Spring has Sprung!
It’s officially spring and the arrival of the new season does put a ‘spring’ in your step! Here are our top 5 things to celebrate about spring:
New Life
Yes, we know that babies can be born at any time of the year, but spring is a time when new life is in abundance all around us. New leaves are appearing on the trees, bulbs are bursting into life, and the fields are full of lovely bouncy lambs. Seeing this new life all around is sure to make you smile and it’s a lovely time to get your little ones interested in nature, at any age.
Warmer Weather
Although shedding the layers that we’ve all been hiding under throughout the winter can feel a little intimidating, there’s something really liberating about being able to step out of the house without a thick coat, hat and gloves – and it makes getting out of the door with babies or toddlers a much quicker task too. The ten minute layering-up procedure is no longer necessary, so a ‘quick trip out’ is actually achievable and you can now spend longer at the park than you do in the porch preparing for elements!
Lighter Nights
Yes, we all know that there are only ever 24 hours in a day, but when the lighter evenings arrive you do feel as though you have a little more time in the day. Once your little ones are tucked up in bed you no longer feel like the day is over and it’s possible to enjoy some time to yourself. Instead of changing into your pyjamas and hibernating as you’ve done all winter you could enjoy some time in the garden with a book and a glass of something cool, or go out for a walk in the fresh air to clear your mind and enjoy some ‘me’ time. And, relax… (N.B. to make sure you’re able to enjoy some of the lighter nights it may be worth investing in a blackout blind, otherwise you might find the routine goes out of the window and your little one is up with you!)
Delicious Food
If you ever needed an excuse to eat chocolate, Easter is it! With so much chocolate around it’d be rude not to partake in a little…or a lot! There are also delicious hot cross buns, roast lamb, simnel cakes… the list is endless. The abundance of seasonal food is a perfect opportunity to get fussy toddlers to try new things (with the added incentive of a little chocolate for pudding if it helps) and if you’re starting to think about weaning now’s a great time too. April showers permitting take the high chair outside and let your baby enjoy playing with the spoon and trying the new textures and tastes without the worry of how much of it goes into their mouth and how much ends up on the floor.
Bank Holidays
Not everyone is fortunate enough to enjoy time off work over the bank holidays, but if you are amongst the lucky ones who do get to enjoy these extended weekends, the spring brings a glut of bank holidays which can mean bonus family time. Whether you plan a short break away, have some days out, or just chill out at home, the break from the old routine is good for everyone in the family, with babies and children appreciating the relaxed mood just as much as the adults do.
The Downside
However, as Newton’s Third Law states, every action has an equal and opposite reaction and, while spring offers so much to enjoy, there is also a downside…on Sunday 26th March the clocks go forward meaning we lose an hour of precious sleep. If you’re already sleep deprived, this can make you feel really cheated! I hope you didn’t forget!