Providing high-quality activities is more challenging when you are caring for children with a range of ages. It's important to remember the types of activities that are appropriate for each of the children in your care. Make sure you are not giving the infant activities that are too challenging or expecting the preschoolers to play with "baby toys." With careful planning, you may be able to plan some activities that all children can do together. Choose an art activity that the infant could do with help, such as playing with play dough. Help the infant squish the dough between her hands. Give the toddlers simple rollers and mallets to shape the play dough. Preschoolers may enjoy other tools, such as cookie cutters or small animals to press into the dough. Encourage the older children to help the younger ones. Reading is also a great activity for multiple ages. Choose a book with interesting sounds, lots of action, and bright colors. Hold the infant on your lap while the others listen. Encourage the older children to act out parts of the story. Make sure all children have materials that are safe for their age. Be sure toys that are in reach for all are safe for the youngest child. Keep toys with small parts away from infants and toddlers to reduce the risk of choking. Have preschoolers do those activities at a table or while the younger children are napping.

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