HELLO, WORLD

AS THE SUNSHINE PEEPS THROUGH, THERE’S AN ARR AY OF BENEFITS TO GETTING 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 o’ ers a sense of calm, which translates into quality sleep time. Other studies have shown that introducing her to di’ erent 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! W

The Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi comes with shock-absorbing abilities for rougher rides

Hamax Caress Child Seat £154.99, evanscycles.com 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 fi ve-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 refl ectors 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.

Scooters 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 fi ve 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 confi dent 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

THE OUT AND ABOUT EDIT

Toddler reins £12.99, littlelife.com

DoddleFliptop Set £9.99, doddlebags.com

Changing bag £99, mamasandpapas.com

Leather backpack £295, kerikit.com Joie Versatrax Pushchair From £300, uberkids.com

Carriers Baby carriers are essential on a family day out, especially if there are other youngsters in your pack. Baby-wearing comes with several other plus-points, too; it encourages bonding, aids her balance, boosts breast milk production due to the close contact, and stimulates her early language development. While she’s small, a forward-facing design like the BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Move is perfect – suitable from newborn to 15 months, easy to take on and o, and oering proper support for her back, legs and hips. Once she’s older, something like the Little Life Cross Country S4 Child Carrier is ideal, suitable from six months to three years, with breathability, an adjustable back system and foot stirrups, plus a viewing mirror and sunshade for warm days.

Pushchairs The great outdoors oers up a multitude of terrains, which means you’ll need a pushchair that’s robust, easy to steer, and fearless in the face of the unpredictable British climate. Because high-spec strollers are an investment for most, longevity is key: you’ll want a pair of wheels that takes you from those very early days to just past toddler stage. A seat that diuses vibration, like that oered by Micralite’s FastFold – suitable from newborn to five years – also ensures a comfortable ride for baby, while its one-handed steering function and lightweight design make muddy days out in the country a breeze. Joie’s Versatrax stroller similarly makes outdoor ventures super-easy, with its adjustable forward- and rear-facing seat and multi-position recline, not to mention its weatherproof canopy, which will keep baby sheltered come rain or shine.

Cross Country S4 Child Carrier £169.99, littlelife.com