

May 12, 2026March 26, 2026 by valplowman
Child happily playing alone

Missed the baby stage for independent play? No worries! Learn how to introduce solo playtime at any age — from choosing the right time and location to easing a resistant …

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Categories Play Time Tags independent playtime 22 Comments

Best Toys For Preschoolers age 3 and Up

March 11, 2026March 11, 2026 by valplowman
Mom and preschooler playing with trains

Looking for the perfect gift for your preschooler? This massive list has over 38 toy ideas for ages 3 and up! From educational toys and puzzles to dress-up, bikes, and …

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Categories Preschooler, Toys Tags Best Toys Leave a comment

How To Accurately Calculate Baby Wake Time Length

March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 by valplowman
Mom and Baby together

Confused about wake windows? Does feeding time count? When does it start—when baby wakes or when you get them up? When does it end—when you put them down or when …

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Categories Wake Time Length Tags optimal waketime, problem solving, waketime length 10 Comments

How to Calculate Waketime When Baby Wakes Early

March 4, 2026March 4, 2026 by valplowman
Baby awake and sticking her tongue out

Baby woke early from a nap? Should you keep the same wake time length or stick to the schedule? Learn how to calculate the right wake window when naps go …

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Categories Schedule Tips, Wake Time Length Tags waketime length, waking early 64 Comments

Best Toys for Toddler…2.5 and Up

October 29, 2025October 29, 2025 by valplowman
Toddler playing with train set

Looking for toddler toys that really count? Discover our top picks for ages 2½ and up—designed to build skills, spark creativity, and last beyond the toddler years. A go-to list …

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Categories Toddler, Toys Tags Best Toys 7 Comments
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Valerie Plowman

Valerie Plowman, known as "the Babywise Mom", is the happy mother of four children. She has been helping parents with their parenting concerns since 2007 and loves helping others absolutely love being a parent.

Babywise Mom Nap Guide

Schedules and Sleep

  • You Cannot Force a Baby to Sleep — But Here’s What You Can Do

    You Cannot Force a Baby to Sleep — But Here’s What You Can Do

  • Dreamfeed Frequently Asked Questions

    Dreamfeed Frequently Asked Questions

  • Everything You Need to Know About Dropping the Swaddle

    Everything You Need to Know About Dropping the Swaddle

  • My Sleep Hierarchy For Newborns

    My Sleep Hierarchy For Newborns

  • The Complete Guide to Finding Your Child’s Ideal Bedtime (By Age)

    The Complete Guide to Finding Your Child’s Ideal Bedtime (By Age)

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