Now that my son has exited the eat, sleep, poop stage, he's becoming a whole lot of fun. At three months old, he loves to play, to see new things, and to meet new people, and I take each of these things as an opportunity to further his development. We try to get out of the house for some fun and social interaction at least once a day, and we now have a short list of activities to engage in on a regular basis. Here are our favorite things to do with our young baby:
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1. Visit your local public library. Most free public libraries have surprisingly impressive children's sections that not only have tons of fun books to check out, but also house an array of colorful, sturdy and developmentally beneficial toys. Though your baby doesn't understand the books or may not be able to pick up any of the toys on his own, he probably loves to listen to you read stories and the bright colorful toys can help him learn about texture and pattern. Plus, it's a great place to meet other moms in your area.
2. Take a hike. Kick your daily walk up a notch by tracking down a hiking trail within driving distance. Most trails are surrounded by woods filled with lots of interesting flora and fauna. Your baby will love the sounds of the wind blowing through the leaves and the birds chirping. No need for a fancy stroller–strap the baby into a carrier so he can take in all the sights. Added bonus: The uneven terrain and the weight of the baby will help you burn more calories than you would during a walk around your neighborhood.
3. Hang out in a bookstore. Again, with the books! I know. But, most large chain bookstores now have extensive offerings for children–many even feature play areas. This is a safe place for your little one to discover new interests and meet new people. You can even grab a latte and flip through a magazine–just be sure not to leave your baby unattended.
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4. Get your workout on. Look for a workout DVD or video that will teach you how to exercise with your baby. From squats to crunches and even push-ups, lots of exercises can be modified so that you can do them with your baby by your side or even in your arms. And young babies will get a kick out of seeing mom (or dad) jumping and bouncing around.
5. Do some shopping. The mall is a great place to bring a new baby–in the early days, we went quite often. You can walk your baby around in the stroller for hours and the motion will likely keep him calm and happy while you work on your post-partum wardrobe. And if you need to take a break to nurse, you can do so without any hassle in most department store fitting rooms.
Bonus tip: Wherever you go or whatever you do with your baby, take them out of the stroller or car seat for at least a little while so they can see and experience things. Every new activity is an opportunity for discovery, you just have to remember to let your child engage with the world around him.
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