One of the easiest ways to be active as a new parent is simply to go for a walk. Walking is a fantastic way to ease back towards more strenuous exercise and also brilliant for your own mental health, anxiety levels and confidence as a new parent.
It is also an amazing way to get your baby to relax and take a nap whilst in your carrier, remember babies and especially very young babies absolutely adore connected movement as it is so familiar to them particularly in the 4th trimester.
What you might not have considered is the extra benefits that fresh air and natural light have several known benefits for the developing brains and senses of babies. Here are some of the key advantages:
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Oxygenation: Fresh air provides higher levels of oxygen compared to indoor environments. Sufficient oxygen intake is crucial for brain development, as the brain requires a constant supply of oxygen to function optimally. Your babies brain is forming new connections at at astonishing rate so fresh air is a great way to support this.
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Vitamin D synthesis: Natural sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D, which plays a vital role in bone development and immune system function. Exposure to sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, promoting healthy bone growth and overall development.
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Circadian rhythm regulation: Exposure to natural light, especially during daytime, helps regulate the body's internal clock or circadian rhythm. This synchronization is important for establishing regular sleep patterns, promoting healthy growth, and aiding in overall brain development. As your baby grows there sleep habits evolve so this is an easy way to support their innate understanding of daytime and night time.
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Visual development: Natural light provides a broad spectrum of colours and varying intensities, allowing babies to perceive different shades and depths. Exposure to natural light stimulates the development of the visual system, including depth perception, colour discrimination, and visual acuity. Huge changes occur in those first 4 months and babywearing provides an optimal distance for baby to also watch and begin to mirror your response to the world around them.
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Emotional well-being: Spending time outdoors in a natural environment exposes babies to various sensory stimuli, such as the rustling of leaves, bird songs, and the feeling of wind. These experiences can contribute to their emotional well-being, reduce stress levels, and enhance cognitive development. This is also crucial for you as a parent, those benefits are also vital to your own emotional wellbeing during a time of great change.
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Cognitive stimulation: Outdoor environments offer a wealth of sensory experiences, such as the feel of grass or sand, the sounds of nature, and the sight of moving objects. These stimuli engage a baby's senses and provide cognitive stimulation, promoting brain development and sensory integration.
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Physical activity: Fresh air and natural light encourage physical activity and movement. When babies have opportunities to explore the outdoors, they engage in crawling, walking, and other forms of active play, which are essential for developing gross motor skills, coordination, and spatial awareness. The research tells us that children of active parents become more active themselves so this is an easy win for ensuring a lifetime of healthy habits for your family.
- Exposure to natural elements: such as diverse microorganisms found in soil and outdoor environments, helps strengthen a baby's immune system. Research suggests that early exposure to a variety of microorganisms can promote healthy immune responses and reduce the risk of certain allergic conditions.
It's important to note that while fresh air and natural light offer numerous benefits, it is essential to balance exposure with appropriate sun protection measures and consider weather conditions. Always prioritize the safety and well-being of babies when spending time outdoors. When babywearing think hats, suncream and shade where possible in warmer weather and think appropriate layers and cover for hands and feet in colder conditions.
Mainly get out there and explore in together and if you want to explore in real comfort with your baby feeling lighter than ever do check out the Carifit+ carrier and app by clicking below.
