Get Out of The House and Have Fun with Your Baby
|Get Out of The House and Have Fun with Your Baby
Being outside gives infants lots of time to freely crawl, run, walk, and toddle. The sunshine and fresh air positively impact physical and mental well-being, including increased intake of vitamin D, the regulation of the circadian rhythms, and stimulation of the senses by vibrant colours, new scents, and exciting sounds.
Now that some restrictions have been lifted, it’s easier to get back to nature and enjoy what it has to offer. The sooner your baby gets used to being outside, the sooner they’ll love nature. With worries about dirt, risk, and overscheduled days, you might be hesitant. Don’t be. Little ones can be taken outside, as long as some precautions are taken.
If You’re Heading Out with Your Family, Here Are Some Tips to Make Your Life Easier
Making sure you get outdoors with your family is worth the effort. Try these tips and see for yourself that they work.
- It’s Best to Layer Baby’s Clothing
Keep your little one at the right temperature. Touching the baby’s forehead with the back of the hand is an excellent way to tell whether or not they’re too warm or too hot. A newborn’s hands and feet are often cold to the touch, so don’t judge temperature by feeling their extremities. Choose the right clothes while taking into consideration the weather conditions. Dress your bundle of joy in layers so that you can take off and put back on clothes without difficulty. Thin cotton works well. In the cold weather, dress your little one in an undershirt and diapers, covered by pyjamas or a bathrobe, and wrap them in a blanket.
- When The Weather Isn’t Cold, Take the Layers Away
In warm weather, stick to a single layer. You can dress the baby the same way you’re dressed. For instance, if you’re wearing shorts and a t-shirt, dress your new-born exactly the same. More and more parents are wearing matching clothes with their kids. The trend is so popular that many designers have been forced to adapt their collections. Don’t worry about what others are going to think. Every now and then, you can have the same outfit.
Simple Rules for Transporting Your Baby
- Walk With a Pushchair
A pushchair can make your everyday as a parent easier. It gives you the flexibility to move around whether you’re in the park or exploring the great outdoors. There’s a decent amount of storage space in the basket below the pushchair seat for you to store your stuff. Pick a pushchair that can fit in the boot of the family car. It would be a nightmare if you had to remove the wheels or handles to make it fit. The pushchair should be easy to store, even in the smallest of places. A compact-folding pushchair takes up very little space, and it’s easy enough to carry.
- Check If Your Baby Has Outgrown Their Car Seat
If you haven’t been using your car much lately, you may not have noticed that your child has outgrown the car seat. Infant carriers can be used for up to 12 months. However, it’s recommended to use it for as long as possible because it offers excellent side protection. Change to a toddler car seat if your little one has outgrown the harness by height or weight. You can look out for visual clues that it’s time to change the car seat. For instance, your child has outgrown the infant seat if the top of their head is level with the top of the seat when buckled in. Also, the weight limit is reached. Move up to a car seat that accommodates a bigger, older child.
- Have A “Car Change Bag”
Keep a change bag in your car that has all the essentials you would typically take when heading out. Pack the following:
- Nappies
- Wipes
- A change pad
- A blanket
- 2 to 3 changes of clothes
- Hand sanitiser
- Bottles of milk if applicable (cold or warm)
Babies require a lot of stuff, which is why you should bring only the essentials you’ll need and use. As you try to decide what items your loved one needs, you might feel overwhelmed. You’ll figure it out eventually, so don’t worry.
Try These Fun and Simple Outdoor Activities for Babies
If you don’t have any idea what you’re going to do once you’re outside, we have some suggestions. These activities are fun and simple
- Take A Walk
Parents who walk with their baby and partner have the perfect opportunity to connect, build a family, and unwind from daily stresses. Plus, it helps you work on your fitness. There’s nothing more important than your little one’s comfort and safety, so have a pushchair that lets them lie flat. This helps in terms of lung and spinal development. If you have a 6-month-old baby, they’ll enjoy a pushchair that allows them to see the world around them. Local parks have looping walking paths, which are ideal for walking with your baby.
- Eat Outside
Here’s an idea: take some feedings outdoors. Start in your backyard and move on to park benches or next to a stream. When your newborn starts to eat solid foods, continue to feed them outside. Plans don’t work when you have a baby. If you feel like going on a picnic, enjoy the adventure and don’t plan in advance. The goal is to get out and enjoy the moment. Make the most of your time and talk to other parents. You can share tips on family picnics or discover exciting places to visit in the local area.
- Have A Sensory Experience
From the time they’re born, children learn about their environment and the natural world through sensory play. Babies love to play and even more to touch different things with their hands. So, have your little one sit next to a pine cone, some sticks, a couple of large rocks, etc. Please encourage them to touch and explore the different textures. Make sure your child doesn’t put anything in their mouth. Sensory play should be carried out only under adult supervision. Finding and picking flowers is a good idea. For babies (or young toddlers), exploring means letting them touch and smell. Let your child rip apart the blossoms and leaves that have already fallen to the ground.
Guest Article.