Having fun outdoors with your baby

Make your baby their own mini sandpit using an old plastic box and some play sand. You could even try hiding objects in the sand to create a treasure hunt.

For some gentle exercise, sit or lie your wee one on a blanket in the park or garden and get them to stretch out like a starfish. See how far they can reach. All that stretching will help tire them out so you might find it easier to get them to have that afternoon nap.

Need to help them beat the boredom when it’s raining? Then get outside and have fun getting their hands dirty making mud pies!

To really get their imagination going, why not ask who they are baking for? Is it for a scallywag pirate on board a ship? Or some hungry teddy bears heading for their picnic?

Don’t forget to take some peas, rice or oats when visiting the local park. It’s a great way of keeping your baby entertained while you go for a stroll around outside

If your little one is feeling antsy, why not get them to look for beasties? Wee explorers will love if you ask them to see what different bugs they can find in different places - search in grass, mud, trees and even cracks in the pavement.

When you’re outside pointing at things around you it can be a great way of teaching your wee one. They’ll learn to focus on where you're pointing and enjoy things like pointing at buses and trying to find the ‘nee-naws’. 

Time on their tummy can be a really fun activity for your baby and is also a good way to bond. Put a towel or blanket down or let your wee one spend some time enjoying the feel of the grass. Tummy time helps your baby to develop their core strength and body awareness, as well as their motor skills, which will help them explore the world around them. It also helps your baby strengthen their neck, shoulder and trunk muscles, which they’ll need to support their head, sit up, crawl and eventually walk.

When you’re out and about why not make a sensory box with some of the things you find? Your wee one will be fascinated by the touch and feel of feathers, leaves and twigs. Just make sure everything you include in your box is safe and clean, with no sharp edges.

Just because you’re outside doesn’t mean you can’t have a singalong. Your baby loves the sound of your voice so don’t be afraid to make a little noise.