Longer, warmer days mean it’s time to get outside and play! Playing helps children burn off extra energy, grow confident in their bodies and stay healthy. It also helps children learn and sleep better — and it’s just plain fun!
Keep a few toys in the trunk of your car and head to the playground after day-care or errands. Or, keep a toy-bag near your front door so you can quickly grab gear.
Items to include:
Offer water a few times an hour, more if it’s hot or if your child is playing hard. Young children don’t need energy or sports drinks.
Offer meals and snacks every 2-3 hours. An insulated cooler bag keeps food fresh. Pack snacks like cheese sticks, crackers, and raisins. A granola or breakfast bar can save the day if you don’t have time to pack a snack.
A cuddle with a book, drawing or a puzzle can offer time to recharge, especially if they’ve been playing all day.
Get in the habit of being active as a family:
Research in adults shows that 10 minutes of exercise three times a day improves fitness and health as much as 30 minutes at one time.
Side-Lying Hold
This hold is useful when:
Cross-Cradle Hold
This hold is useful when:
Clutch or “Football” Hold
This hold is useful when:
Cradle Hold
This hold is useful when:
Laid-Back Hold
This hold is useful when: