DAYS OUT
Hello, world
AS THE SUNSHINE PEEPS THROUGH, THERE’S AN ARR AY OF BENEFITS TO GET TING BABY OUTSIDE, SAYS Natalie Keeler e all know that a bit of fresh air is good for our health, but for your little one, time spent outside is crucial. From stimulating her senses to establishing good sleeping patterns, research shows that even a short stroll outdoors can have a huge impact on her development as she learns to process her surroundings. Simply talking to your baby as you walk and describing the things you see can help to promote early language development, according to the European Journal of Social Sciences Education and Research. The fresh air also offers a sense of calm, which translates into quality sleep time. Other studies have shown that introducing her to different environments promotes the formation of her brain synapses, making her more adept at learning, plus you’ll probably feel better for it, too. Happy exploring!
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The Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi comes with shock-absorbing abilities for rougher rides
Scooters
Bike seats
Whether you’re out on a family cycle, or trying to get from A to B, attaching a bike seat to your own pair of wheels means baby can join the ride. Most designs are best suited to nine months and above, as she needs to be able to sit up unsupported. Some, like the Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi, can carry children up to six years. Priority number one? Safety. The seat should have an adjustable, padded three- or five-point harness, like the Hamax Caress Child Seat, to keep her securely strapped in for the journey. Footrests are a must, as are foot straps, to avoid the risk of tiny feet getting caught in your bike spokes. The seat should also have full back and head support, padded seating, built-in reflectors and added safety buckles. The Hamax Caress Child Seat can be adjusted to allow baby to snooze comfortably in the back while you’re on the go. Hamax Caress Child Seat
Once your baby is a bit older, a scooter is a fun alternative to sitting that helps develop hand-eye coordination, muscles and balance. Signs that she’s ready are if she’s reaching and grasping objects, in control of her head position, and in the initial stages of walking, usually from 12 months. Scooters take little ones through the years, thanks to robust structure and adjustable heights. Micro Scooter’s 3in1 Deluxe Push Along Scooter is for 12 months to five years; its sleek design comes with an extra-grippy footplate – to help balance – and a handlebar that grows. Globber’s Evo Comfort Scooter is for 15 months to nine years; built for comfort, it has an extrawide seat on which she can perch. When she’s confident enough to take control, just remove the footrest and handle, and let her loose!
Mini Micro 3in1 Deluxe Push Along Scooter £119.95, micro-scooters.co.uk
£154.99, evanscycles.com
52 | baby-magazine.co.uk
Globber Evo Comfort Scooter £90, kidly.co.uk
