As the leaves begin to change colour and the air turns crisp, autumn offers a beautiful backdrop for spending quality time with your baby. While the season might bring to mind cosy sweaters and pumpkin picking, it’s also an excellent time to engage in activities that both you and your little one can enjoy. In this blog post, we will explore a variety of autumn activities that create lasting memories.
Nature Walks
Autumn is a magical time for outdoor adventures with your baby. Take leisurely walks through nearby parks or nature trails. The vibrant colours and rustling leaves will captivate their attention. As you stroll, consider collecting colourful leaves and creating a simple leaf picture together. This activity will introduce your child to the natural world while promoting sensory development. Older children may enjoy collecting conkers.
If you live near a beach, it’s a great time of year to go for seaside walks as they are quieter than in peak season and October in the UK is much milder this year. You can still have fun building sandcastles, digging holes and exploring rock pools.
Why not take a picnic and enjoy the whole day outside? Our SpongePod feeding chair is perfect to take out and about!
Dressing Up
Babies dressing up for Halloween can be an adorable and a very cute sight. While very young babies may not fully understand, they can still participate in the festivities and you can have lots of fun taking photos of them (great to look back on when they are grown up!) Popular choices for baby costumes include pumpkins, animals, superheroes, and classic Halloween characters like witches, spiders, skeletons or ghosts.
Cosy Storytime and Sensory Play
As the weather cools down, cosy indoor activities become more appealing. Create a comfortable reading nook with soft blankets and plush pillows. Reading to your baby not only introduces them to language but also enhances bonding and early literacy development and is essential in creating a good bedtime routine.
Sensory play is essential for your baby’s cognitive development. Gather autumn-inspired items like pinecones, leaves and acorns. Let your baby explore these textures and shapes under your careful supervision. Be sure to watch for any small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Sensory play helps babies develop fine motor skills and curiosity about their surroundings.
Baby Massage
Treat your little one to a relaxing pumpkin spice-scented baby massage. Using a baby-safe moisturiser with a mild scent, gently massage your baby’s arms, legs, and tummy. The soothing touch and calming scent will help your newborn relax and possibly even drift off into a peaceful nap.
Pumpkin Patch Fun
Visiting a pumpkin patch can be a delightful autumn activity for your whole family. Your baby will enjoy the sensory experience of touching different pumpkins and a fun day out with family and friends. Capture adorable photos of your little one nestled beside or on top of a pumpkin. This is becoming more and more popular and a lot of places require you to pre book, so don’t miss out! Older children (and adults) will enjoy carving pumpkins and creating master pieces!
Visit a Family-Friendly Event
Many places offer special events this time of year suitable for families with young children. Look for events that offer family-friendly activities such as at petting zoos, farms, garden centres, National Trust etc. These provide an opportunity for your baby to experience the excitement of the season in a safe and controlled environment.
What better way to travel to a day out than by train, steam train rides offer a unique and nostalgic experience that both parents and children can enjoy.
Weaning and seasonal flavours
Here are some seasonal foods to consider when weaning your baby during the autumn months:
- Pumpkin is a fantastic autumn food for weaning babies. Steam or roast pumpkin and then puree it for a smooth and creamy addition to your baby’s diet. It’s packed with vitamins and fibre.
- Sweet potatoes are another autumn favourite and they have a natural sweetness that many babies love. Bake, steam, or boil sweet potatoes, and then mash or puree them.
- Butternut squash has a mild and slightly sweet flavour. It’s easy to prepare by roasting, steaming, or boiling, and it can be mashed or pureed for your baby.
- Apples and pears are abundant during the autumn season. Cook apples and pears until they are soft, remove the skin, and then puree or mash them for your baby.
- Carrots, broccoli and cauliflower are available all year-round but are particularly tasty in the autumn. Steam or boil carrots until they are soft, and then puree or mash them for a nutritious addition to your baby’s meals.
- As your baby grows and is ready for more texture, consider introducing cooked cranberries. You can make a simple cranberry sauce and mash it slightly for added flavour.
- Oatmeal is an excellent choice for a first cereal for babies. Cook rolled oats with water or breast milk, and then puree or mash them to achieve the desired consistency. To add flavour to your baby’s meals, you can incorporate small amounts of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices pair well with many autumn foods and can enhance the taste of purees and cereals.
Warm Bath
Bathing your baby in autumn is an enjoyable and comforting experience, but it does require some special considerations due to the changing weather and cooler temperatures. Our top tips for bathing your baby include: Ensure the bathroom is comfortably warm, test the water temperature, have all the necessary bath supplies within arm’s reach before you start, keep it short and sweet, using a BabyDam bath divider makes your baby feel secure and maintains the water temperature, use gentle products and a towel ready (our Cozy Towel is made from bamboo), dry thoroughly, dress your baby in layers and maintain a regular bath time routine.
Guy Fawkes Night
Attending fireworks displays with a baby can be a fun experience for your little one, but it’s essential to prioritise their safety and comfort. Fireworks can be very loud and startling for babies consider using noise-canceling headphones or earmuffs designed for infants to protect their delicate ears. Opt for early evening, as it’s less likely to interfere with your baby’s sleep schedule.
Remember that every baby is different, and some may find the excitement of fireworks enjoyable, while others may be frightened. Be flexible in your plans based on their needs and reactions.
Conclusion
Autumn is a season of change and growth, making it the perfect time to bond with your baby and create lasting memories together. By incorporating these autumn activities into your routine, you can make the most of this beautiful season while promoting your baby’s development and building a strong parent-child connection. As the leaves fall, your baby will continue to blossom, and you’ll treasure these autumn moments forever.
