When you’re busy caring for young children, the days can be long and repetitive. You probably spend a large chunk of your day changing diapers and feeding babies. By now, you’re probably settled into a nice routine. You may have baby groups or classes to attend each week and perhaps regular meetups with other moms. Every so often, however, it’s a good idea to escape from your regular routine and enjoy a special day out with your baby. Why? Because it’ll be fun. Your baby will experience something new and you’ll get a break from the norm. Here are a few ideas for places to visit on days out with your baby:

1. The art gallery or museum

Your baby might not be old enough to read the information signs or understand artistic concepts just yet, but that doesn’t mean he’s too young for a bit of culture. Art galleries and museums are filled with interesting attention-grabbing displays that will fascinate your baby. Bright colors, eye-catching patterns, and unusual displays will keep your baby entertained at the art gallery. And the interactive displays, buttons to press and exhibitions to explore will provide just as much entertainment at the museum. Museums and art galleries often have special activities running throughout the week for babies, so keep an eye out for listings at museums and galleries near you.

2. The beach

The beach is pretty much the perfect location for a baby day out. It has lots to offer your baby’s senses, making it the ideal sensory day out. The feel of the sand on your baby’s skin, the sound of the waves lapping against the shore and the taste of the ice cream you share together at the beach. Make sure you take a bucket and spade and something to sit on. If it’s a sunny day, make sure you pack enough sun protection and make sure your baby is wearing a hat at all times. You’ll also need to pack a couple of spare outfits for your baby – you might be surprised at just how messy it is possible to get at the seaside!

3. Steam train

Babies and young children love public transport almost as much as most adults hate it. Whilst you may dread your morning commute, your baby gives a wide smile each and every time he spots a bus. With this in mind, a trip on a steam train is sure to impress. You may be able to find a miniature steam railway to a country park or attraction near your house. Failing that, a journey on a full-size steam train will do.

4. Picnic

When the weather is nice, there’s nothing better than enjoying nature with your baby. A picnic is a perfect way to spend some quality time together enjoying the beautiful countryside around you. Pack a selection of your baby’s favorite foods (and a few of your own!), a picnic blanket and a ball and head out into the sunshine. You could just walk to the park near your house or, if you fancy an adventure, you could head further afield. Have fun exploring nature with your baby. Smell the flowers, touch the leaves and enjoy the feeling of grass under your bare feet. Try and engage with as many of your baby’s senses as possible.

5. Garden center

A garden center probably isn’t the first place that springs to mind when you think of days out with your baby, but it’s an excellent choice for you and your baby. Garden centers are filled with brightly colored flowers, strong smelling herbs, and different textured leaves. There are trees, bushes, water features and enough gnomes to keep your baby transfixed for hours. And, unlike the wide expanse of nature, there are baby changing facilities and places you can buy a cup of coffee. Sounds pretty perfect, doesn’t it?

Where do you like to go on your special days out with your baby?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Every single day, your little ones change and become more engaged with the world around them. Right now can be an especially fun and exciting time, because you are watching your baby’s personality develop before your very eyes. With that development, you are probably wondering how best to play with your growing baby.

Play between babies and their parents is so important, both for brain development and social awareness. Babies and young children learn through play, and you have an opportunity to help your little one feel connected and involved as you embrace their desire to engage.

But what kind of baby activities are best for your little 4 to 5 month old?

Right now, your baby is becoming much more interested in exploring his or her little world. They are becoming more physical, gaining in their ability to reach for certain objects, to focus on objects that are further away, and even to maneuver around through rolling. So activities that allow them to use those new skills can be great fun for you both! Try blowing bubbles for your baby and encouraging them to pop the bubbles that float nearby. Or place your baby on his or her belly for tummy time and lie down opposite them with a ball in between you. You can then roll the ball in front of your baby (slowly, of course) and encourage them to try to catch it.

At the same time, your baby’s other senses are developing as well. Bring a few items out of your spice cabinet and invite your little one to smell the different scents. Vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon can all be great options.

By now, your baby has probably been laughing and smiling for a while. You’ve also likely learned that there is no better sound in the world than your little one’s giggles. So work to bring more of those giggles on by playing a game of “I’m going to get you!” followed up by gentle tickles, of course! Babies love the build up of this, and the anticipation is likely to bring on just as much laughter as the actual tickles.

This Little Piggy is another game little ones love at this age. If you need a quick refresher, “This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home, this little piggy had roast beef, this little piggy had none, and this little piggy went wee-wee-wee all the way home!” Of course, don’t forget to tickle up their bellies with that “wee-wee-wee!”

And don’t forget to keep narrating your life for your baby as well. Even when you aren’t actively engaging in baby activities, they are learning from everything you say and do!

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.