Winters day survival guide

Antoinette Scandling, special education teacher and mother of a busy toddler and a newborn puts her mind to how to keep her little boys happy and entertained over the chilly winter months.

As the weather turns cooler and the days get shorter I am beginning to think about the things I can do with my young baby on those cold winter days. With our winters being very cold it can be difficult to pull yourself away from the comfort of our central heating and cosy beds. A day out in winter, even just a short outing, seems to require planning and preparation of epic proportions. Babies require a lot of equipment any way, but in winter the amount of extra stuff you tend to take along with you, incase of this or incase of that, seems to be mountainous. It is also so easy to forget about yourself when getting everything ready for the baby to go out.

Here are my top tips of what you will need for your baby and yourself, to ensure that you do continue to get out and about. I have included some of my favourite winter outings as well as activities to do at home, when it is just too dismal to go out.

What your baby needs:

• General baby Paraphernalia - diapers, wipes, change mat, bottles (if bottle feeding), forula (if bottle feeding), cotton balls
• It is useful to carry some anti bacterial wipes and hand gel, as you never know where you might end up having to change your baby.
• Dress your baby warmly with hat, vest, warm onesie or outfit, socks or booties, shoes for those walking.
• Extra set of warm clothes for those diaper accidents. A wet baby is a cold baby.
• Portable bottle warmer (like a flask or a plug in one for the car)
• Coat and mittens.
• Blankets - take as many as you think you will need to ensure the cold is kept out, plus one more. It may turn colder through the day.
• For older babies who are sitting up in their strollers it is a good idea to have a “Cosy Toes” on your stroller. You get really funky designs these days and often they have mittens attached. Fleece or lambs wool is best for those cold days.
• Special treats for those babes who can have snacks. Picnics are for summer, special treats (usually tucked up in their prams) are for winter. Make a chilly journey out special as you would a warm summer’s day out.
• Waterproof for the pram
• If you have a toddler a water proof rain suit (or snow suit) is an absolute must. Make sure they have Velcro on the cuffs of the sleeves and legs so that you can close them properly to avoid any part of their clothing getting wet.

What you need for yourself:
In packing and getting ready for your baby, it is easy to neglect yourself. Try to make sure that you are also prepared to be out and about in the cold with the following:

• Dress warmly. You may end up being out longer than you think. Older babies and toddlers tend not to notice the cold when they are having fun!
• Coat, hat, scarf and gloves are essential. Playground equipment is freezing to touch.
• Umbrella
• A small flask with a chocolaty drink is a good idea. A quick way to warm up and the chocolate can lift your mood.
• Also have a special treat for yourself as a reward for making the effort for being outside.

Where to go and what to do:

Outdoors
All children love to be outside, whatever their age. Nature is the best environment in which children can learn. Use every opportunity to point out colours, shapes, size and texture. Also, nature provides so much opportunity to develop language. Use words to describe what you see all around you.

• Visit a nature reserve area near you. In the UK we are lucky that many areas are kept as green space.
• Go feed the ducks
• Forests are fabulous for sticks, leaves, pine cones, etc
• Your local park

Indoors

• Indoor play centers are great for those dark, rainy days
• Find baby/toddler groups in your area (great for meeting other mums too)
• Indoor swimming pools at your local gym or leisure centre

Home activities:
For those days when its just too cold or wet to venture out your front door here are some ideas of what you can do at home:

• Baby Massage with olive oil and soothing music
• Water play in the bath
• Senses box - make up a box with goodies that you can find around the house (and outdoors) of things that will stimulate each sense. (E.g., talc, herbs, spices etc for smell; black and white pictures and shapes, books etc for sight; soft toys, different textured papers, material for touch; music, white noise, nature sounds for hearing; For older babies you can do taste - spices, lemon, fruit etc.)
• Songs and rhymes
• Musical instruments
• Art activities – even young babies enjoy exploring with art materials. Do hand and foot prints with paint or colour mixing with their hands. Very messy but good to keep your baby occupied.
• Other great texture experiences are corn flour on a tray, cold cooked pasta, shaving foam (for sensitive skin).

Wintery days can also be packed with fun and experiences. It just takes a little more planning and preparation.

Enjoy.