An active baby is a happy baby and – good news for parents – usually a tired baby when it’s bedtime. Outdoor excursions introduce babies and toddlers to new experiences, fresh air and the opportunity for socialization with parents and other tots.
And for July Lu and Chen Dong, owners of Active Baby in Langley and the North Shore, finding safe, simple ways to get outside with their three children also allowed them to continue the many activities they enjoyed before kids.
It all starts with getting the right gear for your lifestyle.
• Choosing the right gear begins with considering what your outdoor experience looks like. Will your stroller be off-roading through woods and trails or sticking to city sidewalks? Will you be jogging or cycling? Maybe both? The right equipment makes the activity easier, more enjoyable and safer for both baby and parent. While it can be tempting to go cheaper, replacing a stroller multiple times because it wasn’t built for job you need it for will cost more in the long run, notes July, whose outdoor adventures include hiking, biking and even snowshoeing with her children.
• Child carriers pair flexibility for mom and dad to explore with closeness with baby. Look for products that fully support baby’s head and neck with ergonomically designed comfort for you. Features to look for include support that grows with your baby, gentle-to-the-skin, non-toxic materials, and a pressure-relieving waist belt and generously padded shoulder straps for you.
• Be sun-safe. Spring sunshine coaxes families outside like nothing else, but it’s important to ensure baby’s sensitive skin is protected. July recommends playwear, hats and swimming gear with ample UV protection – in cheerful colours to suit the season, of course. Don’t forget sunglasses!
• Planning a holiday this spring and summer? Safe travels begin with a quality car seat, but don’t forget the other essentials. Whether you’re taking a beach vacation, a back-country camping trip or a visit to family overseas, a travel cot or play yard can help keep baby safe and secure, out of the sun and away from insects.
• Toddlers just want to explore, and a parent’s challenge is tempering the freedom they want with the safety they need. Let your youngster get busy while staying within reach with the Safety Harness that’s designed as a cute animal backpack – perfect for carrying those special “finds” spotted along the way.
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Active Baby is a locally owned business specializing in quality products designed to get you outside with your youngsters. The one-stop-shop for your active, outdoor lifestyle, Active Baby also offers several customer loyalty programs to reward your baby’s active early years.
