We might not get a lot of them in the UK, but when we do, we want to make the most of them.
Sunny, dry days are great for getting your baby outside in the fresh air and giving them the opportunity to enjoy the world around them.
Some of the best sunny days can involve simply playing in the garden while others may involve some good old traditional sea, sun and sand.
Whatever you choose to do, depending on your circumstances, ensure that it will be a day from which both of you will gain some positive experience.
Best advice is to plan ahead, especially if you are not going to stay at home.
Pack your bag the evening before and make sure baby milk/food is ready prepared and waiting in the fridge for you to grab and run.
Now stop, breath – and focus on the fun!
Paddle!
Why not get out a little paddling pool, add a couple of inches of tepid water and sit baby and yourself in it. Have fun with gentle splashing about, with you holding on tight to keep baby upright.
Add plastic cups, teapots or bowls then scoop and pour together. Be careful not to overload your tot with too much choice, just start simple and see what happens.
If you have those light, plastic balls from a home ball pool, try adding a couple of those.
Encourage your baby’s grasping, holding and pouring skills or simply let them kick and splash.
Melt!
On a hot sunny day, playing with ice cubes is a fantastic way to have fun.
Set your ice cubes the evening before, add a little colour by using a few drops of fruit cordial or food colouring. That way, when you come to play ice cubes, you baby can enjoy different colours too.
Whether indoors or out, put the cubes into a tough tray, bowl or paddling pool and let baby kick around or grasp the cubes with your help.
It’s a great sensory experience and you will both have heaps of (chilly) fun on a wonderfully warm day.
Paint!
Invest in some colourful baby-friendly finger paints and get painting.
Cover your solid floor or rugs and carpets with plastic and then roll out unused wallpaper and paint on the back where the paper is normally smooth.
If it is healthy for your baby to do so, let them get as paint-coloured as they like as they try to copy your simple mark-making.
It might sound messy, but the paint will come off baby easily and, if you have prepared well, it will be easy to clean up.
You never know, you could inspire your very own, rather little Banksy!
Swim!
Try a parent and baby swim class – it might need a little planning ahead!
There is nothing better than dipping into the tepid waters of baby swimming pool with your tot and sharing moments you will never forget.
Swimming while young, helps babies to develop essential muscle control to be strong enough to keep their heads held up and move their limbs in perfect coordination with other parts of their busy little bodies.
Cool down, have fun and provide muscle strengthening opportunities for your little one, all at the same time. A bonding experience you will not want to miss.
Walk in the Woods!
There are family-friendly wooded areas all over the UK. And they provide vital shade on warm and sunny, family days out.
Stroll along prepared paths through the shades of the trees, look out for squirrels and listen carefully for the sound of birds chattering or mice scurrying.
Learn about the woodland creatures from the information boards and breathe in that comforting, clean air.
Let baby relax in the pram or cuddle up with you in a pappus while they drift off to sleep for their afternoon nap.
It really is good for the soul and excellent for your mental health.
Conclusion
Sunny days don’t have to be stressful for you and baby. They can provide the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air at home or out of doors and can be about providing stimulating focus for both of you.
It goes without saying, that you should always ensure you have sunscreen for yourself and baby in addition to sun hats and cool clothing providing extra protection from the sun.
If you are going to be away from home, take water for you both and keep it fresh in a cooler bag. Invite a friend for more fun and some adult company.
