Spring has finally sprung and with the sun making an appearance, you might be thinking about heading out into the garden with your baby or toddler.

But what exactly can you do to keep them safe and entertained outdoors? We’ve shared five baby outdoor play ideas and five essential tips on how to ensure safe outdoor play. So, whether you’re planning a garden picnic or a water splash session, we’ve got your back.

Five fun baby outdoor play ideas

1. Roll out a baby play mat outdoors

Throwing down a blanket might seem like a good idea until it’s soggy, muddy or covered in crumbs and spills. Instead, opt for an outdoor play mat for baby, like our Foldable Baby Play Mat. It’s super squishy, waterproof so it’s easy to wipe clean and perfect for outdoor adventures. Even better, it comes in three fun designs: safari, stars and ocean friends.

2. Make baby friendly ice lollies

Keep your baby cool on hot days with homemade ice lollies. Our Fruitsicles Ice Pop Tray is perfect for hotter days with your baby.  Just fill with fruit purée (from six months) or try very diluted fruit juice if your child is over 12 months, pop in the easy grip handles and then freeze. The handles even have drip trays, so no more stickiness.

3. Turn watering the plants into a fun game

If you're looking for something playful and practical, try our Fun Watering Can. Toddlers can help water the plants and younger babies (from six months) will love practising their pouring skills onto the mat. It’s a great way to combine outdoor play and practising fine motor skills.

4. Try splish, splash, and stack cups

Water play = guaranteed giggles. Our Splish Splash Stacking Cups are a simple but genius addition to your outdoor play collection. Stack, scoop and sprinkle with these five colourful cups, each of which has holes in the base for your child to create mini waterfalls. Perfect for babies 9 months and up to practise hand eye coordination and shape recognition.

5. Take the ball pit outside

Who says ball pits are just for indoors? On warm, dry days, move your baby ball pit outdoors and let the fun roll. Our Baby Ball Pit (suitable from 10 months) helps to encourage hand eye coordination and motor skill development, without needing to leave your outdoor space.

Five top tips to ensure safe outdoor play for babies and toddlers

1. Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight

Babies under six months shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight. Use a parasol or sunshade when they’re outside and try to keep older babies shaded as much as possible too, especially between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest.

2. Slather on the suncream (for babies over six months)

Once your baby hits the six month mark, it’s suncream time. Use SPF 50+ suncream that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply every two hours, or more often if they’re sweaty or soggy. Remember: no suncream for babies under six months.

3. Keep them hydrated

Breastfed babies don’t usually need extra water unless they’ve started solids. Formula fed babies can have a bit of cooled, boiled water alongside their feeds. From six months, offer sips of water with meals. Once they hit 12 months, you can try making frozen lollies from water or very diluted fruit juice, just keep juice to mealtimes as it can cause tooth decay.

4. Never leave them unsupervised

Whether it’s water play or ball pit fun, supervision is a must. Babies and toddlers should never be left alone outdoors, even for a minute. Yes, even when they seem totally engrossed.

5. Take regular breaks

Hot weather can creep up on you and little bodies heat up fast. Make sure your baby or toddler takes breaks in the shade, drinks plenty of fluids and gets a chance to cool off. Outdoor play is great, but balance is key. If you're out and about and want to keep your baby cool a fan is a good option. Our Bladeless Fan is travel friendly with flexible legs that can attach round pushchairs and car seats or can simply be stood on a flat surface. 

Looking for more outdoor play ideas? Take a peek at our baby toys and baby bath toys, some are perfect for sunny garden days and make brilliant outdoor water play toys too.