The Benefits of Walking Outdoors With Your Baby

The Benefits of Walking Outdoors With Your Baby

As a new parent, sometimes it can be challenging caring for your new baby while also trying to find time to take care of yourself. While caring for your infant, you can still enjoy plenty of self-care activities, like walking outdoors. Incorporating this simple activity into your daily routine can benefit you and your new baby. No matter how long or short, taking a walk can:

1. Reduce Stress & Anxiety 🧘

Walking outdoors has a calming effect on both adults and infants. It can boost mental health by reducing stress or anxiety. As you walk, your body naturally releases oxytocin, the feel-good hormone. Babies also love the soothing sights and can become more relaxed during or after a nice walk.

While working with one of my clients, I helped her care for her baby as she got some much needed rest. The baby was so cranky that day, and my typical tricks to soothe him were not working for him. Finally, I decided to take the baby outside to get some air and new scenery. Yes, it was the middle of the night, in winter! Yes, I put him in the carrier for my body heat and wrapped him in a blanket and put a beanie on his head. Guess what? It worked! Her baby immediately stopped crying and even fell asleep. It was the cutest thing ever!  

When in doubt, take your baby out (side)!

2. Promotes Physical Health 💪

Outdoor walking can have numerous physical health benefits for you and your baby. It allows you both to produce vitamin D from the natural sunlight, which can boost healthy bone development. While you both soak up the sun, your nature walk is a gentle exercise that helps improve cardiovascular health and can help with postpartum recovery.

When I had my first C-section, I barely moved around due to the amount of pain I was in, but when I had my second C-section, I made sure to keep my body moving. I have noticed that taking walks the second time around made a huge difference in my physical (and mental) recovery. This may be the last thing you want to do or have time for, but trust me.  

3. Stimulates Sensory Development 🐦

Taking nature walks can help your baby's senses develop. As you both explore the outdoors, they can take in the sounds of the rustling leaves and chirping birds, smell the fresh air, and see the leaves on the trees blowing in the breeze.

Everything is new to your baby, so experiencing this can enhance your baby's curiosity about the world and, most importantly, boost your baby's cognitive development.  

4. Encourages Better Sleep Patterns 😴

Last but not least, taking your baby (toddler too) out for a walk helps them sleep better because it helps regulate their circadian rhythm. This is proven time and time again.

The more stimulation your baby gets throughout the day, the more she can determine how well she will sleep that night. I have learned this from working with multiple families and even through trial and error with my children. Fresh air and sunlight are huge for a baby’s sleep. Even if they aren’t crawling and physically moving, being outside will help their sleep, and yours too!  

Final Tips For Preparing For A Walk

• Incorporate Into Baby's Routine: Follow your baby's cues and work around their schedule. Ask yourself, when is my baby most calm? Is my baby well-rested and fed? That may be the perfect time to walk. Even if your baby is a little cranky, going for a short nature walk can help soothe them, distracting them for a brief moment.
• Choose the Right Time of Day: It is important to choose the right time of day to avoid overstimulation and peak weather times, which can make babies fussier. Consider walking in the morning or late afternoon.

• Dress For The Weather: Dress your baby comfortably, ensuring they won't be too hot or too cold during the walk. Either way, I always bring a small blanket in case there is a cool breeze.  Yes, you can still go for daily walks in the colder climates! 

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• ‍Baby Gear: You can take an outdoor walk with your baby using a stroller or wearing a baby carrier.

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Whether it's a quick stroll or a longer adventure, this simple activity can bring joy to your day, improve your mood, and enhance your overall well-being while soothing your precious little one at the same time. So, slip on those comfy walking shoes, grab your essentials, and enjoy yourself! (P.S. Consider leaving your phone at home and detaching from the tech.) Happy trails!  

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