The COVID-19 pandemic presents a lot of long-term consequences for young people. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health writes how all children have been affected by the pandemic, even if they weren’t infected with the virus at all. The very youngest members of society were born just before or during the pandemic, and are at risk from the effects of maternal stress in pregnancy. Many kids have also run into developmental delays, with restricted socialisation, limited language interactions, and reduced opportunities for physical and outdoor play.
The good news is that children are resilient, thanks to their developmental plasticity, and that keeps us optimistic throughout this next phase of pandemic recovery. Parents have to exert more effort to help their children grow and thrive in a world changed by COVID-19. One area you can start with is outdoor playtime, which offers physical and mental health benefits. If our Top 10 Blog Posts of 2021 are anything to go by, then the interest in the outdoors is strong. Readers enjoyed the posts about wildflower fields, pumpkin picking, and safari park adventures. We’re all raring to play catch-up in the natural world.
Whether you’re preparing for a hike, a picnic, or a simple walk, here are three essential items to bring when you go outdoors with kids:
A roomy changing bag
Changing bags are essentially handbags, backpacks, or hold-alls designed to carry all of your baby’s changing items. These so-called nappy bags come with plenty of pockets, attachments, and compartments to make your life easier. With a roomy changing bag, you won’t forget to bring a change of clothes, nappies, wet wipes, toys, snacks, and bottles for your day out with the kids. Brands like Tiba + Marl create their water-resistant, wipe-clean changing bags with sustainability in mind. Not only are they made with eco-friendly materials, but the luxurious and unisex design lets you use it long after its time as a changing bag. Most importantly, the bag includes a baby-changing mat and an insulated bottle holder — so your little ones stay comfortable, wherever you go.
A sturdy pram
Inevitably, both you and your children will run out of energy when moving around outdoors. A pram is a must-have item to keep everyone happy, as you get from point A to point B with everything you need. Modern pushchairs, as seen on iCandy, are built to be ultra-compact travel systems. These multi-functional prams are bundled together with other accessories like carry straps and a rucksack changing bag, so you’re sure to have everything you need as you spend time outdoors with your children. Plus, they’re great for shielding your baby’s soft, delicate skin away from the sun. Choose a pram that can be easily transported in the car, especially if you’re a busy working parent.
A cosy picnic blanket
A picnic blanket is the perfect tool to keep comfortable after a long day in the sun. It makes surfaces softer and less soggy, so you can settle down your little ones to eat or rest. Look for one that’s large enough to seat your whole family; there are plenty of cute and roomy blankets on the market right now. Matador, for instance, makes pocket-sized blankets that weigh under a quarter of a pound and fit in the palm of your hand when folded. Their thin, portable blanket also comes with metal ground stakes so it won’t fly away with the breeze. Try to find one made of durable material, and easy to clean. The fabric should also keep you warm in the fall, but cool during the summer. Stow the blanket away in the boot of your car, just in case you’ll need it suddenly.