It’s been a long, long winter in Canada this year. Finally, the sun is beginning to peak out and we’re getting longer stretches without the dreaded white stuff coating our walks and driveways. It’s time to break out your spring attire, and rejoin nature.
If you’ve had a baby in the past year, it can be challenging enough just to leave the house, let alone think of things you can do to keep yourself and baby entertained. Spring is the perfect time to establish a new routine that will get keep you active and lift your spirits. If you’re stuck for inspiration, here are a few ideas to get you on your way.
Work Up a Sweat
Check out your local community recreation centres for Parent and Tot exercise classes to suit your own interests. Many places offer everything from Aquacize to Yoga. In many cases it’s as simple as strapping your baby to a carrier or other assistive device and getting down to it!
About three months after I had my son, I signed up for a Strollercize class in my area. Not only was it a great way to shred some of the baby weight I’d packed on, but I met some great friends I still keep in touch with years later. It also gave me something to look forward to each week. Plus my son loved doing laps in the stroller round and around the gym. He slept and I worked up a sweat. What could be better than that?
Get Creative
Several cities also offer many other options for parents and babes Some classes focus on building gross and fine motor skills in instructor-led classes through gym play. Your baby will love to practice throwing and catching balls, climbing over and under obstacles, and of course hiding under the giant parachute! If you’ve got a music lover on your hands, there are classes available to sing along to funny songs while learning new movements. Many also let your small child play and shake around noise-making instruments. They’ll love to nod and tap along with the beat!
Explore Your Local Library
Many libraries offer a weekly (or even daily) story-time for young children. The library close to our home gathers everyone around while they read out loud and even sometimes acts out the book with puppets! The kids eat it up of course. It’s a great way to encourage early literacy. Don’t leave without checking out some new treasures to take home with you and enjoy as well!
Take a Hike
We are lucky to live close to the mountains so this is a no-brainer for us when we’re at a loss for things to do on a breezy spring day. There are so many easy day hikes close by that are just a few kilometres and can easily be accomplished with a baby in a carrier. Even if you’re not close to the mountains yourself, grab a few friends, pack a hearty lunch, and scope out a scenic spot outside the city limits. It will feel like a mini getaway and give you a fresh perspective when you return.
What do you love to do when the warm weather hits? Leave a comment below!
XO The Good Enuf Mommy
Tiffany Austin is a mom, a wife, writer, and educator living in Calgary, Canada. Tired of never feeling “good enough” as a new mom, she began The Good Enuf Mommy to encourage other moms to feel confident and empowered in their own decisions. Connect with her on Facebook to read more!
