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Fun Things to Do with Baby

Picking a fun activity for you and baby to enjoy is a fantastic way to put a spring back into your step.

Day outs can also be incredibly beneficial for baby as he or she learns from their environment and the interaction they have with it.

Your day out does not need to be elaborate nor does it need to be expensive.  A picnic, a play date or even a walk can bring much joy to you both.

Play date

Play dates are a wonderful opportunity to socialize.  We all love our children but on occasion long for adult company.  Conversing and discussing your thoughts with other like-minded people help to keep things into perspective and comfort us in our journey through motherhood.

Play dates are also wonderful learning experiences for your baby.  They too learn to play, learn to share and get pleasure from each other’s company.

What to bring:  If you are going to a friend’s house take along some food to share.  A cake or cookies will always be welcomed.   Your host will greatly appreciate the gesture.

Picnic

What better way to spend a warm spring or summer’s day than on a picnic?

Choose your spot wisely.  Look for a large shady tree for protection from the sun to enable you to stay out for longer.

What to bring:  Take a large blanket, plenty of fluids and a variety of snacks for nibbling on throughout the day.  Be sure to wear a broad brimmed hat and wear sunscreen for protection.

Also take some old bread to feed the ducks or birds. Your baby will love the interaction with the animals.

Exercise Class

There are many exercise classes available now to mother and baby combos.

Classes are designed to test and improve mother’s fitness and to engage baby.

Exercising with baby is a wonderful way to meet like- minded women who all have a weight loss or fitness goal.

What to bring:  Check with the class organizer to see if any specific gear is required.

Always wear comfortable supportive workout gear and shoes.  A good nursing sport bra is very important as it will provide you with that much needed support and will provide you with easy feeding access after the class.

Swimming

Swimming is an essential life skill and it is important that children and babies are able to swim and or float.

Starting your baby early in a learn to swim class is rewarding as you see him or her get more and more confident in the water.

Most learn to swim classes require the parents to get into the water when babies are very young.  So be prepared to get wet.

What to bring:  Swimming nappy, swimmers, towels, and change of clothes.

Photography

All parents love to take photos of their children.

Plan a trip out to a location and take plenty of pictures and create memories that will stay with you forever.

What to bring:  Camera, outfits for changing, any props or toys for playing with.

Hike

Baby wearing is fantastic and so beneficial for you and baby.  It also allows you to be more mobile and to go places your stroller will not allow.

Invest in a good quality baby carrier (one that can be converted and used beyond baby stage).   Look for one that has a good back support and one that keeps baby secure and gives him or her a great view.  That way he or she will be happy for hours at a time.

What to bring:  Good hiking shoes, comfortable active wear, baby carrier, hat, sunscreen, good support nursing sports bra, plenty of fluids and snacks.

Bath

Having a bath with baby is simple but delightful.  He will enjoy the experience and find your interaction enjoyable.

What to bring:  Gentle cleansers, towel, and bath toys.

Music classes

There are so many lovely baby focused educational classes available.

Music classes are one of them.  These programs are designed to engage and delight babies and as he gets older he can progress through the stages and interact more.

Going to an organized class is a great way to get you out of the house and in the company of other adults.

What to bring:  Classes should be fully provided for.  Just turn up and enjoy.

Read a book

Being read to as a child brings back lovely memories.  The joy of reading to your child should not be underestimated.

Start at an early age and emerge yourself into their world of imagination.  Get lost in the characters and make reading time fun.

For young babies just looking at the pictures is pleasurable as they learn to identify shapes and objects.

What to bring:  Books and a sleepy child.

Park

Playing in and exploring a local park is a wonderful way to get out and about and enjoy the fresh air.

It also encourages imagination and helps to build self-confidence as baby becomes mobile and learns to negotiate the slide, swings etc.

The great things about parks are that they attract other families.  Get to know other locals in the area and spark up a friendship.

What to bring:  Plenty of fluids, light snacks, hat and sunscreen.

This is a guest post written by Tracey Montford, from Cake Maternity. Like many women out there, Tracey is an exceptional multi-tasker! Apart from steering a global business, managing 2 young boys & keeping the clan clean and fed, Tracey still finds time to provide creative inspiration and direction to the exceptional designs of Cake Maternity. From the branding, presentation and delivery, creativity is a big part of what Tracey does so naturally and effectively. Find out more at cakematernity.com or catch up with her on social @cakematernity