How Nature Benefits Your Baby + a Giveaway!

Having a baby in the dead of winter was tough. We spent our days and nights cooped up indoors, praying for a change in weather. We crowded near windows, getting some much needed Vitamin D any way we could. Needless to say, as soon as the weather improved I was taking John out as much as possible.

Oh, how I wish the warm spring weather had graced us with an early arrival. Over the past 6 months, I have learned how much my little guy flourishes outside. Being outdoors puts a spell over him. He’s quiet, observant, still (which is great now that he is beyond active).

So many times my little guy has gotten fussy while indoors and by simply stepping outside together he completely calms down. This just happened to us two weekends in a row at two different parties. Too much commotion indoors put him in a frantic state that was completely wiped away as soon as he was taken outside, even with crowds of people still around.

Thinking back to the first two months after birth when the “witching hour” would consume him every evening, I can’t help but wonder how that time could have been different. Life could have been quieter and less stressful if we had the opportunity for outside time. Maybe I can test this theory in the future.

Not only do I want to give John more outdoors time because he truly enjoys it, but there are many great health benefits to introducing your baby to nature.

Improves Sensory Skills

Spending time outside can help improve your baby’s sensory skills. There are undeniable sensory benefits for your baby with every new sight, sound, smell, and changing temperatures of warmth and coolness against their skin. Babies are eager to explore the world by reaching out to sunbeams, absorbing the whistles of birds, and touching and pulling blades of grass.

I love watching the way John reacts when the wind blows on his face, or how he watches the trees sway or a butterfly flutter by him. Being outdoors puts his sensory skills into overdrive, and I love developing a stronger appreciation of nature myself by vicariously living through him. Although we have only been able to experience Spring and Summer so far, I am excited for Fall to arrive. The different seasons will present different opportunities for him to learn and grow.

Don’t forget to help your baby’s sensory indoors by incorporating sensory books into your daily reading routine!

Sleep Better

Did you know your baby’s exposure to daylight and their nighttime sleep patterns go hand in hand? Longer stretches of nighttime sleep for babies can be linked to how much sunshine your baby is exposed to during the day. This reason alone should have sleepy parents rushing their babe outside! Not to mention they’ll be getting a healthy dose of Vitamin D.

Anytime I have had John outside for extended periods of time he sleeps like a ROCK at night! He sleeps so well that I wake up during the middle of the night all on my own to check on him (first-time parent problem?). I notice how being outside affects him during the day, too. After a morning or afternoon walk, he always wants to take a nap. His senses must hit over-drive, creating quite a sleepy babe.

Do yourself and your baby a favor: spend time in the beautiful sunshine together!

Better Health + Happier

As mentioned above, time outdoors can give your baby a healthy dose of Vitamin D. Vitamin D can help support proper bone formation, nervous system development, and boost your baby’s immune system. Time outside exposes babies to healthy bacteria, making them less likely to come down with illnesses. Yes, not all germs are bad! In fact, an underexposure to germs and bacteria can be linked to developing allergies and asthma.

Want a happier baby? Sunshine gives your baby a dose of Serotonin, known as the “happy hormone” which helps boost moods, increase a sense of security, and promote a calm state.  Not only is this beneficial for your baby, but you! Do you and your baby a favor, spend some much-needed quality time outside together! Your mood and health will thank you!

♥ Giveaway Details

Spend time outside with your baby while sporting a stylish and durable baby bag from Denali Collective! If you don’t already follow along on Instagram, head over now and find the photo above to enter for your chance to win a FREE diaper bag of your choice! Giveaway ends Friday, August 9th at 11:59 pm. Additional details can be found on Instagram.