When it is too cold or snowy outside to play, it takes creativity to keep the little ones busy. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to occupy your baby or toddler while you wait for better weather. The following ideas for parents will help you and your kids to prevent cabin fever. Explore the following ideas and find a fun new activity together.
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Keep a Family Routine
If you will be indoors for days on end, it still helps to keep your regular schedule. By getting up and going to bed at the same time each day, you will help to prevent childhood sleep disruptions that lead to cranky babies and toddlers.
Winter does call for cozy baby and toddler clothes, but you do not have to stay in pajamas to feel comfortable while you play. Changing your child into something new will help to get them ready for the day ahead.
Switch the kids out of their sleepwear and into a soft cotton bodysuit with socks and matching leggings or sweatpants. While you dress them, you can change yourself into something that makes you feel stylish and fresh.
Stick with the same meal times and nap time to keep your little one comfortable. While your family routine will give the quieter days a sense of normalcy, it will also help everyone adjust back to their everyday schedule.
Create an Indoor Wonderland
Winter is a season that captures the imagination. When you start to get cabin fever, you can put your energy into creating a fun winter wonderland instead. Ideas include creating forts, buildings or imaginary campgrounds out of sheets, comforters or cardboard boxes.
Taking some time to design the perfect relaxation spot will help to expend some physical and mental energy. If you have a spare room or space in the nursery, adorn the area with paper snowflakes or paper chain garlands in holiday colors. You may also find that you have a new, interesting spot to feed your baby, read a book or take a nap.
Spend Time In The Yard
Spending time outdoors for just a few moments each day will give you and your child some much-needed vitamin D and fresh air. You do not need to get in the car or travel far to enjoy the benefits of being outside. Instead, take advantage of what you have around you.
The backyard, deck or patio is all you need to have some fun. Activity ideas include taking a short walk, exploring the snow and ice or introducing a favorite toy to the wintry weather.
When you do decide to go outdoors, make sure your little one is dressed in appropriate toddler or baby clothes. Frolicking in the snow will require a snowsuit, boots and mittens or gloves. Snow jackets, hats and thermal bottoms will also help to make your kids feel warm.
Milder weather may call for a hooded jacket or sweater with a warm cotton undershirt or bodysuit. Long sleeve bodysuits and shirts make the perfect companion to lined winter bottoms.
Enjoy the outdoors in short bursts to keep your baby from getting too cold. A short trek outside once or twice a day should help prevent cabin fever.
Video Chat with Family
The holiday season is a time to get together. If you cannot be in the same room or household, you can let your little ones socialize virtually with friends and family.
Schedule video chats with loved ones. They are sure to enjoy getting to know your baby, while your toddler can show off their newfound skills and tell a few stories.
To create a kid-friendly video chat, start by positioning your tablet, smartphone or laptop on a sturdy table or desk. Make sure the height is short enough so that the entire screen shows your baby or toddler’s face.
This approach allows your child to move about while they talk to family members. It will also help to get everyone in the family into the chat window. A short chat can keep things interesting for the children. It will also allow you to take a moment for yourself.
Listen to Music
According to What to Expect, there are many benefits of listening to music with your baby or toddler. When you enjoy a tune, you are stimulating your child’s creative skills, encouraging socialization and helping to build their self-esteem.
Experts say you are also teaching your little one how the mind and body effortlessly work together. While you are stuck indoors, you can try a variety of music on your child. Jazz music, classical tunes and nursery rhymes will encourage your baby to sway to the sounds. There are also plenty of holiday tunes to get you feeling festive for winter.
Toddlers may enjoy singing songs, using musical instruments or playing an interactive game while dancing. The same baby boy and baby girl clothes that are great for indoor play are also appropriate for a dance party.
Dress them in cozy, stretchy bottoms that allow them to move to the music. Long sleeve cotton tops and one-piece bodysuits are also perfect for dancing to the beat. Accessorize their look with sunglasses or boas that help them to look cool and use their imagination. You may even find you like the costumes, too.
Enjoy Downtime Together as a Family
Cold days and wintry weather can throw a family off their schedule. Being flexible and creative can help you to prevent cabin fever. While you keep your sleeping and eating routine as normal, you can help to inspire quiet or dull days with a few fun activities. For example, you can have a great time playing a solitaire Spider game.
Today’s technology makes it possible to entertain, educate and socialize with family. Staying inside will allow your family to spend quality time together and make holiday memories.
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