Fun Activities with Baby in the Winter Months
Fun Activities for Baby in the Winter Months
The winter months can be tough. While snow is picturesque and beautiful, it sometimes means being stuck inside. It also means getting creative when it comes to staying active and keeping your little one engaged and happy. If you’re struggling to think of new and fun ways to entertain your baby during the winter, look no further! Here are a few ideas to help entertain your baby and ward off those winter blues.
1. HANDPRINT PROJECTS
Not only are handprint projects fun but they make adorable keepsakes and are relatively easy to complete. Your little one will be delighted by having their palm painted and used as a stamp. The creative ideas are truly endless when it comes to making winter themed artwork using your infant’s handprint. You can create snowflakes, polar bears, penguins, and even snow covered trees! Your infant will giggle as you paint their tiny hands and be fascinated by the result as you create a winter picture using their handprint. And don’t forget those adorable baby feet! Painting the bottom of your child’s foot and using that to create other winter pictures is also a fun and playful option.
2. ICE PAINTING
If you’re looking to encourage your baby’s creativity with minimal clean-up, ice painting is the perfect solution. Just as you would make ice cubes out of juice, try filling an ice tray with water, food coloring, and popsicle sticks. Mix the water and your favorite colors - blue, green, red, orange, and purple etc. Place the popsicle stick into the center of the cube and put it in the freezer. Your ice paints will take approximately 2 hours to freeze. Once they’re frozen, run warm water over the tray to easily remove them. Now, you’re ready to paint! Sit with your baby and a blank piece of thick paper. Let them grab their favorite color and make strokes on the paper. As the ice begins to melt, it turns into watercolor painting. Your little one can explore different colors and the feel of the ice. Don’t be alarmed if they stick the ice in their mouths. It’s only water and food coloring, after all. But it’s good practice that your little one knows the difference between food and art supplies.
3. WARM SNOW PLAY
Do you want your baby to experience the snow but the thought of bundling them up and braving the cold seems daunting? You’re certainly not alone! Not to mention, it may prove difficult for an infant or immobile toddler to safely play and explore the snow outdoors. So why not bring the snow to them? Fill a small container with some white, fluffy snow from outside and introduce it to you little one in the comfort of your home (living room floor placed on a blanket or towel). Help your baby slowly explore and touch the snow.
They might be surprised at first by how cold it is. You can place gloves on their hands, but this takes away from the sensory experience. Small amounts of snow are easier for babies to handle and the chill factor is much lower. Add some accessories to the bin like small shovels, toys, and cups or bowls. Don’t be surprised if your little one decides to taste the snow, which is (of course) perfectly safe and all a part of the experience. As the snow melts, the consistency changes too, which will mystify and delight your curious baby.
Just because winter weather may inhibit some outdoor activities, it doesn’t mean your creativity and interactions with your infant should suffer. Try bringing the winter fun indoors where it’s more comfortable and enjoyable for your little one. And get creative with winter themed arts and crafts. When you start thinking outside the box, you’ll discover endless winter fun for both you and your infant.
April Sutphen
I am a 32-year-old mother and wife of a police officer living in NJ.
I have my MFA in creative nonfiction and 10 years writing experience.
When I'm not writing I enjoy hot yoga, cardio kickboxing, running, and camping.
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