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.)
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
- a flower sprouting in a pot
- a butterfly or bee hovering
- the warmth of the sun or cool breeze
- the blades of grass
- a crunchy or soft leaf
- a smooth rock
- the cool ground
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.
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.
What are your favorite outdoor activities for infants?
More simple play and learning for infants:
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Enjoy your time at home!
Oh its beautiful, he’s cute… exploring nature is the most important thing one should have experience especially the kids nowadays before they got into the virtual world!
Nice post! We also love being in the garden listening to the radio and music. I find it relaxes both me and the baby!
Great idea!
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..
I am so glad to hear that it was a helpful post for you! Talking with out little ones is so important. Enjoy your time with your baby. 🙂
Great! I am so glad you found these ideas helpful. 🙂
Great post!!! This looks like a lovely spot to lay back and look at the world. Thanks for the post!!
Thanks!
If warmer weather ever arrives in cold, snowy (!) Chicago, I'll look forward to trying these!
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!