Babies don't care if it's winter or summer -- they still need to play and learn. Learning is a full-time job for children, and they know no bounds when it comes to this. So instead of letting the weather dictate what you can do, try some of these options:

• Visit your local YWCA or YMCA. They often have indoor programs for babies and mothers, and this can be done year-round. Also, consider getting a membership so you can use the pool any time. Even in the winter, the pool is lots of fun for both mom and baby!
• Check out local museums of all types: art or culture museums, science museums, history museums, etc. Even if all you do is cart baby around in the stroller, he'll enjoy looking at pictures and displays, and so will you!
• Don't forget your local children's museum or one in an adjoining city. They have areas for young babies as well as older ones.
• Your local park district may have indoor activities for babies, such as wading pools and age-specific equipment.
• Indoor playgrounds, such as Discovery Zone, can be lots of fun once baby can get around on his own. Chuck E. Cheese's combines indoor fun with food, so you can have lunch out as well. Just remember to follow the use and size recommendations and to watch baby at all times. Older kids might not be as careful as you'd like them to be around your baby.
• Join a new moms group. These groups tend to float from one member's house to another's and can be a wonderful source of support and diversion for both you and baby.
• Take a mom and baby class, sponsored locally or by a national chain such as Gymboree. These classes include songs and games specific to baby's age.

If you absolutely can't get out of the house, make each day special by trying some of these ideas: play lots of different music in the house and sing along while dancing with baby, buy a collection of new books and read different ones each day, color with crayons, paint with water colors, bake different things for baby to try (when old enough!) and use your imagination. You can make each day an adventure!

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