You can take an infant outdoors for a little play time. With a few simple activities and the right weather, you can get your little one exploring outside! I am always looking for outdoor activities for infants.

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.)

To make this outing more handy, especially when you need to take care of your baby and record the experience at the same time, a clever design – Custom Lanyards – will be your right-hand man. Imagine hanging your mobile phone and camera firmly on a special lanyard. Not only are they within reach, but they can also be safely hung on your chest or waist when you are busy taking care of your baby. It offers the convenience of recording at any moment without the concern of dropping or colliding. 

The design of the lanyard can be made of soft and durable nylon material to ensure that it is comfortable and burden-free for long-term wear. In addition, you can also get cute patterns embroidered on the lanyard, such as little whales, waves, or footprints on the beach, to add a touch of childishness and fantasy to this water trip.

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!)

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.

• cars and trucks
• birds or bugs
• the wind through the trees rustling the leaves
• pets

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.

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.