One Week Outdoors With My Toddler & Newborn

I spent one whole week outdoors everyday with my toddler and newborn baby. The results were incredible! First off I want to say that getting outside with little kids takes a tremendous amount of effort. As a postpartum mom of two who is still recovering- it took a lot for me to drum up the energy to get myself and two little ones out of the door. But I took on this challenge and I am so glad I did. Here’s why.

Daylight Improves Mood

My initial motivation for getting more outdoor time was for my toddler. She had been cooped up in the house with me and her baby brother since he was born. We went from weekly play dates and swim lessons to just indoor play time and the occasional walk. What I didn’t expect from getting out was how the extra daylight helped me feel so much better. I didn’t have as much of a need to drink coffee to stay awake. I felt energized and ready to tackle the day ahead. I was in a better mood because of it. I had more patience with my daughter and more tolerance for the cries between her and the baby. It left me with that little pep in my step that I needed to be a better mom and wife.

Get Outdoors

It Helps Your Child’s Development

Outdoor time helps your toddler develop gross motor and physical skills. As a matter of fact children under 6 are recommended to have at least 60-90 minutes of outdoor time daily. My daughter- Kira loved running around outside. She noticed the birds chirping in the morning and was so fascinated by it- she would start singing along with them! She picked up sticks and rocks and analyze them. I pointed out the leaves on the ground and allowed her to touch and feel them. It also helps them to burn energy. Kira would fall right to sleep at nap time without a problem after our time outside.

Get Outdoors
Get Outdoors
Get Outdoors

Eliminates Screen Time

Screen time is not just an issue for children. Americans spend an average of 7 hours looking at a screen whether it’s the computer, television, or smartphone. Most parents strive to decrease the amount of screen time their children consume but don’t realize how much we as parents are consuming. I’ll admit that I am contstantly on my phone or computer whether it’s to write, engage on my social media platform or edit content. The minutes really do add up. Although I don’t allow Kira any screen time outside of her online lessons-getting outside more did help me keep my own screen time to a minimum. I enjoyed spending time in nature as much as the kids did.

Improved Newborn Sleep

Newborns don’t know the difference between night and day. Getting more daylight helps them regulate their circadian rhythm. According to sleep experts the key to getting your baby to sleep through the night is getting more time outside during the day. My newborn slept through the night the entire week we got outside. It was definitely perk for me only being 2 months postpartum. With my daughter it was at least four months before she could sleep through the night and the major difference is that we got out much more in the early weeks this time around. Direct daylight and sunlight did wonders for him!

Get Outdoors

Challenges

As a mom of 2 under 2, heading outdoors every day without any help was not easy. I had to pack the diaper bag, make sure I had snacks and water, load 2 kids in their car seats, pack up the stroller and bassinet. I am also nursing on demand so that meant nursing outside or in the car. It was not the most convenient thing in the world but it was so worth it. The time we spent bonding was priceless and seeing my little girl explore the world around her was everything. Like any lifestyle change there will be challenges. But we took it on and now our goal is to keep this up until it is a habit. I hope we inspire you to do the same!

Get Outdoors