By Rebecca Levey
Flowers are budding and new green leaves are sprouting on trees, sure signs that the weather is turning warmer and summer is right around the corner. Springtime is the perfect time to start taking your baby for outside excursions and activities.
For dads, that can mean special bonding time while enjoying nature and exploring new sights and sounds for baby. We’ve got five ideas for daddy-baby warm weather fun.
Take a Hike
With a special hiking backpack made for safely transporting baby you can walk a local, easy level hiking trail. Be sure to pack extra diapers, sunscreen, food and bottles so that you’re prepared for the length of the
hike. Stop often to point out new and interesting fauna and flora to your baby.
Make Baby Part of Your Workout
Jogging strollers allow you to take baby out for a run. Babies love the speed and you’ll love the company. Pick a scenic path through a park or along the beach so baby can enjoy the scenery. Pack a picnic
blanket in the stroller basket so you can end your run with some relaxing one-on-one time while lounging on the grass.
Shop Your Local Farmer’s Market
Once the weather turns warm your local farmer’s market will be overflowing with fresh produce, flowers and home baked goods. Your baby will delight in looking at all of the brightly colored fruits
and vegetables, smelling the flowers and being a part of the lively shopping experience. Visiting a farmers market is a great way to expose your baby to new foods, sights and smells, while spending quality time with them.
Get in the Water
Signing up for a daddy/baby swim class at a local pool can be a safe and enjoyable way to introduce your baby to the water, and teach you methods for engaging with your baby in the water. Don’t forget the sunscreen if
you’re outside, and swim diapers are a must. An added benefit of signing up for a regular swim class is that you will meet other dads and expand your dad community.
Get Your Groove On
Outdoor concerts are a fantastic way to listen to music with your baby. Check local parenting group list serves or your local papers for event listings and seek out family friendly bands playing near you
in a local parks, outdoor theaters and other al fresco venues. Dancing with your baby, or just relaxing together while listening to songs, is a great way to spend an hour. And the best part of an outdoor concert is that if you’re baby starts to
get fussy you can easily pack up and leave – or put them down for a nap in their stroller.
No matter how you choose to spend time outdoors with your baby, the most important thing is that you are making the most of the wonderful weather, together. Enjoy it!
Image : Getty
