DIY Toddler Busy Board

Materials

Steps

1. Prep your pegboard

If you go with a metal or plastic pegboard, you may not need to prep anything with it. I wanted to be as low-cost as possible, so I chose the medium-density fiberboard (MDF). To "prep" it, I made sure that the edges were smooth and brushed/vacuumed loose particles on the unfinished side of the board. I also wiped down the finished side of the board with a clorox wipe to clean & sanitize.

2. Decide on placement of items

Even though I knew I could reattach anything I didn't like in a certain place, I still spent time planning out where each item was going to go. I did this to save time in the long run and reduce the amount of zip ties wasted.

3. Prep anything that needs special placement, holes added, or batteries installed

This step will depend on the pieces you end up using for your board. For my board, I measured out the holes of the pegboard on the squares of colorful cardstock and used a hole puncher to create hole for the zip ties to go through. I also tested each of the battery led lights to make sure they worked and that they had batteries. For the locks with multiple pieces, I made sure to block off areas of the board where they fit best--if she can't work the lock properly, then there's no point in having it on the board.

4. Attach items with zip ties (test leveling and board sturdiness throughout)

Pretty self-explanatory here. Attach everything to the board with the zip ties in the best way. One recommendation I do have, though, is to test out the weight of the board every few items--especially if you plan on attaching it to a wall. I wanted to keep my board mobile to use both upstairs and downstairs, so the weight wasn't a major concern for me. But the leveling was since it was either going to be propped against the wall or lying flat on a table or floor.

5. Clip ends of zip ties

Again, pretty clear directive here! Clip the extra ends of the zip ties once you're done so they aren't hanging out waiting to poke your little one.

6. Watch your little(s) fall in love

The best step in this whole process! My daughter loves the board and I can't wait to add more to it for her.