Your child needs some outside time and you do too - especially if you're a homedad. Spending too much time indoors without adult company can cause you to lose perspective. It’s easier than ever to go out and about with a young child, as businesses have realised that people with children do want to leave their houses from time to time and might even spend money whilst they’re at it. Shops, cafés and restaurants are increasingly accommodating, meaning that you can take your child with you when you’ve got stuff to do.
Be mindful of them getting bored – a couple of toys or books are always a good idea – but taking them to new places stimulates them, so getting them to accompany you is generally a good thing. Taking a small child out at least once a day can stop them getting cranky and often leaves them more ready for a daytime nap. It can also be great fun to go and hang out at the park and have a few goes on the swings. Make sure you're always nearby though, as climbing frames can be a bit tough (and dangerous!) for very small children.
It’s important to dress children for the weather, especially when they’re very young. Put a hat on them to keep them warm in winter and the sun off in summer. They may well take the hat straight off, and when you put it back on they’ll take it off again because this is a hilarious game that can last for hours and never get boring. As a general rule of thumb, make sure they're wearing at least one more layer than you would wear for the weather.
On sunny days, the extra protection of a canopy or parasol on their pushchair is a good idea and high factor sun cream is essential. Do what you can to make sure they don’t rub it into their own eyes. Now you're ready - open the door and get ready to embrace the big wide world. You never know, you might even enjoy it!