There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing

In many Scandinavian countries, it’s not uncommon to see a line of strollers filled with sleeping babies parked outside a café, even in the dead of winter. It may be cold, the thinking goes, but time outdoors is so valuable for a baby’s health that there are benefits despite—and maybe even because of—the conditions.
We all know intuitively that outside playtime for children is good for them, and research supports that. Yet, giving our children that leisure time outside in nature can feel harder than it was for our parents and grandparents.
Here are some simple ways to have fun outside, even when it’s cold or rainy:
Prepare for the weather
Before you head out, mention the weather and how to dress for it: “today is cold, so we need a coat and gloves” or “today is sunny, so we should wear hats to protect our faces.”
Paint with water

In any conditions apart from snow or rain, your child can paint pavement with a tub of water and a brush.
Draw with chalk

Chalk also works in almost any weather. Draw a line on the pavement and have your toddler follow simple directions like walking along it or standing at the end/middle/beginning of the line. You can also draw several lines and count out loud.
Water the plants

Have your toddler water plants outside. If you have access to a garden, they will love digging, picking, planting, and even weeding!
Go on a treasure hunt

Bring a container and go on a treasure hunt for leaves, rocks, pine cones, grass, sticks, and flowers.
Practice balance

Your toddler may not be ready to balance on their own, but they will love balancing on a curb or a rock with your help.
Go on a rain walk

Going on a “rain walk” can be exciting if everyone is dressed for the weather. Look for puddles, bugs, worms, and gutters overflowing with water.
Posted in: 13 - 15 Months, Balance, Real World Play, Water Play, Child Development
Keep reading

13 - 15 Months
Welcome to The Babbler Play Kit for months 13-15
Watch Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph introduce the Babbler Play Kit for months 13 to 15 of your toddler's life.

13 - 15 Months
5 ways for your toddler to (safely) play with small objects
With a few simple supplies, you can create fun DIY activities that help your toddler safely enjoy the benefits of playing with small objects.

13 - 15 Months
Your toddler’s on top of the world when they make you laugh
A toddler's budding sense of humor is a sign of their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Learn five ways to help nurture your child's funny bone.

13 - 15 Months
There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing
Research shows that children benefit from playing outside, regardless of the season. Learn how to keep playing outdoors even when the weather is cold or rainy.

13 - 15 Months
Stacking, nesting, and matching—when do they happen?
Stacking, nesting, and matching are three foundational toddler skills. Learn when to expect your toddler to begin doing each.

13 - 15 Months
Squirming and grabbing pages: what reading looks like at this age
Reading with your toddler probably doesn't feel much like "reading." Don't give up—here's why even a minute of reading is still worth it.

13 - 15 Months
Rotating toys the Montessori way = better, deeper play
Learn how the minimalist Montessori approach to toy rotation—just a few objects at a time, rotated every few weeks—benefits your toddler.

13 - 15 Months
Pull toys are classic for a reason
Pull toys may seem old-fashioned, but they promote many aspects of toddler development: problem-solving, whole-body coordination, and fine motor strength.

13 - 15 Months
The dos and don’ts of saying “no” 😉
Describing for your child the behavior you do want to see avoids reinforcing what you don't want them to do. Here's how to say "no" less frequently.

13 - 15 Months
4 early gravity lessons
They drop it, you pick it up, they drop it again. There is nothing toddlers love more than playing with gravity. Here are four experiments to try.

13 - 15 Months
Embrace this mindset, and time with your toddler gets 100 times better, by Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph
The key to cutting down on frustration for both you and your toddler is to redefine what it means to get things done. These five mantras will help you do that.

13 - 15 Months
Abracadabra! The magic behind Montessori toy introduction
Watch Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph and Montessori expert Jody Malterre introduce the Flexible Wooden Stacker and show the developmental concepts it supports.

13 - 15 Months
“Where’s your belly?” When toddlers start to identify parts of their body
Your toddler's self-awareness is growing, and they may soon recognize their own face in the mirror. Here's how to help them begin to learn the parts of their body.

13 - 15 Months
“Throw the ball to Mama”—what’s up with the third person, anyway?
Do you speak to your toddler in the third person? "Illeism" may help your toddler develop their language skills until they understand pronouns.

13 - 15 Months
Art, science, and fine motor: water play checks all the boxes
Water play helps toddlers create art, learn science, and develop fine motor skills. Here are 10 water play activities you can do with your toddler.