Outside your comfort zone

Nature doesn’t exactly come babyproofed. For new parents, this fear of the uncontrolled and unknown can be scary, especially when you’ve just been entrusted with a new little life to take care of and keep safe. But according to experts, although you can’t entirely avoid all risks, getting outdoor exposure is important for your child’s health and development.

Condie Ward, a preschool educator in Connecticut who specializes in outdoor curriculum, says that by preschool it’s quite obvious which kids have not had enough exposure to the outside world. She says that too many preschool-aged children are scared of setting foot beyond the doorstep, a behavior that’s learned from their parents.

Even before a child can crawl or walk, it’s important to spend time outside, says Ward. This early exposure, as simple as it may seem, makes a big difference. Infants should be outdoors every day, if possible, for as much time as a parent can manage.

“When young children spend time outside it helps them to develop their senses and become observant,” says Ward. “Unstructured time in nature allows kids to develop creativity and problem solving skills.” For younger babes, this is as easy as taking a long walk with a stroller or baby carrier.

Ward also notes that it’s an instant stress reducer. With infinite things to touch, smell and see, nature tends to distract babies from whatever made them uncomfortable in the first place. “Have you ever taken a fussy baby outdoors?” she asks. “You’ll notice that it almost immediately improves a baby’s mood.”

Once small children learn to walk and begin to establish a sense of self, explains Ward, the outdoors helps them build confidence. When your child balances on a log or climbs a tree, he can feel good about the accomplishment. Kids can make their own choices and have their own successes. Confidence comes from being able to do things without constant help from mom and dad.

Made in the shade
Though spending time in nature is important for a child’s development, too many parents are fearful of what they can’t control. But balancing your little one’s safety with a healthy dose of Mother Nature is easier than you might think.

According to Carol Wagner, MD, professor of pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina, you can protect your wee one with a few simple steps. Small babies in particular need constant protection from harsh sunlight—but are too young for sunscreen, which should be avoided until baby’s half birthday. For that reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants younger than 6 months old stay out of the direct sun during the summer to avoid sunburn. Newborns should be completely covered and in the shade as much as possible when the sun is at its hottest, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.