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Outdoor Activities for Infants

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{Appropriate for ages 2 months and up.}
Ideas for outdoor activities for infants from 2 months old and up
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It can be intimidating to take an infant outdoors for a little play time, but with a few simple activities and the right weather, you can get your little one exploring outside! I am always looking for ways (on the nicer days) to get outside with my kids.It can be a little stifling to be indoors all day long, and most children do much better during dinner prep time if they have burned off some energy outside. Even infants need to be getting their own version of exercise-tummy time, practice sitting, grabbing and reaching.

Here are some ideas for outdoor activities for infants that I used when my children were little:

First, gather one or two small waterproof toys, a blanket, and even a few books…and don’t forget a camera! (To add water play, bring along a container and pitcher of water. This would be for infants 4 months and up.) Also, dress your child appropriately for the weather in your area-if it is really rainy or windy, wait for a nicer day. (My babies always seemed to really dislike wind!)

Take baby outside for active play outdoors
Second, lay a blanket on the grass and then lay or sit your infant on the blanket near the edge so they can touch the grass. If you do not have a grassy area, use a couple of thicker blankets on a sidewalk. Be sure to sit with your child if they are not sitting independently on their own.
The textures of the grass, sidewalk and any leaves that you can gather can be really interesting to your child. Starting with a 4-6 month old, my child would just lay on the blanket (getting in a little tummy time) and touch the blades of grass. If you treat your lawn with fertilizers, be cautious with the use of this activity.

Talk to your infant about what they hear:
  • cars and trucks
  • birds or bugs
  • the wind through the trees rustling the leaves
  • pets
Talk about what they can see:

  • a flower sprouting in a pot
  • a butterfly or bee hovering
  • the warmth of the sun or cool breeze
Talk about what they can feel:
  • the blades of grass
  • a crunchy or soft leaf
  • a smooth rock
  • the cool ground

Simple ideas for keeping baby engaged and exploring activities outside
To help extend this activity for infants who naturally have short attention spans, introduce a toy when your child begins to get a bit irritated. Often the introduction of a toy can extend their desire to stay outside a little longer. Add a small book or two to flip through as an additional activity. Changing your infant’s position can help as well to change their focus and help them enjoy these activities a little longer.

Even a short time outside with your infant can help break up the day, get both of you out in the sun for some Vitamin D exposure, (read why that is important here), and exposes your infant to a whole world of sensory exploration.Teaching our children to love the outdoors from an early age can help instill in them a value for time in nature and exercise. (I have noticed even my twin infants sleep better when they have been outside for a bit and have been on their tummies a decent amount as well.)

It’s amazing how mesmerized young ones can get with these simple experiences.

More simple play and learning for infants:

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More about infants and infant development:

 

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Comments

  2. Hi Jaimi, this is a great post. I love spending time outdoor with baby. We did it a lot in the summer. A lot of the time in a baby carrier, which is a great way to bond. But also I cought myslef not talking that much sometimes. Since the little thing does not talk back, it’s easy to forget that the conversation are still important. Thank you for a nice reminder about talking and describing everything in detail to the baby, and doing it a lot – this is my valuable takeaway for me here..

    Reply

    • Jacquelyn, I can relate! In VA today we are getting snow even though the trees have started budding. I will be hoping that Spring arrives and stays for both of us soon so you can try these ideas!

      Reply

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