Toddler (12–36 months)
Sun-Smart Outing Prep Basket
Help your toddler learn about sun safety and participate in preparing for outdoor adventures.
Ready right now 15 min Ages 12–36 months 1–2 players Indoor
self-help skillsvocabularyfine motor skillsroutine buildingsafety awareness
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Learning benefits
- 💡 This activity introduces toddlers to important sun safety concepts in a hands-on and playful way. It encourages language development as they learn new words for sun protection items and builds self-help skills as they participate in packing. It also helps establish routines, making transitions to outdoor play smoother and more predictable. Milestones this age: Points to body parts or pictures when named • Follows simple instructions without gestures • Uses 2-4 word sentences • Sorts shapes and colors • Begins to run • Shows interest in dressing themselves.
Safety notes
- ⚠️ Always provide active supervision during this activity and during any outdoor play. • Ensure all materials are non-toxic and age-appropriate. • Model sun-safe behavior yourself, such as wearing sunscreen and a hat. • Remember that small children are at higher risk for sunburn and heatstroke, so always limit prolonged sun exposure during peak hours. • Never leave a child unattended, especially near water, even if it’s just a few inches deep. • Cut all food for toddlers into small, bite-sized, non-choking pieces. • Rear-facing car seats are safest until at least age 2, or until they reach the maximum height or weight for their seat. When to call your pediatrician: If your toddler is not meeting several milestones, such as not walking by 18 months, not speaking at least 15 words by 18 months, or not making eye contact. If you have any concerns about their growth or development, please discuss them with your pediatrician.
Cleanup
- 🧹 After the activity, put all the sun-smart items back in their designated storage spot. Encourage your toddler to help put things away, reinforcing the cleaning-up habit.