Things To Do With Your Baby in the First 2 Years | From Edmonton Newborn Photographer and Mom

Because Time Flies, Mama—Trust Me 

If you’ve just welcomed a new baby—congratulations! This is one of the most beautiful (and fast-moving) seasons of your life. As a mom of three and an Edmonton newborn photographer, I can honestly say that once that baby is in your arms, time speeds up in ways no one can prepare you for.

One month feels like five days.

Five years? Feels like five minutes.

My oldest is almost 16 now, and I swear I was rocking her to sleep just yesterday. So today, I’m sharing some of my favorite things to do with your Edmonton baby in those precious first two years—because trust me, these moments matter.

1. Book Your Newborn Photos (Do. Not. Wait.)

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: get those newborn photos done! As an Edmonton newborn photographer, I’ve seen how emotional it is for parents to look back on those first few days when their baby was so tiny, squishy, and new.

One day you’ll sit on the couch, flipping through an album, and feel overwhelmed by how fast it all went. And one day, your baby will have a baby—and those photos? They’ll settle the “who did they look like as a baby?” debate real quick. 

 Learn more about Edmonton newborn photography here

2. Take Your Baby Swimming 

Babies LOVE the water, and swimming together is such a fun bonding experience. There are several pools in Edmonton offering parent & tot swim classes.

I used to take my girls to Kinsmen Sports Centre for baby swim lessons—and afterward, we’d play at the nearby park they lovingly called “the bear park.” It’s a great way to get your baby used to water early and build their confidence (plus it’s adorable to see them in tiny swimwear!).

Bonus tip: Get a reusable swim diaper and a baby-sized hooded towel. You’ll use them constantly!

3. Go on a Trip – Babies Fly Free! 

This is a big one: babies under 2 usually fly free when seated on your lap, and most airlines (especially WestJet!) are super accommodating to new parents.

We flew with our babies often, and even brought them along on Disney trips. It’s 100% possible with a bit of planning! Our favorite hotel when they were small? The Howard Johnson Anaheim. Family rooms, splash park, and just a short walk to the parks.

More into beach days than Mickey Mouse? Most all-inclusive resorts allow babies to stay for free or at a steep discount—and many now offer baby amenities on-site.

Pro Tip for Edmonton moms: Use the Edmonton International Airport’s family check-in and priority boarding features to make travel days easier.

4. Explore West Edmonton Mall

Edmonton babies ride free—literally! WEM offers free or low-cost admission for littles under 2 or 3 (depending on the attraction), and there are tons of toddler-friendly rides like the mini train, carousel, and indoor playgrounds.

My girls especially loved the train rides when they were tiny. It’s a fun, climate-controlled way to spend a day, especially in those cold winter months.

Fun Fact: my studio is only 5 mins away from West Edmonton Mall.

5. Visit an Edmonton Public Library 

Your local Edmonton Public Library is a goldmine for free baby fun! From baby rhyme time to toddler story sessions, the library is a great place to connect with other Edmonton moms and introduce your baby to books early.

Most branches have cozy baby-friendly areas, soft toys, and books made for little hands (and mouths!). Bonus: it’s totally free.

6. Visit Faraway Family 

Don’t wait for the perfect time. Whether it’s a road trip or a flight, make the effort to visit grandparents and extended family early and often.

When our girls were babies, we split the holidays between my family and my husband’s. We’d do Christmas Eve with my side, Christmas Day with just us, and then head to Okotoks to visit Grandma and Grandpa—sometimes earlier or later depending on his shift schedule as a first responder.

It’s not always perfect or Pinterest-worthy, but it builds memories your kids will carry with them forever.

7. Other Simple (But Meaningful) Things To Do With Your Baby

Go for stroller walks through the river valley or your neighborhood

Have baby playdates with other local moms (check Facebook groups for Edmonton moms)

Take a baby music class at local studios like Music Together or Kindermusik

Document their milestones (first smile, first tooth, first steps!) with monthly photos or a baby journal

Snuggle more, scroll less—just enjoy that baby smell, that warmth, that connection

Final Thoughts From a Fellow Edmonton Mom 

Whether you’re soaking up snuggles at home, flying across the country, or simply going to swim class on a Tuesday morning—remember that these tiny, simple moments are the big ones.

And as an Edmonton newborn photographer, I’d be honoured to help you capture the beginning of it all. Because these early years? They’re gone in a blink.

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