With summer in full swing, you’re likely spending a lot more time outdoors. Check out the 10 best ways to keep baby busy outside, whether you’re beneath the shade, at the pool, or on the beach. Is your little one getting bigger?
1. Sort, Stack, Nest, Repeat
You’ll be amazed at the hours of fascination your little one will find in this super simple toy. Baby can nest the cups or build a tower, knock ‘em down and begin again. Stack N Count Cups, from The First Years, are easy to clean, making them fantastic for pool, beach or park.
2. Plop Down Anywhere
Who says you can’t control baby’s environment? This is not your average picnic blanket. It’s water resistant, lightweight, washable, and it folds easily into its own carrying case with a handle. Use this mat to convert a patch of grass or sand into a clean spot for tummy time, squirrel watching, or stargazing. Plus, it’s stylish enough for the grownups to bring to an outdoor concert — just remember to shake out the Goldfish crumbs before your date!
3. Mind Game
This developmental toy will make baby smile while she improves her hand-eye coordination. The fish are both scoopers and strainers, and the net and fish are ideal for growing hands to grab. We love the mix of bright colors and textures. Sassy Catch & Count Net.
4. Leash Baby’s Toys, Free Your Mind
Baby has her vices and you have your hands full. Consider this “leash” your new lifeline. Snap one end to the stroller and the other to the coveted toy, bottle or snack cup. And off you go to jet set around town without wondering what you’ll leave behind this time. Baby Buddy Secure-A-Toy Strap.
5. Grab, Squeeze, Pull, Chew, Repeat
We love the look of Manhattan Toy’s whimsical, arty designs, and bonus: these gems are fabulous for early motor skills training. The Winkel is a teether and shaker that’s tempting to grab and makes a lovely sound that won’t rattle you. Stick it in the cooler to have on hand for teething fussiness. The Quixel has an easy squeezy design with clacking beads and bungee cords. You can attach these beauties to the stroller with Secure-A-Toy (see above). They’re perfect for summer evening strolls or to keep baby busy at a park playdate.
Winkel, available at Amazon
6. Ring In the Season
Look familiar? There’s a reason Fisher-Price’s Rock-a-Stack is a classic. This simple toy develops motor skills as baby learns to stack the easy-to-grip rings in size order. And it’s ideal for poolside play because the rings float.
7. Splash In Style
Lighten your load as you cruise baby around the pool in this stylish float. We particularly love the personal sun canopy to help protect baby’s sensitive skin. There is a mesh area that catches toys and a handy storage bag. SwimWays Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy.
8. Turn Your Tree Into a Playground
It’s indisputable that swings bring giggles and have a calming effect — always have, always will. A T-bar and straps keep Baby secure in the Little Tikes 2-in-1 Snug ‘n Secure Swing. Little Tikes also sells a clip-sun canopy.
Canopy is $15, sold separately
9. Have a Ball
Baby will love the bright colors and grippy texture of Edushape Sensory Balls as she squishes, tosses, rolls, catches them, and crawls to chase them across your lawn. Lose one? No worries because they come in a 4-pack.
10. Showtime For Baby
We tend to think of bubbles as toddler/preschooler territory, but you can have a bursting great time putting on a bubble show for baby. We promise she’ll be mesmerized!
