Easter is the first big holiday after a long winter. With a baby or toddler in the house, the Easter break looks a little different than it might have before — but it can be every bit as wonderful.
Here is everything you need for a lovely spring and Easter with the littlest family members.
Easter holiday with a baby
Away or at home?
Many families travel during Easter — whether to a cabin, the mountains, or to visit relatives. With a baby, both options are perfectly fine.
Benefits of going away:
- Fresh air and peaceful surroundings
- Fewer daily distractions
- Quality time together as a family
- Nature as a playground
Benefits of staying home:
- Baby is in familiar surroundings
- All your equipment is at hand
- No stressful journey
- Easier to maintain routines
Whatever you choose — lower your expectations. Easter with a baby is about warmth and togetherness, not ticking off an ambitious itinerary. A short outing in the spring sunshine is more than enough.
Packing list for a getaway with your baby
Traveling somewhere? Here is what you may need in addition to your usual baby essentials:
- Travel cot or co-sleeper — check whether your accommodation already has one
- Extra layers of clothing — weather can change quickly away from home
- High-SPF sunscreen — spring sunshine can be stronger than expected
- Baby sunglasses — UV exposure is higher at altitude and near water
- All-terrain stroller or carrier — for walks on uneven ground
- Favorite toys and books — something familiar and comforting
- Medicines and first aid — pharmacies may be far away
Use a checklist on Babysential to keep track of your packing list.
Spring activities with baby (0–12 months)
Outdoors
Spring stroller walk. The days are getting longer and temperatures are rising. A walk along a river, through the park, or along the coast is ideal. Your baby enjoys the fresh air while you get some movement.
Sensory walk in nature. Let your baby feel grass, listen to birds, and look at flowers. Sensory stimulation in nature is invaluable for development.
Picnic in the garden or park. Lay out a blanket, bring some snacks, and enjoy the spring sunshine. Your baby can lie on the blanket and explore their surroundings.
Indoors
Easter colors with finger paint. For babies from 8–10 months you can use edible finger paint (made from yogurt and food coloring). Tape paper to the table and let your baby explore.
Sensory play with an Easter theme. Fill a bowl with dried peas, pasta, or yellow feathers. Let your baby touch and explore (always with supervision).
Yellow sensory box. Gather yellow objects — a lemon, a yellow towel, daffodils — and let your baby explore the colors.
Easter activities with toddlers (1–3 years)
Creative activities
Decorate Easter eggs. Hard boil eggs and use food coloring or watercolors. Toddlers love dipping and painting. Don't expect perfect results — the process is the point.
Make Easter chicks. Cotton balls, yellow paint, and paper eyes. Simple enough for small hands.
Easter cards for grandparents. Let your child "draw" with crayons, then glue on feathers and glitter. Grandparents will treasure any kind of artwork.
Bake Easter bread or treats. Let your child help stir the batter. Great fine motor practice and a delicious result.
Outdoors
Easter egg hunt. Hide plastic eggs with small surprises in the garden or park. For the youngest, 5–6 brightly colored eggs in easy-to-spot places is plenty.
Nature obstacle course. Create a simple course with sticks, stones, and logs. Toddlers love to climb and balance.
Plant walk. Look for signs of spring together: crocuses, snowdrops, buds on trees, earthworms in the soil. Talk about everything you see.
An Easter egg hunt doesn't need to be elaborate. For one-year-olds, place the eggs in plain sight. Two-year-olds can manage a little more hiding. Three-year-olds can follow simple hints ("look behind the red chair!").
Easter fun at home
Food and drinks
Easter food doesn't need to be complicated with small children in the house:
- Easter chocolate — a treat for the grown-ups, too
- Orange — a classic springtime snack
- Hard-boiled eggs with faces drawn on them
- Simple Easter lunch with eggs, salmon, and bread
- Smoothie in Easter colors (mango and banana make a bright yellow!)
For babies in the early stages of solid food: try yellow foods that fit the theme! Mango, banana, sweet potato, or carrot are all great choices. Read more about introducing solids and use SmartStart for age-appropriate food suggestions.
Spring books for the youngest readers
- Age-appropriate picture books about spring, animals, and Easter themes
- Lift-the-flap books with farm animals
- Simple board books with bright spring colors
Sun safety in spring
Spring sunshine can be surprisingly strong — especially outdoors where surfaces reflect UV rays.
Sun protection for your baby
According to the AAP, these guidelines apply:
- Under 6 months: Keep baby in the shade. Avoid direct sun.
- 6–12 months: Sun hat, light clothing that covers the skin, SPF 30+ sunscreen on exposed areas
- 1–3 years: Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses with UV protection
Spring sun plus reflective surfaces (water, snow, sand) equals double UV exposure. Use sunscreen with a high SPF on your child's face and hands, even on overcast days. Sunglasses with UV400 protection are recommended from 6 months of age.
Dressing for transitional weather
Spring means significant temperature swings throughout the day. Dress your baby in layers:
- Base layer: Wool or cotton (regulates temperature)
- Middle layer: Wool sweater or fleece jacket
- Outer layer: Windproof suit or jacket
- Head: A hat that covers the ears (many spring days are still cool)
Rule of thumb: Your baby needs one more layer than you. Feel the back of their neck — if it is warm and dry, the clothing is right.
Allergy and pollen
Spring means pollen season. Although babies rarely have pollen allergies, toddlers can develop them.
Signs of pollen allergy in toddlers
- Runny nose (clear discharge)
- Itchy eyes and nose
- Sneezing
- Red, swollen eyes
Contact your pediatrician if you suspect a pollen allergy. Read more about well-child visits and what to expect.
Frequently asked questions
Can my baby eat Easter chocolate?
Chocolate is not recommended for children under one year old. After the first birthday, a small taste is fine, but it should not become a habit. Chocolate contains sugar and caffeine — a little goes a long way.
Is it safe to take a baby on a trip during the Easter holiday?
Yes, as long as you adapt activities to your baby's needs. Avoid prolonged cold exposure, protect against sun, and don't plan overly ambitious days. Have extra clothing and food, and be ready to change plans if needed. Use our checklist for outings with baby as a helpful reminder.
What about sleep routines during Easter?
Holidays often mean a changed schedule. Try to maintain the most important routines — especially bedtime and the morning routine. A little flexibility is fine, but major changes can lead to an unsettled baby. Use a sleep tracker to keep track of sleep patterns.
Happy Easter! Remember that the best holiday is one where the whole family feels relaxed — whether you're away on an adventure or cozy at home.