5 Great ways to let babies explore outdoor play
It is important that all children are able to access outdoor play every day. Accessing this environment with babies can have its challenges. However, Ofsted are very keen to see babies having fresh air everyday. Some settings will take the babies out in pushchairs to ensure they get some fresh air throughout the day however this is not very exciting or stimulating for the child. Here are 5 great ways for children under two can access outdoor play and make the most of the environment.
Explore natural materials
Babies love to explore materials using their hands, feet and mouths. Why not use a tuff spot and fill it with sand or compost, letting the baby explore the texture. You can add heuristic objects to the tuff spot too, as this may deter the baby from trying to eat the sand or compost.
Pop up Tents
Pop up tents are a great way for babies to enjoy outdoor play, but have somewhere safe to explore. You can add cushions and blankets to the tent to keep the baby comfortable, yet keeping the doors open allows them to take in the environment and observe nature.
Teddy Bears Picnic
Taking the babies outside for tea is a fun alternative. Babies can sit in their high chair outside or older ones can sit on a blanket to eat their tea. This gives babies the opportunity to experience the outside environment at different times of the day whilst supporting early imaginative play.
Tunnels
Providing tunnels for the babies to crawl through supports their physical development alongside their exploration skills. You can link tunnels together or create a mini assault course for the babies, providing objects to climb under, over and through.
Sensory Baskets
Sensory baskets are a great way of keeping a baby stimulated whilst exploring the outside environment. You can offer some sensory items on a blanket, giving them the space to explore the items alongside getting that vital fresh air.