Welcome to the wild and wonderful world, little one! While many parents are hesitant to bring their newest additions out into the natural world, we have found that nature INSPIRES and INTRIGUES our boys! It is a little nerve wracking to bring the tiniest guys (or girls) out, but as long as you take precautions against the sun and weather - THE WORLD IS THEIR OYSTER! Here are some ways to integrate the outdoor world into your infant and toddler’s learning path!
Good morning, Good day
- Be still, calm and quiet(for once)! Take in all the sights and hear the world waking up! You can follow this with one of your favorite stories or books that will ignite their love for reading and Spark their imagination! Waking up in a peaceful environment has helped my boys stay centered for the day and creates much less chaos!
Take a Hike
- Take a hike, a walk, go for a jog- just get those little legs moving! If your baby isn’t walking yet, that ok! They can still go! Just grab your stroller or strap them on! Get the fresh air, take in all the sights, unwind from a busy day! You deserve it and once they’re walking- you’ll appreciate getting out some of that pent up energy!
Paint
- We are BIG fans of painting- on literally anything! Rocks, fences and 2x4s (dad is in construction 🤷🏼♀️)! You may also ask about painting fences… we are the only ones to see the inside of our fence, so we are making it our own masterpiece(pictured below)!
Mud Play
- That’s right! MUD! Mud jumping, mud painting , mud kitchens, mud racetracks and construction sites! ALL the mud! It is the messiest, most fun activity to engage in with your littles! It not only sparks imaginary play, but also has many health benefits!
Gardening
- This is great for babies of ALL ages!! It is a slow progression for sure, but like your garden your children need tending as well!! You can start by putting their feet in the grass just to feel the different textures, seeing and smelling different flowers and herbs then slowly work your way up to identifying colors, flowers, even insects! Eventually they, themselves, will have bloomed right in front of your eyes!
Rock out
- Grab your guitar and a microphone and play us some tunes! Ok, ok it might be a bit early for guitar lessons but we can always craft some maracas or pull out the pots and pans drum set!
Play Ball
- Rolling a ball back and forth is an all time favorite for tiny tykes! Bring an assortment of colors and sizes to help further their hand eye coordination and motor skills!!
Bubbles
- These whimsical floating balls are a great way to jump start your child’s senses as well! When a bubble pops on their skin it is a new sensation of feeling and texture! In the later days, it can help refine their gross motor skills by popping the bubbles themselves(poking or stomping etc)!
Treasure Hunt
- We are huge fans of a good ol scavenger hunt! Make a list of items to find and go exploring! To Make things extra fun we can turn it into a game:
Special Delivery: our “mailman” rides his bike to deliver all the “packages” to our mailbox.
Our Compliments to the Chef: Enjoy an exquisite “meal” created by the tiniest, most creative chef yet.
Blackbeard’s Booty: in order to capture Captain Blackbeard, we must plunder and pillage his pirate ship , taking with us all his “prized possessions”
Jump in
- With most summer days having a heat index around 100+ , Water days are crucial in our neck of the woods!! Thankfully water is another amazing resource to develop ALL of their senses! Head to your local River, lake, pool or splash pad, play in the sprinklers, put up a water table, or make a sensory bin!
*** Children should be supervised at all times when playing around water! Please use caution ***
These are just a few ideas to introduce your babies to the amazing outdoor world around us! Now get out there and play!!
***When taking your babies outside please dress them appropriately(hat, sunscreen, jacket, waterproof shoes etc) and be aware of your surroundings!***
