How Long Should Babies Be Outside? (Paediatrician's Guide)

In today's digital age, it can be easy to overlook the importance of outdoor time for babies and infants for not only their physical development, but also their mental and social development. In this article, we will explore the benefits of outdoor time for infants and how much time they should spend outside.

How much time should infants spend outside?

In terms of the duration of outdoor time, the National Association for the Education of Young Children recommends that infants and toddlers spend at least 30-60 minutes outdoors each day, and preferably even more (increasing to 60-90 minutes at least for toddlers). Specifically, infants (birth-12months) should be taken outside two to three times per day, as tolerated.

Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that infants and toddlers who spend at least 2 hours a day outdoors have a reduced risk of developing certain visual impairments.

Benefits of Outdoor Time for Infants

Spending time outdoors can provide numerous psychological, social and physical benefits for babies and infants.

Psychological benefits:

Outdoor time can provide babies and infants with an opportunity to expand their sensory experiences through different inputs, e.g. sights, sounds, and smells. Exposure to new sights, sounds, and smells can help to promote cognitive development, while being in nature can help to reduce stress and improve overall mood and wellbeing.

Additionally, outdoor time can provide a sense of adventure and exploration, which can help to foster a sense of curiosity and wonder in infants.

Social Benefits:

Babies thrive on human interaction, and spending time outside allows them to interact with other children and adults. This helps to develop their social skills and build relationships.

Additionally, outdoor activities and sports can provide opportunities for teamwork and cooperation, which can help to promote healthy social development.

Physical Benefits:

Spending time outdoors can provide babies and infants with an opportunity to engage in physical activity and exercise. This can help to strengthen their muscles and bones, improve their coordination and balance, and promote physical growth and development. Outdoor time can also help babies to develop their motor skills as they crawl, walk, and explore their surroundings.

Additionally, exposure to natural sunlight can help to regulate sleep-wake cycles, which can improve sleep quality and duration.

By encouraging infants to enjoy nature and develop a love for the outdoors, you can be helping help to ensure that they lead healthy, happy, and active lives.

How do I spend more time outside with my baby?

A change of scene does wonders for both your moods, and outdoor time is packed with the kind of sensory input little brains are hungry for.

Make the pram walk the highlight, not the chore. Even 20 minutes around the block counts. New sounds, dappled light through the trees, the rhythm of the wheels — it's all rich stimulation for baby, and a breather for you.

Keep them engaged while they're on the move. Clip a sensory toy like The Gallery to the pram bar so there's something to look at, reach for and bat about as you walk — bold contrast patterns and dangly bits turn a simple stroll into a mini sensory adventure.

Once baby's sitting age (6 months+), bring a Wedge. Propping them upright — rather than semi-reclined — gives proper spinal support, encourages good posture, and means they can actually see the world instead of just the sky. Suddenly every walk becomes wide-eyed and wonderful.

Outside time doesn't need a plan. Just a pram, a toy, and — once they're ready — a proper seat to take it all in from.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, spending time outside is essential for a baby's physical and mental development. It provides numerous benefits, including cognitive stimulation, socialization, and motor skill development. It's important to ensure that infants spend an appropriate amount of time outside each day and that they are dressed appropriately for the weather conditions. As toddlers grow, it's important to encourage them to enjoy nature and develop a love for the outdoors. By doing so, you can help to ensure that they lead healthy, happy, and active lives.

Written by Dr. Z. Perkins