Whether you prefer to rough it or go glamping, with the right gear and a little preparation, camping with a baby can be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. No, really! There are just a few things to keep in mind before diving in. Before heading out on your adventure, do some research and find a campsite that is baby-friendly. Look for a location that offers easy access to running water, clean restrooms, and a nearby store in case you need to pick up any essentials. But, with our list of baby camping gear, you should have most of your essentials ready to go!
From the best all-terrain strollers to swimming diapers and more, we’ve put together a list of go-tos for your first camping adventure with your little one. There’s a chance you’ve thought of some of these, but we think we’ve got some surprise winners you’ll love! No matter how you’re defining camping—a cabin, a tent, an RV, or just a day hiking, these are tried-and-true baby camping gear essentials so you’re always as prepared as possible!
Graco Modes Adventure Stroller Wagon
Graco
Babies need a lot of gear to go just about anywhere. Haul it all in an all-terrain wagon. This one comes with harnesses and a sun shade so it's great for hauling babies, too!
Every family needs somewhere to call home, even while camping. This lightweight tent is easy to put together and has enough room to comfortably fit a baby and parents.
Washing bottles and dishes while camping takes a little more elbow grease. This bottle and dish cleaner set helps you get both clean no matter how much dirt is caked on. All pieces store together compactly on an included ring!
A good camper leaves no trace behind—that includes diapers. This reusable swim diaper is perfect for dips in the lake. It's adjustable and machine-washable so it'll last! Available in multiple colors and prints
Even babies need somewhere to sit when camping. Keep yours happy and contained in this small, light folding camping chair that doubles as a high chair! It even has a pocket on the back to store bibs, wipes and other small baby supplies.
This travel bed is perfect for camping since it has a built-in insect screen and sunshade. It's small enough to fit inside a family tent, which means everyone can sleep soundly and safely! It comes in 5 colors.
Every baby needs a safe place to hang out while their parents set up tent. This playpen is large enough for multiple kids, is incredibly light and comes with a removable sunshade to protect baby's sensitive skin!
Chances are you're not packing a ton of extra baby clothes while camping. With this all-over bib in tow, you don't have to! Plus, it's easy to wipe, making clean-up after camping a breeze no matter how messy your baby may be in the wild.
This carrier is designed to keep both little passengers and their grown-ups comfy. It's well-padded, ventilated, and highly adjustable. As a bonus, it has tons of pockets so parents can haul snacks and sippy cups while remaining hands-free!
Keep your baby's skin protected from the sun while swimming with an adorable rash guard set! It comes in a ton of colors and prints and even includes a matching hat.
Speaking of sun hats...Nothing will ruin a trip more quickly than a sunburned and cranky baby. This hat provides protection for your wee one's ears and neck. It has UPF 50+ sun protection and a moisture-wicking sweatband. This is a great choice for any kid who won't tolerate sunscreen or whose hair hasn't fully grown in yet!
Camping with a baby probably means you need to navigate some uneven terrain. This multisport stroller can handle it all. Plus, padded interior and air-filled tires mean it's comfy for both little ones and their parents. Also, the canopy is 100 percent waterproof, windproof, and rated UPF 50+ to shield your kiddo from the elements.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Did you know that 80 percent of the brain develops in the first three years of life? Our kids go from crawling to running, from babbling to speaking, from being a quiet observer to having a full-fledged personality. As moms and entrepreneurs in the world of child development and kids products, we often find ourselves and friends asking how to create an environment at home that supports our kids’ physical and intellectual growth before they start school. What we’ve found through our research and interviews is that as kids travel through growth stages, their world—real or imagined—also shifts. As parents, we can create environments that are developmentally appropriate and that stimulate their emerging milestones. Here are a few baby nursery ideas and toddler updates that will take you through the first three years of life.
0 to 12 Months: Focus on the Floor
Your baby spends most of the first year of her life developing the physical strength to go from lying down to sitting to crawling and walking. She is also developing her spatial awareness and the drive to go after what she wants. The best way to nurture these budding skills is to spend some of your awake time every day on the floor, giving her chances to play on her back and on her tummy. While it’s often taken for granted, we can create a very rich, immersive environment for her down there, starting by getting down there with her.
Start her under a play gym (We love this space-themed play gym), where she develops her vision and learns to reach and bat. Then, add soft, sensory, activity toys—whether balls, rings, rattles, plush activity toys—so she can practice grabbing, pulling, dropping, shaking, and experimenting with sounds. As she gets more mobile, the same toys will motivate her to roll, scoot, pivot, army crawl, and more as she expresses her desire to bring them into her world.
13 to 24 Months: The Experiment Lab
Daria Shevtsova from Pexels
In the second year, that baby becomes a fast-moving and curious toddler! She loves to explore and experiment—making hypotheses about the world, testing them, and repeating the experiment over and over. She is noticing patterns and routines. This is the perfect age to indulge her desire to learn how the world works—how do things turn on and off? How do they move? How do we use words to express what we want?
We love creating an environment that nurtures her growing curiosity, gives her space to experiment, and gives us opportunities to participate in the conversation. Include toys like a shape sorter that teaches her to manipulate and match objects, a car ramp or wooden pull toy that teaches her cause and effect, and of course, toddler books that reinforce her understanding of the routines and people in her world, that she will no doubt ask to read over and over again!
As she gets closer to 24 months, she can also start to experiment with basic games like First Orchard—especially now that she is learning to follow simple commands. Watch as she explores and experiments with different ways to play the game!
25 to 36 Months: Pretend play, Every Day
As she moves through her third year, she becomes an independent, high-energy storyteller. She loves to act like the adults around her, learning that she can play pretend! That block over there? That’s not a block, it’s a phone—let’s call grandma! It’s the perfect time to design her play space around imaginative play and problem-solving—incorporating tools that can set up an infinite number of storylines that develop language, explore emotions, practice and refine motor skills, and practice relationship skills.
She will benefit from your modeling and close observation as you set up simple stories. Some of our favorite tools are ones that can also grow with your child beyond age 3—for example, a wooden play kitchen and play food, building tools like LEGO, Earthtiles, open-ended toys like wooden blocks and shapes, story-enablers like My Family Builders (where the pieces can be mixed and matched to make different types of families) and Maileg, whose little mice and furniture can be grouped into whimsical narratives. Dress-up is another fun tool she can use in her world of fantastic free play.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Habbi Habbi is about inspired, intentional parenting. This means being intentional about the home culture we are nurturing. These are the values that inspire our feed, the stories we share and the products we have picked for you.
Whether you’re looking for highly-trained and screened nanny services or a baby club with dedicated childcare specialists, we’ve found a handful of all-inclusive, family-friendly resorts with something for everyone, including babies and toddlers. Jet off to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Fiji and the ultimate in family relaxation is waiting for you on arrival. Parents can spend their days at the spa, trying out watersports, or just relaxing while knowing that their little ones are being well cared for.
Pack up your family and head to this resort with childcare options from infant to teen and everything in between. Whether you need climate-controlled nurseries or a teen-friendly nightclub with karaoke, Beaches has it all. And if your family vacation crew includes children with special needs, then the all-inclusive Beaches Resort is a fantastic option. The certified nannies complete the rigorous International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) Training and Autism Certification. In addition, the Kids Camps and childcare specialists are proud to offer families with children with autism and other special needs specialized services, engaging activities, and custom dining options so that all families may enjoy a memorable time together.
The all-inclusive Franklyn D. Resort and Spa offers exclusive nanny service when you genuinely need a vacation. Every family has a dedicated vacation nanny upon arrival, and she stays exclusively with your family during your getaway. You’re free to explore daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. while your kids safely enjoy an all-inclusive beachfront vacation filled with fun activities. Your tweens and teens can not only enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, pizza, and jewelry making, but they can also give back in a big way. The Resort offers community outreach programs to support the local economy as it builds back from the pandemic.
Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic
If you don’t know the wonder of Baby Club Med, you are really missing out. Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda offers care for infants from 4-23 months old that you can book in advance. The littlest guests will get to participate in sensory activities, play with musical toys, and get lots of fresh air with walks around the property. Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda also offers Petit Club Med and Mini Club Med for older children where trained early childhood caregivers provide age-appropriate activities.
Just 30 miles from the Cancun International Airport, the Fairmont Mayakoba is the perfect family-friendly Caribbean vacation destination. Whether you’re looking to explore the Great Mayan Reef or pull up a poolside chair, this all-inclusive family resort offers a little bit of everything, including childcare. So while your older kids are off vacationing at the complimentary Kids’ Club or all-day Adventure Camp, your little ones also have a place to play. Stop by the desk during Kids’ Club drop-off to arrange for onsite babysitting service. The Resort’s babysitters are qualified and provide a current police security background screening. This allows parents to explore the 93 lush acres and enjoy activities like yoga in the treetop palapa.
Catch beautiful views of the bay of Isla Mujeres, or curl up for a Pixar family movie night at the all-inclusive Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach. This waterfront resort offers sun, sand, and flexible cancellations. In addition, the Coral Kidz Club offers childcare and tons of fun for children ages 3-12. The fully supervised area has a place for fashion shows, video games, cooking classes, beach games, and much more. Older kids will enjoy water polo, sub-yoga, and a friendly game of pool.
Turn the meal planning over to the chefs from one of this all-inclusive resort’s ten delicious and diverse restaurants. At the same time, you will enjoy numerous fun-filled activities and relax in the spacious and renovated family-friendly suites. Seasdust Family Cancun Resort’s Baby Club offers age-appropriate toys, cribs, and everything else necessary to keep your little ones (18 months to 4 years 11 months) entertained and safe during your vacation. In addition, the resort provides private babysitters for $20 per hour and fun activities such as a baby pool, magic storytime, water gymnastics, and coloring time.
The goal of the Bula Club at the all-inclusive Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is to expand children’s horizons and help them better understand and appreciate the world around them while learning how they can conserve and protect it. In addition, they’ll love the wide-ranging program of fun daily activities while they learn about Fijian culture. Each child aged five and under is assigned a dedicated nanny for their stay, and kids ages 6 to 12 can join the Junior Chef’s Program or get their certificate from the School Under the Sea. The resort’s childcare programs are designed to give your family a fun, safe, educational experience they’ll always remember.
Head to the Dominican Republic to enjoy the gorgeous tropical gardens and the white sand of Bavaro Beach at Meliá Caribe Beach Resort. On the tropical side of the all-inclusive resort complex, the Flinstone Kids Club has three levels for different age groups, with the Baby Rock Club inviting little ones ages four months to 4 years old to enjoy vacation fun. Little ones can participate in fun activities like arts and crafts, fantasy make-up, imaginative games, costumes, music workshops, and even more fun.
Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya
A short drive from Playa del Carmen and Tulum, this family-friendly all-inclusive resort is the perfect vacation spot for little travelers. Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa offers childcare for toddlers to teens, and children ages 1 to 4 will love the indoor and outdoor play area supervised by trained childcare specialists. Some resort rooms are a good distance from the beach, but they offer a complimentary shuttle service to take you where you want to go.
The island is nature’s paradise for an all-inclusive family vacation, and the resort’s dedicated playground is the largest in South Asia. It’s the size of six tennis courts. Little ones visiting Soneva Fushi will love the shallow swimming pools, giant pirate ship, and giant musical piano keys built into the floor. Children under the age of 4 are welcome to visit with a parent or dedicated resort babysitter ($25+ per hour). Tweens and teens will enjoy Senova Academy, where they can explore the night sky or search for sunken ships. Also, this family-friendly resort is known for creating unforgettable holiday season memories.
Preschool is a huge milestone in a child’s life. It’s possibly their first time entering a classroom or being left in the care of a new adult for hours. Maybe it’s the first time they sit around a little table with new friends. There’s a lot they’re going to learn and experience, but there are a few things they should already be prepared for. Nope, we aren’t talking about numbers, letters, and colors. We mean the tasks that help a classroom full of four-year-olds function. In a recent TikTok, one teacher offered helpful hints about what kids should know before the first day of preschool.
Before kids head to their first day of preschool, parents should emphasize the scrubbing aspect of washing hands—all day, every day. This is a big one. Proper hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent illness in a classroom, according to the CDC. The teacher points out that even though kids know about using soap and water, that doesn’t mean their hands are getting clean. “At this point, I’m doing 15-20 manicures a day because four-year-olds love to just let their hands soak.”
2. Know Their Names
While this seems obvious, you’d be surprised how many kids don’t know their real names before the first day of preschool. Why? Nicknames and pet names. Think baby, bubba, sissy, peanut, angel cakes, etc. “If, for every five nicknames, you could throw in the name they’ll use at school, that would be great. They don’t need to know how to spell it, just what their name is.” The teacher mentions that a great time to reinforce school names is when they’re practicing washing their hands.
3. Keep Their Shoes on at School
This skill might seem funny, but it’s a thing in preschool. “There’s this weird thrill four-year-olds get when taking their shoes off at school. I can’t quite tell you the panic that courses through you five minutes before pick-up when you look down and a student who had shoes on 30 seconds ago is now shoeless, and you have to run around the classroom wondering which stuffed bear they decided to let borrow their shoes,” the teacher says. He does bring up sensory issues and says that’s something else altogether.
4. Do Stuff on Their Own
We all want to help our little ones. But imagine the confusion kids experience if the adults in their life have done everything for them up to this point: Now they come into a classroom, and the adult can’t assist with every little thing because there are 17 other tiny people to help. It can be a hard transition, but by giving them independence at home, you’ll be doing the teacher a big favor. Perhaps, you can start by putting them in charge of hand-washing?
He ends his video with these final words of wisdom: “Basically, what I’m saying is, teach them how to wash their hands.” It’s the least we could do, honestly.
Diapers, check! Formula, check! Sanity? TBD! When you’re traveling with a baby, it’s anyone’s guess how “relaxing” your much-needed vacation is going to be. But there is something you can do to up your chances of a blissful babymoon: Stay at a resort with baby care! Whether that means a hotel that gives you a full-time “Vacation Nanny” (it’s a thing!) or a resort with a kids club that’ll take the under-two set, staying at a hotel with dedicated baby care will help you get the rest and relaxation you deserve.
This dreamy resort on Fiji’s second-largest island welcomes you with a foot massage and the most friendly staff we’ve ever met. Traditional thatched-roof bures are where you’ll stay during your visit and you can choose from ones that offer a separate room for the kids or a single large room where your whole family can spread out. The on-staff marine biologist presents an impressive program to teach you all about the creatures who inhabit the turquoise waters offshore and there are daily cultural activities that teach you about the Fijian people. Venture out on daily snorkeling or kayaking excursions, or take lessons to become scuba certified during your stay so you can explore the deeper waters.
Baby-Friendly Perks: The resort’s Bula Club is truly the star of their offerings. One-on-one nanny care is provided to babies aged 5 and under from 8 am-6:30 pm. Kids 6-12 have an assigned buddy group of up to five kids that they can stay with during the same hours. Care during the dinner hours is offered in your bure until 9 pm. All of this care is included with your stay and it is highly flexible to support each family’s needs.
The massive Bula Club facility is just a short walk from the reception area and features a dedicated area where little ones can nap, kitchen facilities, water play areas, a playground, sports courts, and so much more. An amazing bond is formed between the caregivers and visiting children, and families regularly return to the property and request the same nannies and buddies year after year. We even witnessed a few tears shared between kids and their buddies when leaving the resort!
Grown-Up Amenities: Spend your days lounging by the pool or book a Koko Rapture massage where you are massaged with fermented cacao paste and wrapped in banana leaves. The property also offers a number of special activities that can be booked at additional cost like a visit to the nearby chocolate farm or a brunch at the property’s private island. Definitely go on the waterfall hike; it’s gorgeous!
What's better than a tropical beach vacation? A tropical beach vacation with a nanny to take care of your kids. At Jamaica's Franklyn D Resort and Spa, a private "Vacation Nanny" is included with the cost of your stay. That means if any time of day (between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.) your kids need someone to keep them company—i.e. any time you want some time for yourself to enjoy the spa, beach, pool, or explore the nearby town of Runaway Bay—there's a nanny for that! The resort describes the Vacation Nanny as "your family’s vacation assistant who is happy to take care of your family's every need." Um... Yes, please! Want some family time? When your nanny isn't helping you with the kids, she can tidy your suite, wash dishes, do laundry and restock the fridge.
Baby-Friendly Perks: As if the nanny thing wasn't really all you ever wanted, the resort also has a kids club (with its own bunny petting farm!), game room, beach, pool, and waterslide to entertain your littles. As for lugging your baby supplies—Don't! Cribs and bath supplies can be provided, as well as kid-friendly meals.
Grown-Up Amenities: The all-inclusive nature of this place means that all meals, drinks, and snacks are included, as are activities including glass-bottom boat tours, booze cruises, biking, water sports, and snorkeling.
Located in the heart of Baa Atoll on a secluded reef island with idyllic ocean views, powder-soft white sand, and unique marine biodiversity, Vakkaru Maldives is a timeless resort sanctuary. The resort features 113 luxury villas and suites, five restaurants, two bars, a wine cellar, and an over-the-water spa.
Baby-Friendly Perks: The property has a Parrotfish Club where children under the age of 3 can participate with a parent or babysitter. Guests can hire a team member for $30 per hour to take care of a toddler and they have their own little room and bed to take a nap in. Highlights of the club include yoga, mat weaving, kite making, a treasure hunt, an origami class, coconut making, henna tattoos, and much more.
Grown-up Perks: You're in relaxation mode when you visit this property but if you want to have a more active day, there are tons of options. Enjoy scuba diving with PADI-accredited instructors, snorkel with hawksbill turtles, or spend the day deep-sea fishing.
This all-inclusive Caribbean island paradise has everything a family needs, with 21 restaurants, 15 bars, 10 pools (including a 45,000-square-foot waterpark!), and a 12-mile beach that'll make you want to be barefoot for days. As is the case in all Beaches Resorts (there are three of them), expect appearances from Sesame Street characters, as well as a bevy of activities for kids of all ages, including water sports, tennis, biking, swim-up soda bars, and a kids camp.
Baby-Friendly Perks: The Kids Camp program at Beaches Turks & Caicos is open every day, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with an infant program (for the 0-2 set), a toddler program (ages 3-4), a navigators program (ages 5-7), an adventurers program (ages 8-10), a tweens program (ages 11-14), and a teen program (ages 15-17). As for the infant program, it offers luxurious, climate-controlled nurseries filled with cribs, strollers, high chairs, rocking chairs, and everything your little one could ever need. Meanwhile, those older sibs can enjoy the Junior Golf Club, Kids scuba program, Pirates Island waterpark, Sesame Street Caribbean Adventure (where kids do crafts, cooking, and activities with the Sesame Street gang), and the XBOX Play Lounge.
Grown-Up Amenities: While you're not out enjoying the expansive white sand beaches (voted the "World's Best Beach" by TripAdvisor), how about kayaking, paddle boarding, or scuba diving in those clear turquoise waters? Or, grab a beach cruiser and explore the resort's five unique villages, each of which have its own theme. Did we mention it's all-inclusive? That means all meals, drinks (including beer and liquor), most activities, nightly entertainment, kids camps, fitness activities—even taxes, tips, and gratuities!—are included.
Martinhal's flagship resort is located within a protected natural park directly on its own beach inSagres—an area known to be the most south-westerly point of Europe and one of the Algarve's best-kept secrets. Sagres is a charming unspoiled beach town surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery, lighthouses, and the best beaches in Portugal. Idyllic for families and multi-generational groups, the resort combines hotel suites and villas.There are37 stylishly designed hotel rooms, including Beach Suites, in addition to 155 villas with their own kitchens, living rooms, washer/dryer amenities, and many featuring their own private swimming pool and gardens.
Baby-Friendly Perks: Parents with infants will love the seamless 'Baby Concierge' service that allows them to take a step back in family travel planning and leave the hassle to the welcoming Martinhal staff. Everything is handled from being able to pre-book baby equipment: potties, thermometers, socket protectors, door protectors, baby baths, bottle warmers, safety gates, changing mats and more, free of charge. For parents checking into any Martinhal Resort with babies - The Baby Concierge proactively sets up the room in advance with a few core items without you even having to ask such as a bottle sterilizer, hypoallergenic dishwasher liquid, whole milk in the fridge, baby bowls and silverware, a crib with sheets/bedding all prepared, and a highchair. They also give you a little welcome pack featuring a stuffed toy of the fox mascot of Martinhal and more.
Grown-Up Amenities: Parents can unwind at the Finisterra Spa, take advantage of the excellent windsurfing conditions, or spend the day hiking around the area's gorgeous coastline.
A true and authentic beach getaway, Sandos Playacar is situated in a private gated community just a short bike ride from the heart of Playa del Carmen. With white sand beaches and enchanting turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, this all-inclusive resort ensures that each guest, no matter their age, can enjoy activities from sun up to sun down.
Baby-Friendly Perks: Family-friendly and accommodating to parents with kids of all ages (no matter how young!), Playacar offers individualized and after-hours care for babies and kids, with their private babysitting service that can be arranged with the concierge with just a 24-hour notice for an additional fee. The resort is also home to an incredible Kids Club with 2 children’s pools, a puppet theater, a playground area, a tree clubhouse, crafts, sports, and more, which operates from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. For older kids who want a cool place to hang out (parent-free!), Playacar also offers a Teen Club for 13 to 17-year-olds, complete with arcade games, a mocktail bar, a dance floor, and more.
Grown-Up Amenities: For the grown-ups in the group, Sandos Playacar offers an adults-only section, a full-service 22-cabin spa, a professional-grade stage that has played host to world-renowned musicians for nightly shows, amazing ocean-front pools, beach access, and so much more. It is also home to 16+ restaurants and bars, offering a huge variety of food and beverage experiences that range from international cuisine and gourmet dining to beach snacks, buffets, swim-up bars, and more. Not to mention its 10 bars and cocktail experiences, all of which are included under the all-inclusive guest package.
Set on a white sand beach facing the Andaman Sea, this family-friendly beach resort offers guests an idyllic setting in one of the most picturesque places on Earth. Located just 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport, guests look out onto the beautiful Phang Nga from accommodations that are second to none in this part of the world. These range from lofts all the way up to five-bedroom beachfront villas. Luxurious accommodations are accompanied by innovative Thai cuisine and a rejuvenating spa.
Baby-Friendly Perks:The Explorer's Club and Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga Resort & Spa was designed to offer youngsters the perfect place to learn, play, and explore. The ‘Learn and Discover’ program offers a variety of fun, age-appropriate educational activities for children aged from six months up to five years that will help develop toddlers’ simple communication and friendship skills, such as blowing bubbles, finger paint art, and clay modeling. A professional nanny service is also available (with extra cost) for parents looking to relax and enjoy time together.
Grown-up Amenities: For family adventures to remember and to learn more about the destination itself, bicycles are available to explore the ancient temples, hidden waterfalls, and local markets of Phang Nga. Movie nights also allow parents to experience the resort’s fine dining while children enjoy the latest cinema hits.
Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France offers spacious suites, many with two bedrooms, interconnected and with their own private swimming pools. Parents can rest assured that everything their baby needs will be available when they arrive including highchairs, baby cots, changing tables, and bottle warmers. The property's culinary team is on hand to create purees or specific dishes catered to the children’s dietary requirements, while local favorites make an appearance on the a la carte menu, including mahi-mahi with rice and exotic fruits. As a memento from the Maison, each family will receive a personalized embroidered sleep suit to take home with them.
Baby-Friendly Perks: The property offers a Baby Bonding experience (for an additional fee) that includes a baby body massage by an expert therapist to promote relaxation and bonding through skin-to-skin interaction, with a private session for the therapist to help parents learn the safest technique for massaging their own baby. Mothers can also receive a New Mother Ritual, a calming and soothing massage. For budding water babies, the program includes the baby's first swimming lesson with guidance for safe and fun-filled water activities. Plus, Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France offers Aqua-Osteopathy for babies, a unique and gentle therapy treatment performed in warm water.
Grown-Up Amenities: Parents can enjoy face and body treatments at the esteemed Cheval Blanc Spa and then relax by the ocean for a meal of local delicacies.
With its varied roster of included activities—and established kids clubs to entertain littles of all ages—Club Med has been bringing family entertainment to the beach vacation since 1967. And this huge Dominican coast resort is no exception.
Baby-Friendly Perks: Punta Cana is one of a selection of Club Meds with a dedicated “Baby Club” (offered at an extra charge), which means babies 4 to 23 months will be pampered by a team of baby-whisperers all day long (there’s night care as well if you need it). To make sure babies are safe and learning at their own pace, the Baby Club is split into walkers and non-walkers, with equipment, books, and early-learning toys suited to the age. And, the resort will also provide all the gear you need, including a baby bathtub, bottle warmer, changing table, crib, and stroller—all of which will be waiting for you in your room on arrival (you just have to give advance notice).
Meanwhile, if you’ve got older kids, they’ll be having adventures to remember, with flying trapeze classes, arts and crafts sessions, tennis lessons, games and tournaments, nightly performances (one of which will be starring them!), archery, playgrounds, and pools.
Grown-Up Amenities: The fun’s not limited to the littles! Grown-ups can partake in one of the more than 60 included activities, including paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, beach volleyball, crafts, archery, pool aerobics, flying trapeze, and nightly entertainment. Want to relax? Enjoy a cocktail by the pool, a massage by the beach, or a fine meal in one of three restaurants. And, let’s not forget, this is the tropics! There are plenty of beaches and warm, crystal-clear waters to explore in and around the resort.
As the only private beach resort in Los Cabos, this elegant 57-room seaside resort has luxury down to a science—but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t care about the well-being of its youngest guests. The hotel treats babies and toddlers with the same world-class service as it does its grown-up guests, and will provide everything from full-size cribs and bassinets, baby monitors, sleep machines, bottle warmers, baby bath supplies, and toiletries—as well as extras like stuffed animals and a handcrafted Mexican gifts at turndown.
Baby-Friendly Perks: This resort with baby care works with local agencies to provide bilingual nannies trained in first aid and CPR (for an extra fee). Older kids (ages 4-11) can enjoy a roster of included activities—from beach play and yoga to ice cream making and piñata parties—at the kids club.
Grown-Up Amenities: Enjoy excursions into the Sea of Cortez, with experiences that include deep sea fishing (and the kitchen will cook your catch when you get back!), yacht cruises, and whale watching. Or stay on land and try a tequila tasting, curated wellness experience, private cooking class, or horseback ride on the beach.
If the winter blues are making you long for sunny days and warmer weather, a Jamaican vacation won't disappoint! Warm all year round and dry in the winter months of December through May, Jamaica is the perfect destination for winter or spring break, with the all-inclusive Grand Palladium offering enough amenities for babies and kids to make the trip a breeze for families of all ages.
Perks for Babies: For toddlers 1 to 3, there's a kids club open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. where kids can play and learn while parents rest easy knowing they'll be called if anyone needs a cuddle. For little swimmers, there's a waterpark offering slides, shallow entries, a lazy river, and sprinklers. Babysitting can be arranged for infants under 1.
Grown-Up Amenities: With four huge pools (one with a swim-up bar!), be prepared to lounge poolside with pina coladas while your littles play the day away—or relax on the protected beach with turquoise waters lapping at the sand. And, all food and drinks are included, so indulging is A-OK! Want to escape your escape? The resort is strategically placed between Jamaica's two most popular towns, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, so you can find local restaurants, stores, and attractions within minutes. Back at the resort, included amenities include kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing, fitness classes, nightly entertainment, tennis, and mini golf.
Snow more your style? Families will love this ski-centric family club, which makes sure lessons, lift tickets, and ski rentals—plus flights, transportation from the airport, meals, accommodations, kids programming, and childcare—are included in the cost of your stay. Don’t worry about bringing baby gear, either: Club Med will provide a baby bathtub, bottle warmer, changing table, crib stroller—and many other extras you might need. These are all the reasons it’s at the top of our list of best resorts with baby care.
Perks for Babies: Babies as young as 4 months old can spend the day at Baby Club Med, a specialized environment just for little snow bunnies, where babies are grouped in either “walker” or “non-walker” groups so that the play is appropriate for their developmental stage. Sensory play and music are the name of the game here—including letting kiddos out into the cold (carried by caregivers) to experience the wonder of snow first-hand. If you’ve got older kids, drop them off at the kids club, where kids as young as 4 can sign up for ski lessons.
Grown-Up Amenities: The best part about this club is that you can drop off your kids and hop straight onto the slopes of the Massif de Charlevoix ski area (it’s a ski-in, ski-out location!), with majestic slopeside views of the St. Lawrence river. New to skiing? No problem! Lessons are included in the cost of your stay! When you’re all skied out, there are other winter sports including snowshoeing and dog sledding.
This gorgeous beachfront boutique resort is the only Dominican Republic hotel to get a stamp of approval from Relais & Châteaux, an elite association of luxury hotels around the world. But luxury doesn't have to mean kids aren't welcome. They definitely are! Parents can relax by the infinity pool or bask in the warm, tropical breezes while kids play in the free kids club, splash in the pool (supervised by lifeguards), play on the playground, or enjoy the private beach in the company of sitters.
Perks for Babies: For $325, you can get the VIBabies Package will provide your baby or toddler with baby supplies (including a portable crib, toys, a changing table, bottle warmer, play table, playpen, baby monitor, baby bathtub, snacks & juices, and beach accessories), plus two hours of private babysitting per stay. Kids also eat free from the kids' menu. Additional babysitting can be provided for a fee.
For older kiddos (ages 4-12), there's a kids club located on an artificial lagoon, with a massive replica tree house equipped with a mini spa for kid manicures, pedicures, and hairstyling—as well as a video gaming area, mini kitchen, mini buffet area, bathrooms, and a central area for play and storytelling. Private babysitting is also offered for an extra charge on request. There are also a ton of toys for kids to use freely, including water pistols, kayaks, body boards, sports balls, assorted floaters, floating hammocks, and board games.
Grown-Up Amenities: With the resort's luxurious junior suites offering a walk-in closet and a private pool and patio, you may not want to leave your room! But if you do, you'll be able to choose from a plethora of goodies, from an 18-hole golf course and luxury spa to horseback riding, three restaurants, and two bars. The resort can also arrange private day trips, including helicopter and private jet excursions to see the area's beaches, tropical forests, and turquoise waters from the sky.
Resort with Baby Care in Greece: Sani Beach Resort
Sani Resort
Voted the "Best Family Hotel in Europe," Sani Beach offers a baby club that'll keep your tots entertained and safe while you enjoy the turquoise waters and seaside luxury of this sprawling Mediterranean resort. Need supplies? The resort will provide upscale wooden cribs, bedding, hangers, a night light, mosquito net, bed rails, video monitors, feeding and bathing supplies, toiletries, and potty training items.
Baby-Friendly Perks: Worried about your jet lag? Take advantage of a complimentary session at Carol Mae Consulting, where you’ll learn how to adjust your children’s sleep and routine to make the most of your stay. Parents seeking a little solo time can drop their babies off at the baby club, which has three sessions daily for babies as young as 4 months (with a three-to-one ratio of adult to baby); meanwhile, private nannies and nighttime babysitters are available for an extra charge. There's also a fenced-off sandy area on the beach where qualified staff can watch your baby on the beach for up to 30 minutes while you pop into the sea (you don't even need advance notice for this!). Baby swimming lessons are available, too, if you think now's the time to get your tot treading.
And, don't worry about bringing jars of baby food on the plane; Sani hotel chefs will prepare delicious homemade baby food from fresh local ingredients—with dishes like sea bass puree, Mediterranean vegetable puree, and fruity puree on the menu. All of the hotel's restaurants also have toddler and kid menus.
Grown-Up Amenities: Set sail on a complimentary morning or sunset cruise, relax on one of the resort's seven beaches, take a complimentary yoga class on the sand, or enjoy any of the resort's 40 restaurants and bars that offer Greek traditional cuisine and Michelin star dining. Want to stay active? There's archery, paddle boarding, beach sports, tennis, a treetop ropes course in the adjacent forest, and nature walks.
If having kids hasn’t dulled your sense of adventure (because, really, why should it?), a trip to this pristine 37,000-acre ranch may be right up your alley. You'll spend your days giddying up through vast valleys, fly-fishing rushing waters, lassoing cattle (!), or just gazing up at the endless starry skies while your little ones snuggle beside you.
Baby-Friendly Perks: While this resort doesn’t have a dedicated baby club, it does have on-site nanny service available for when you want to have a romantic dinner at the resort’s upscale restaurant, enjoy the spa, or head out to the great outdoors, baby-free. For kids 3-12, the resort’s Kids Adventure Club (available for an additional fee) will take little cowboys and cowgirls on daylong adventures into the wilderness to try things like archery, geocaching, go-karting, pony rides, snow tubing, and sapphire hunting.
Grown-Up Amenities: Horseback riding, hiking, and exploring the sweeping wilderness is the big draw for most Paws Up-bound travelers (plus the fact that it’s super fun for kids of all ages!). In the winter, enjoy sleigh rides, dog sledding, and snowmobile rides—plus horseback riding in the snow. Warmer months will have you riding your horse through rushing rivers as well as trying a treetop ropes course, mountain biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, and fishing. At the end of the day, enjoy delicious “rustic ranch” cuisine made with local ingredients, then get cozy in the elegant accommodations (which include everything from upscale safari tents to luxury homes and a secluded three-story tree house that will make you want to go Swiss Family Robinson forever).
If a high-end vacation experience is what you're after (and can afford), the Bluefields Bay Villas offer everything you might want, from your own personal butler to a private villa big enough to host even large families. If the mesmerizing blue-green waters, fine white sand beaches, and gourmet Caribbean cuisine don't seriously tempt you, the all-day nanny service might!
Baby-Friendly Perks: Up to nine hours a day of private child care is included in your stay. And, with villas spaced so far apart that you won't see a neighbor nearby, your kids can giggle, babble, and cry as loud as they want. As for supplies, the resort can provide any baby furniture (crib, high chair, bath, etc.) you need, as well as prepare fresh baby food for your little foodie.
Grown-Up Amenities: Butler service, nannies, private chefs, a personal concierge, and your own private house—this place will make you feel like royalty If you feel the need to leave your villa (one of which has its own private island and beach!), you'll have access to sea kayaks, sailboats, Hydrobikes, standup paddle boards, snorkel gear, a tennis court, and staffed seaside lounging areas. After a long day of relaxing, go home to your pristinely kept villa and enjoy a freshly prepared meal in the privacy of your own dining room.
If you like the idea of someone tending to all your baby’s needs, this luxury all-inclusive resort is at your (baby’s) service. Upon check-in, a dedicated “Baby Concierge” will help you secure any gear or meals or nanny services—including whatever you don’t want to drag from home (like a crib, stroller, baby tub and toiletries, bottle brush and sterilizer, pacifier, or pool floaties). Gourmet baby purées are prepared by executive chef Guillaume Morance, and all rooms have a kitchen that includes a coffee maker, microwave, cooktop, and full-size fridge, so you’ll feel at home right away. All that, and you’ll be vacationing in a white sand paradise, where the Yucatan jungle meets the Caribbean sea.
Baby-Friendly Perks: Want to throw your baby a first birthday party any grown-up would swoon over? Try the “Mi Premier Fiesta” package, complete with authentic piñatas. There’s also a “Baby’s First Haircut” package if you want your baby’s tresses to be trimmed for the occasion. Got older kids? There’s an on-site Kids Club for kids 4-12, with things like water balloon fights, stone painting, board games, and a mini disco to keep everyone happy and busy.
Grown-Up Amenities: Park yourself by the pool, where you can get food and drinks delivered all day long. Another goodie: Room service is available (and included!) 24 hours a day, so when you need that glass of wine at the end of a long day at the beach, don’t be afraid to order it. This is an all-inclusive resort, after all, which means 24-hr suite service, top-shelf beverages, and all taxes and gratuities, plus Heavenly Beds, jacuzzi tubs, and private terraces with plunge pools. There’s even a 10-course tasting menu paired with wine. . . .all included!
Read Tinybean’s in-depth review of the Granda Velas’ sister hotel in the Puerto Vallarta here.
For a Real Splurge: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica
Four Seasons
Who says having a baby slows you down? For parents who want more than just the typical beach vacation (and who don't mind paying thousands of dollars for a few days in the lap of luxury), this 2,300-acre Costa Rican jungle-seaside resort will take good care of little explorers while you traipse through the forest, zip-line over treetops, or surf the waves.
Baby-Friendly Perks: No need to carry a pack-n-play or a highchair through customs; the Four Seasons will provide all the baby basics, including a crib, high chairs, and bath amenities. And while your baby will be happy sitting on the beach in your arms, the hotel has its own staff available for babysitting (for an extra charge) for those times when you want to go out and explore all the surrounding rainforest has to offer (babysitting requests need to be made in advance). Older kids can meet kids from around the world at the kids club and teen center, where they'll have organized adventures of their own, including guided nature hikes or surf lessons taught by members of the Costa Rican National Surf Team.
Grown-Up Amenities: Book a spa treatment at the award-winning spa, take a zipline tour over the jungle, paddle through the mangroves, or try a monkey safari! The water more your thing? Don a snorkel or a scuba suit and explore the coral reefs off the coast, which are teeming with life and known as one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world.
Babies who were exposed to more TV and video had a harder time appropriately processing sensory information
What parent hasn’t resorted to some Elmo or Bluey time when faced with a squirmy one-year-old on an airplane or waiting for a never-on-time pediatrician? It’s inevitable. But a new study looking at the impact of screen time on sensory processing has found that less is more when it comes to little kids and screens. “[E]arly-life television or video exposure was associated with atypical sensory processing in low registration, sensation seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoiding,” according to JAMA Pediatrics.
The study followed 1,471 children, half male and half female, and measured their viewing of television or video at 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months of age. This was followed up with a measure of sensory processing at around 33 months, when caregivers filled out surveys about each toddler’s reaction to sensory inputs like lights, textures, and noises.
Babies who watched any television or videos at 12 months of age were twice as likely to experience challenges in processing sensory information appropriately, as compared with their peers. At 18 months, kids with higher levels of screen exposure were found to have both difficulties in processing sensory information as well as a higher motivation to avoid sensory exposure. By 24 months, the researchers saw higher screen time linked to sensation seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensation-avoiding behaviors.
This comes on the heels of another recent study linking screen time to developmental delays in children. However, the causal relationship between screen time and these negative developmental and sensory outcomes can’t be proven at this time. “Further research is needed to understand the relationship between screen time and specific sensory-related developmental and behavioral outcomes, and whether minimizing early-life exposure can improve subsequent sensory-related outcomes,” says the JAMA Pediatrics study. It’s also important to gather more updated data, since this research started a decade ago when kids were more likely to be watching TV or DVDs rather than tablets or mom’s phone.
“Considering this link between high screen time and a growing list of developmental and behavioral problems, it may be beneficial for toddlers exhibiting these symptoms to undergo a period of screen time reduction, along with sensory processing practices delivered by occupational therapists,” lead author Dr. Karen Heffler, an associate professor of psychiatry in Drexel’s College of Medicine, said in a statement.
Now, we know what some of you may be thinking: Oh great, another study telling me I’m messing up and can’t rely on screen time? But even study researchers wouldn’t take that away from you. The bottom line is if you think you’re relying on TV time a bit too heavily, try to dial it back. And make sure you mix in lots of family time playing with your baby face to face, showing them lots of emotions and expressions, reading to them, and engaging with toys. It’s all about balance.
Brrr! Baby, it’s cold outside. But have no fear. Even when the weather’s chilly and you’re snowed in, there’s lots that you and your little one can do to fight cabin fever and explore the winter wonderland. Here you’ll find nine of our favorite snow day activities for babies and young toddlers.
1. Indoor Beach Day
It’s too cold outside for swimwear, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go swimming. Try a mid-day bath to break up tired routines. Most babies adore water play anytime. Throw in a few plastic cups and floating ducks and you have the makings of your own beach party.
2. Shadow Puppet Show
When it’s dark and dreary outside, lights shine even more brightly inside. Bust out the flashlights and shadow puppets and impress your little one with an oversized bunny hopping across the wall and the silly interpretive dance her teddy bear can do under the spotlight.
3. Sensory Play with Snow
Snow can be used in place of sand or play dough, at least until it melts. Scoop up a bunch and bring it inside. Then, set your little one up on towels, get out measuring cups and spoons, and watch your baby build, scoop, and explore the squishy, cold wonder. You can find eight more fun snow sensory play ideas here.
4. Play With Your Food
When you’re trapped inside, sometimes you need to throw the rules out the window. Plain yogurt with a little food coloring added in makes the perfect medium for finger painting. Edible play dough is also easy to mix up. Try this simple oatmeal dough or a brightly-colored mix with Kool-Aid.
5. Go Sledding
They may not be ready to careen down hills, but little ones sitting up independently can chill in a sled, like this one, and enjoy the snow. Bundle up your babe and play Rudolph by pulling them around with a rope. Bonus: you get to battle cabin fever with a little exercise.
6. Snow is Your Canvas
Take a cue from childhood fave The Snow Day and head outside to make tracks in the fresh, pristine snow. Pull on snow boots and stomp around. Budding walkers love to follow a trail or build a new one. Then, make patterns in the snow by drawing lines with a stick.
7. Bubbles
Blow a few bubbles inside for instant baby-mesmerizing magic. Then, if you’re willing to brave the chilly weather, go outside and make your own frozen bubbles. The temperature needs to be 10 degrees Fahrenheit or below for the trick to work. If that’s too cold for you, create semi-solid creations indoors by carefully freezing soap bubbles on a plate in your own freezer.
8. Paint Some Snow
Sometimes the best canvas for a young toddler is a frosty one. Bundle up your little Picasso to sit in the snow outside or fill a bin with snow for some indoor artistry. Now fill a few bowls with water and a few drops of a different food color in each to create the “paint.” Give your baby or toddler a paintbrush and let them craft a melty masterpiece. Bonus: No worries if they taste the paints.
Set up your child for a great start with this list of must-haves
Diapers? Check. Lunch? Check. A sleepy child? Check! If you’re wondering what to pack for daycare, and even if your childcare provider has a list of items kids will need on a typical day, some things can make all the difference in your little one’s day. From weather-appropriate gear to a family photo, here’s your handy daycare checklist of must-haves and why they’re important.
1. Labels Slap your kid’s name on everything, from bottles to clothes. We love Mabel’s Labels because they’re pre-printed with your child’s name, come in easy-to-use packs, and stay put through hundreds of washings. Put waterproof labels on your child’s bag, lunch bag, jacket, and inside shoes. If your child has food allergies, order allergy labels, too.
2. Bottles & Liquids Depending on how long your little one will be at daycare, you’ll need baby bottles plus breast milk or formula or, for older kids, a leak-proof water bottle. Be sure to pre-measure the formula. Most daycares have refrigerators or freezers available to keep liquids cold.
3. Lunch Bag & Bibs You’ll also need a lunch bag and bib if your little one eats solid food. An insulated lunch bag is best, as it keeps food cool and can be used later on for picnics and other excursions. We love the PackIt lunch bags with built-in cold packs.
4. Diapers & Wipes Gather up diapers in the right size, and send off as many as your little one will need at the start of each week, with a few extra just in case. It’s easiest to label diapers with a Sharpie. Be sure to send a labeled pack of wipes, too. And pack diaper cream if your little one is prone to rashes.
5. Spare Clothes Pack at least two spare outfits for your child. You never know when your little one will have a blowout or get food or art supplies on themselves, and childcare centers don’t usually have spare clothes in every size. Check the size and seasonality of the spare clothes in your bag every two or three months so your kiddo isn’t stuck in shorts two sizes too small in January. Oh, and don’t forget extra socks!
6. Medication If your child takes medication regularly, bring a brand new bottle with you in its original packaging. Most daycares have very specific requirements due to licensing and keeping little ones safe. Be sure to follow those requirements carefully so your baby’s medication is readily available and can be dispensed by daycare staff when needed.
7. Sunscreen & a Hat You want your baby’s skin protected during outdoor playtime, so packing baby-friendly sunscreen is a must. Send a labeled bottle of your favorite sunscreen, and add a sun hat for extra coverage.
8. Weather Gear Fresh air is brain food for babies, and most daycares bring kids outside as often as possible, even if it’s just for a few minutes. That means toddlers might stomp around in puddles or stare up at snowflakes. Pack weather-appropriate gear (boots, jackets, hats) so your little one is comfortable, no matter the weather.
9. A Family Photo Many daycares put family photos up on their walls or have them in a readily available photo album. Little ones love to look at pics of their family members—just like we do. Check with your child’s school to see if they have specific requirements for what types of photos to send.
10. Lovies Lovies make the transition from home to daycare a little easier, so it’s a must on our daycare checklist. Remember, while it’s a good idea to pack a favorite snuggly item, don’t send something irreplaceable (or buy a backup), as blankies can disappear. Also, ask if your daycare center has policies on what you can and can’t bring. Order a pair of matching lovies, like the snuggly offerings from Bunnies by the Bay, or the two-packs of security blankets from Copper Pearl, and you’ll be all set. A few days before the big drop-off day at daycare, hold the lovie to give it some of your comforting scent.
11. Lists of Your Little One’s Likes & Dislikes, Plus Paperwork Does your baby love a good lullaby before naps or hate avocados? Daycares usually send home paperwork that includes a getting-to-know-you child form, plus essential information like medical history and development and milestone updates. Fill out these forms and include any additional information your baby’s caregivers might need so they can take good care of your sweet babe.
Make sure to snap some photos of their first day of daycare—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
As parents, there’s nothing quite like a homemade Valentine’s card for mom. We’ve searched the web and carefully curated everything from Valentine’s Day crafts for toddlers to easy Valentine’s Day cards for school, and all of them are sweet as can be. These Valentine’s Day recipes will sweeten any Valentine’s Day plans and these Valentine’s Day games will tucker them out. Choose your favorite ideas for making homemade cards for Valentine’s Day 2024.
Who doesn’t love plants? This homemade Valentine’s card can grow! Follow the instructions to make a seed heart that can be planted. Grow plants like wildflowers, herbs, and small vegetables.
Our kids love mandarin oranges (aka cuties), and this easy homemade Valentine's card from It’s Always Autumn is the perfect way to use them. Buy a big bag at the grocery store and you’re halfway there.
Build super cute homemade Valentine's Day cards this year with this printable from The Resourceful Mama. The only other things you'll need are LEGO bricks and plastic bags.
Your littles will soar to the top of the class with these awesome plane valentines from Crap I’ve Made. Snag toy planes on the cheap on Amazon or at a party store.
Since kids will be loading up on candy all day, we love this change of pace from Pretty Prudent. Pick from crayons, bubbles, glitter, or bandaids—all of which have their own clever puns.
If you want to get crafty for your Valentine this year, this idea from The Nerd’s Wife is an awesome option. Plus, you’ll get to put all your broken crayon stubs to good use.
Here’s another gift that keeps on giving: Play-Doh. Just add a fun label to the carton (Random Thoughts from a Supermom has a convenient printable), and the whole class will be sculpting hearts and flowers for their special someone.
We love the quirky character of these homemade Valentine's Day “cards” from My Paper Crane. The supplies are easy to round up, there's lots of room for kid participation, and the results are oh-so-cute.
Good news for little snake charmers! A Subtle Revelry has ultra-cute easy Valentine's Day cards that only require a teensy amount of effort and a handful of Dollar Store snakes.
What, you didn’t think those festive Valentine’s Day cupcake liners were only good for cupcakes, did you? Urban Comfort has a crafty idea that’s easy to make but oh-so-impressive.
A loving message and a treasure hunt all in one? Yes, please! A Mom with a Lesson Plan has a great idea for adding a little “I Spy” to your V-Day. It’s a great excuse to roam the neighborhood (or a good way to entertain house-bound little cupids).
You can’t help but love this idea from Art Bar Blog. With washi tape, alphabet stamps, and lots and lots of upcycled hearts, you can make gift bags for storing cards or holding other V-Day treats.
We can’t get over the cute factor of these Valentine's Day cards for school from Domestic Mommyhood. They’re easy as pie to print, cut, and distribute—and they also make excellent lunchbox love notes.
What’s the ultimate show of support for your special valentine? A Subtle Revelry has the answer in the form of a printable high five. This nifty idea is easy and sure to be a classroom fave.
Even big kids like getting Valentine’s Day cards, and this one is cute, to the point, and includes a fun beauty gift. Get the printable from All Things Thrifty.
Keep baby cool and entertained this summer with sweet outdoor water play ideas they’ll love
When it comes to water play with babies, it’s easy to fall back on tub time. What’s not to love about bubble parties, paint parties, and letting your little one play with their favorite bath toys in a totally contained environment? It’s an easy way to keep kids cool (and clean) on a hot summer day. But it’s time to think outside the tub and leave the house for some creative outdoor water play with your little fish. Whether your child is scooting, crawling, cruising, or still working on tummy time, there are activities in this guide for them to enjoy. Just remember, splashing (and parental supervision) are required.
Kids painting with no mess? Yes, please! Fill a tray with water, grab some brushes and sponges, and put your budding artist to work painting deck boards, rocks, driveway, or walls. Allison at No Time for Flash Cards suggests introducing different painting tools when attention starts to drift. Head over to her blog for more playtime tips.
Upgrade from sprinklers by taking your little one through their very own car wash. Perfect for early walkers, they’ll love pushing their favorite “vehicle” through the water. Plus, you’re guaranteed some adorable photo ops. Visit Design Mom for a list of materials and assembly instructions.
A little water transforms tummy time into a full-body sensory experience. Expect lots of giggles as your little one moves the water around and discovers the cause and effect of splashing. Check out how the resourceful mom over at Messy Motherhood set up this splash-tastic activity with items from around the house.
This giant frog pond provided hours of excitement for the tiny tadpoles over at Fun at Home with Kids. Hop over to the blog for instructions and sources for creating your own pond world.
Attention, mama ducks! By adding an aquatic element to the classic children’s story, even the littlest ducklings will love taking the rubber ducks in and out of the bucket or tub as you sing the song. It’s a great way to work on numbers, counting, and music. Set the scene with instructions from The Imagination Tree.
Your little one will have a ball splashing around in a kiddie pool filled with vibrantly colored plastic balls. Allison at Learn Play Imagine set up the pool for her 13-month-old twins, who loved—you guessed it—tossing the balls out onto the grass.
A mini version of the popular water blob, these colorful “waterbeds” are perfectly sized for baby play. Great alone or when filled with bouncy balls and other objects, your little one will love pushing the water around inside. Visit Meri Cherry to learn how to make your own.
Just water, a bucket, and colorful scooping tools can keep baby busy for a good long while. Using measuring cups, they'll practice how to pour, empty, and fill and will be captivated from start to finish. Get tips for play from Tinker Lab.
Does your baby like water? Do you have a high chair or a baby plate with a suctioned bottom? Then you have everything it takes to try this. Babies will splash, trickle, pour, and go wild with just a little bit of water. Add a blast of color using food coloring to keep things interesting. Find out more from The Imagination Tree.
When you put blue Jell-O in the bathtub (try four boxes' worth, spread evenly on the bathtub floor), you get an awesome ocean adventure. Add plastic fish, boats, and duckies to keep with the theme. Learn more from the master of creative play at Fantastic Fun and Learning.
Sometimes the best toys are right in your kitchen cabinet. Anna at The Imagination Tree grabbed some measuring cups, plastic bowls, and dish soap and headed outside with her child for some bubbly fun. Her little one loved transferring the sudsy water from one container to another.
Are you familiar with soap on a rope? Make an ice cube version of it by placing a piece of yarn throughout your ice cube tray and freezing colored cubes of water. The coolest part? The ice cubes, being attached, won’t slip away from your baby. Get the details from Dukes & Duchesses.
Babies love color and bubbles so why not combine the two? The blogger mama at Growing A Jeweled Rose throws food coloring and bubble bath in the sink for some rainbow water play.
A plastic bowl and a few baby-safe items are great for water play. Just a little bit of water is all you'll need, along with a few simple items such as large smooth rocks, spoons, and cups. This activity guarantees a wet baby so it's best on warm, sunny days. For more on this simple but effective experience, check out Childhood 101.
Water beads for baby? Yes, provided you make these mini, edible water beads. Follow this tutorial from Asia at Fun At Home with Kids. With just basil seeds, food coloring, and water, you’ll be on your way.
One of the easiest ways to let wee ones get some water action is turning on a sprinkler in the yard, set on low, of course. Any sprinkler head will do the job, but a kid-friendly one will add a little something extra to playtime.
