With your six-month-old baby in tow, you may be starting to get stir crazy within your home. Is it alright to take them out on adventures? Are you ready as a parent to adapt to new situations? In an effort to ease your worries, pediatricians and moms alike have offered helpful activities that will help your little one to grow and learn, and may even be enjoyable for you. Keep in mind that these adventures should not last too long, since nap times and feedings are still important. Try to have these mini adventures last between 60-90 minutes.
The Aquarium
Many pediatricians have recommended that aquariums are a great place to take babies. This is due to the vibrant colors, the different shapes and sizes of the fish, and the depth perceptive challenge of trying to see them while they move.
The Zoo
Many zoos in the world today offer interactive exhibits where children can feel textures similar to those on animals. While you should take caution if your child is actually touching an animal, exhibits like these are great for learning. Zoos, like aquariums, offer a wide variety of colors and shapes for your child to look at, all of which help them to learn faster than the same shapes they are always seeing at home.
A Trip To The Park
Taking a quick trip to your local park allows your child to experience the world that they live in. Take the time to walk around with your baby, showing them the leaves, the grass, and allowing them to feel things for themselves. By six months your baby may be able to fit into the child swings, depending on how well they are holding up their head. This may be an enjoyable activity for them, especially if their parent or loved one is playing peek-a-boo whenever they swing close to them.
Play In Warm Water
Many children love bath time, but sometimes the chill of the beach can be overwhelming for them. Instead of making the trek to a distant location, you may want to set up your own little pool in your backyard, filling it with just an inch or two of warm water. If your baby can sit up on their own they will love the feeling of playing in the water. If they are still unable to sit up, you may want to put the pool on a soft surface and supervise them closely while they play.
In conclusion, there is much to do outside with your little one! Instead of feeling trapped in the mommy cage, bring your baby along on little adventures, teaching them as you go. By getting outside once or twice a week both you and your baby are likely to be happier. If you have additional questions about suitable activities for your baby, contact a pediatric doctor's office such as Ada Pediatrics PA.