Things to do with your baby and toddler
From Mommyplace.com WiKI Page
Here is a list of activities for babies and toddlers:
1) Library storytimes. Most public libraries have scheduled storytimes where librarians read books, sing songs, do felt boards, or puppet shows. Many libraries have a baby lap sit storytime and a storytime for older children. They are an excellent activity to with babies and toddlers. And they are free! We started taking our baby when he was 10 weeks old. It's never too early to expose your child to books. Call your local library for a schedule.
2) Bookstores such as Tattered Cover and Barnes and Noble also have storytimes. Give your local store a call.
3) Some Pottery Barn for Kids have storytimes too.
4) Gym classes. My Gym ([1]) offers gym classes for children as early as 6 weeks old. My son has been going to My Gym since he was 12 weeks old and it continues to be one of his most favorite activities. The classes offer physical exercise, songs, skills delveopment, and socialization. Gymboree ([2]) also offers similar classes. Often local recreation centers offer similar classes.
5) Music classes. Studies show that children exposed to music at a very early age show advancement later in life in subjects such as math (you can do the research yourself...it's been a long time since I did it!). There are many music classes in every community. Kindermusik is a national company with classes all over the country ([3]). My son has been attending Kindermusik classes for over 2 years and it's his #1 favorite class. Gymboree ([4]) also offers music classes. Local recreation centers also might have classes.
6) Baby Sign Language classes. The research on how babies who are taught to sign have better vocabularies later in life than those who were not taught to sign is amazing (again, you can do it yourself). I am a believer. My son started baby sign language classes at 4 months and has a better vocabulary than any other child I've seen who is his age. The classes are parent/tot classes and they teach the parents just as much as they teach the baby. We attended Signing Smart classes ([5]) but there are other companies who teach Baby Sign Langage too. The day your baby makes his/her first sign is a day you will never forget.
7) Art classes. The youngest age that I was able to find an art class for is 2 years old. Abrakadoodle ([6]) is a national company that teaches classes all over the country. My son has taken their classes since he turned 2 and he loves them. Art supply stores such as Michaels (www.michaels.com) also offer art classes/camps. Remember that you can also do art at home. All you need is crayons, paints, brushes, paper, or fun things for your child to paint (Michaels has a great selection of wood things for kids to paint) and you can do your own art class at home.
8) Parks. You cannot go wrong taking your child to the park. Start taking them early and introducing them to the baby swings and the smaller slides (just always hold on to them!). If your local park has sand, pack buckets, shovels, cups, and plastic trucks.
9) Swimming. I was told that you can start putting a baby in the pool at 6 months because at 6 months they have learned to regulate their body temperature. I had my son in the pool the day he turned 6 months. One thing to do with them when they are this young is to put them on their backs, their head on your shoulder, and gently walk around. This will start teaching them what it's like to float on their backs. Remember to be extremely careful. Many companies and recreation centers offer parent/tot swim classes for babies/toddlers 6 months and older. If you live in the South Denver area, I strongly recommend SafeSplash swim school ([7]). Call your local recreation center or country club, check the yellow pages, and talk to other Moms in your area to find out where swim classes are offered. When your toddler is old enough to do more free p play in the toddler pools, be sure to pack rings, balls, plastic trucks, buckets, ducks, etc. This will keep them entertained for hours. Remember NEVER to leave a small child unattended in any pool...big or small. Even if there is a lifeguard! And don't forget that all babies and toddler who are not potty trained need to wear swim diapers. You can buy disposable ones or plastic ones.
10) The Zoo. A great activity for babies and toddlers. Many zoos also offer special classes and storytimes that are not very expensive. Check with your local zoo.
11) Aquariums. Most major cities have an aquarium. These are great places to take your babies and toddlers because all kids love fish and water!
12) Museums. Many major cities have Children's museums. Use google.com to see if there is a children's museum in your area. If not, see if other musums in your area have exhibits that your baby or toddler might enjoy.
