Welcoming Spring with Baby: A Nature Activity Guide

Spring is a season of renewal. Warm sun and longer hours of daylight wake up the world. Trees and flowers bloom and many familiar animals return from hibernation or migration.

All this activity gives you and your baby wonderful opportunities to enjoy Nature together. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of your time together this season.

Watching Nature

Depending on where you live, you might see increased animal activity in the spring. Birds, deer, rabbits, chipmunks, frogs, squirrels, and other animals become more active or return to the area. In the morning, you might sit at the window with your baby or go on a walk around the park to watch the animals in action. You can engage your baby and expand her language by describing what’s going on. If a bird is at the feeder or pulling a worm out of the ground, tell her what it’s doing. When the birds are chirping, point it out to her.

Outdoor Nature activities

Warmer days and soft breezes make spring a pleasant time for your baby to safely explore the outdoors. If it’s warm enough, spread a blanket on the grass for her. She might roll over or scoot to the edge of the blanket to explore the grass. Tickle her gently with blades of grass or flowers to stimulate her sense of touch.

Extend your Nature play by collecting leaves, flowers, and other objects from the ground in your yard or while on a walk. While this activity works well with older children, your baby can safely enjoy the sensory stimulation, too. Show your baby a flower, tell her how it feels and brush it over her palms and fingers. If possible, hold it gently to her nose and tell her how it smells. Show her a pinecone, the buds on bushes or trees, a spider’s web, and more. You’re laying the foundation for a lifetime of loving Nature.

You can blow bubbles, too. Many babies who are at the giggling stage will find bubbles uproariously funny. Toddlers, preschoolers, and older children will also enjoy this activity (and blowing bubbles is a great activity for fine motor development). To make your own bubbles, pour ¾ cup of corn syrup into 5 cups of warm water. Mix well and stir in 2 cups of dish soap. Stir gently and you’re ready to blow bubbles.

Indoor Nature activity

Of course, spring brings wet and cold weather some days. When you can’t enjoy Nature outdoors, head back inside and look for ways to bring Nature’s colours with you. Older babies might enjoy playing with “finger paints” you make from yogurt and food colouring, or they might enjoy stamping on a piece of white paper with berries you’ve cut in half.

Dressing your baby for spring

Depending on where you live, spring weather can be fickle. It can be warm one day and rainy and cool the next. Be sure your baby is dressed for the weather. A good rule of thumb is that she should be wearing one more layer than you are. Layer up bodysuits with a soft sweater or blanket and be sure to cover up those cute little toes with a pair of booties or socks.

Spring nights can be cool, too. Keep up your good sleep routine in a cool, dark room and remember to add a swaddle or sleep sack. If you’re swaddling your young baby, be sure to leave her hips and legs free to promote healthy development.

Spring baby photoshoot ideas

Keeping a baby memory book? Be sure to make time for pictures that capture the changing season. The days with your baby may feel long, but the months (and years) fly, so you’ll love looking back.

Have a fun home photoshoot with spring props, including soft pastel colours, Easter eggs and more. If your baby is small enough, you can even put her into an Easter basket for a memorable picture. Whatever accessories you choose, be sure to take a family selfie during this special time.

Best baby books about spring

Reading books together is a beautiful way to bond with your baby. While you’re holding him close, bright pictures give him something to focus on. The sound of your voice is soothing, and your words help him form the foundation for learning language.

Let the new season bring some fresh titles to your storytime. This list from Scholastic includes some new books and some well-loved favourites, ideal for the infant in your life.

I Am a Bunny by Ole Risom is one of these timeless classics, following a small bunny as he moves through the year telling children what he likes to do during each of Nature’s special seasons. It’s a gentle way to find the beauty in every time. In My Flower by Sara Gillingham is part of her series of interactive board books for young readers. The flower on the cover is a puppet you or another caregiver can bring to life while you read. For older siblings, The Bug Girl is the story of a young girl who has loved insects all her life. Her classmates start to tease her, but women scientists rallied around her in droves. The Bug Girl was co-authored by Sophia Spencer when she was a fourth grader and is her true story. She gives young readers a glimpse at some of nature’s most amazing insects.

Spring can be a time when you feel in sync with all the creatures bringing new life into the world. What are you most looking forward to doing with your baby this season? Share with us on Instagram or Facebook.