How to enjoy some time outside with your baby?
The first few weeks of parenthood are overwhelming. During this period, it might seem as though you will never have a free moment again to do much of anything. Things do get easier and more manageable over time though. A month or two after your little one arrives, you will probably want to start getting out and about a little more often.
Having said that, there are a lot of things to consider if you have a little one in tow. Below, I have included a few fun outdoor activities that you can enjoy with your baby, as well as a few tips.
A few fun activities
If you want to have a fun time outside with your baby, finding the right activity is key.
Plan a picnic
If you live near a park, a picnic can be an absolute delight for you and your little one. Bring a blanket, sandwiches, snacks, beverages, and a few toys for baby and you should be in good shape. A lot of babies love the feeling of being outside, and will enjoy moving around on a picnic blanket. If they make it over to the edge, the grass just might pique their curiosity as well.
A hike or a stroll
Sometimes the right activity is a simple one. Putting your baby in a stroller and going for a walk around the neighborhood can be quite enjoyable. There is a good chance that your little one will doze off while you’re walking about. So, it’s a great opportunity to have an uninterrupted conversation with your spouse while you walk around.
If you’re feeling more ambitious, you might even go for a hike. My recommendation would be to keep the degree of difficulty fairly low though. Remember to bring plenty of diapers too.
A playground can be a lot of fun
You might think it’s a little early to start hitting up your local playground, and this is probably true for newborns. For older babies though, it can be a lot of fun to go to a playground if only to watch some of the older kids playing. Some babies will also really enjoy swings as well. If your playground has a few baby swings, this can be a great option. Playgrounds can also be a great place to meet up with other parents.
Keeping your little one happy and comfortable
If your baby isn’t having a good time, you won’t be having a good time either. So, make sure you do what you can to keep your little one happy.
Protection from the sun
While a little sunshine can be a wonderful thing, infants do have fairly sensitive skin so you will want to be careful to limit their exposure. Younger babies aren’t supposed to use sunblock either so you will have to find some good ways to keep them in the shade. Sun hats can work wonders for keeping their face protected. A lot of strollers have fairly good covers that can help as well.
The right clothes
Picking the right outfit to go outdoors can be a little challenging. You might think it’s a nice day out but then suddenly, the breeze picks up and the sun goes behind the clouds. The next thing you know, your little one looks very unhappy and cold. Babies can be sensitive to changes in temperature, so your best bet is to bring some extra outfits. Depending on the weather, you might dress your baby in a short sleeve onesie and then bring a long sleeve shirt to put on in case it cools down a bit.
Blankets can be a wonderful idea as well. These allow you to quickly bundle or unbundle your little one whenever you see fit.
Final thoughts
The simple pleasure of being outside can be really enjoyable for families. It’s also a nice way to break up the day and get a change of scenery. So, give it a try and figure out what works best for you.
Author BIO
Ryan Howard runs SmartParentAdvice, a site that provides parenting advice for moms and dads. Ryan writes about all of the different ups and downs of parenting, provides solutions to common challenges, and reviews products that parents need to purchase for babies and toddlers.