Benefits of Taking Your Baby Outside: 26 Reasons to Get Outside

Why Going Outside Matters for Babies and Parents

26 Reasons to go outside

1. Nobody ever left the park thinking about what they forgot to do at home. 
2. Nature has no opinions on how you're doing as a parent. 
3. For twenty minutes, the sky is going to do all the 'entertainment' work. 
4. We recommend coffee. You need the adult. They need the face. 
   
5. Take the long way home because you may see the greatest rock ever created. 
6. A hill is just a rollercoaster waiting for your imagination. 
7. Boarding a plane with a baby comes with more perks than you think. 
8. Go and meet the neighbourhood dogs who are desperate for a pat.
9. The school pickup is like free orientation for the sibling who isn't there yet. 
10. There is no age limit on stopping to watch an excavator. 
11. The world's most fascinating thing to a baby is often a leaf doing absolutely nothing. 
12. Every puddle is a science experiment waiting to happen. 
13. The best conversations with other parents often start beside a swing. 
14. Because one day they'll run ahead of you and you'll miss the pram setting the pace. 
15. Outside is the one place your baby will stare at something that isn't you. 
16. Time moves differently outside. Slower. Better. 
17. Get outside because your bestie's latest news was never meant for a voice note. 
18. Your baby has never heard a crowd cheer before. The under 8s are about to change that. 
19. Take on a sound treasure hunt and look for birdsong, rain on leaves, the patter of doggie feet. 
20. Wave hello to someone who makes your neighbourhood tick. 
21. The local barista hasn’t met your favourite little person. 
22. Every neighbourhood has one overdressed dog. Find yours. 
23. Start a pigeon staring competition. 
24. Follow an ant trail to discover where all the good crumbs went. 
25. Nobody makes friends faster than two babies who've just met over a shared stick. 
26. Discover which house on your street has the best garden gnome situation.

Easy Ways to Get Baby Outside Every Day

It’s amazing how things can just fall into place when you make them a habit.  If, due to serious sleep deprivation and generally feeling exhausted, you need a little motivation, here are a few tips to get things started.

• Walk to the coffee shop instead of making it at home
• Do the school pickup on foot instead of by car
• Let the park count as the afternoon's activity
• Swap one indoor play session for outdoor exploration
• Take the long way home from anywhere
• Sit outside for a feed instead of inside
• Join a pram walking group in your neighbourhood
• Say yes to the playdate at the park instead of at someone's house
• Let your toddler take the lead,  wherever they want to go; follow them
• Try baby nature play — let them touch grass, listen to birds, watch leaves move. It counts.
• The world around you is full of free sensory activities for babies outside — sand, water, wind, birdsong; the inspiration is endless.

Safety Tips When Taking Your Baby Outside

Getting outside is important, but doing it safely is just as important.

• In winter, dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing — newborns and young babies cannot regulate their own temperature
• Use shade, protective clothing and a wide-brim hat as the first line of sun defence — sunscreen is for babies over six months
• Avoid direct sun during peak UV hours, especially in summer
• Use a pram sun and rain cover so you are prepared for whatever the day brings
• Follow safe carrier use guidelines (TICKS) if you are using a baby carrier or sling
• Keep your nappy bag packed and ready so getting out the door is as low-friction as possible
• For when can newborns go outside, the answer is: from birth, with sensible awareness of the environment

The Final Word

You don't need all twenty-six reasons. You just need one good one. And honestly, the hill is enough.