It’s difficult to make bold claims about the benefits to babies and toddlers of being outside and in nature because there’s been so little research conducted. However, here are some of the benefits we’ve found from studies that have already been carried out:
Child gut health
Having opportunities to be outside and explore natural features increases babies’ and toddlers’ physical activity.
Moving freely and supporting children’s physical development
More environmental diversity in the outdoor environment can have a positive impact on a young child’s physiological system and the microbial communities living on their skin, airways and gut.
Sensory engagement
The natural environment supports multisensory engagement opportunities which the indoor environment is unable to offer yet which impacts greatly on healthy development.
Sleeping, resting and being quiet
Infants have been found to sleep longer outdoors than indoors, which may have beneficial impacts on their health. Spending time in outdoor light in the afternoons can also help them sleep through the night.
Risk-taking
Nature offers opportunities to encounter features such as uneven surfaces, slopes and stepping stones and to develop their ability to take supported risk.
Eyesight
Spending time outdoors can also decrease the risk of developing myopia (nearsightedness).
Social connection
Enclosed outdoor spaces can help the youngest children feel emotionally and physically safe outdoors and support social connection.
Risk-taking
Nature offers opportunities to encounter features such as uneven surfaces, slopes and stepping stones and to develop their ability to take supported risk.
Babies Outdoors 