There are plenty of benefits in taking your baby out for a walk, both for him and for the parents. However, it is important to take certain recommendations into account, such as the best time for going out, the most suitable places to go and some precautions with the pram or pushchair.
Benefits of going out for a walk with your baby
Going out for a walk is highly recommendable for the correct growth of your baby. Weather permitting, it is a good idea to go out various times a day. Babies will thus get sunlight, which produces vitamin D and is essential for calcium to take hold in their bones. In addition to strengthening their bones, going out for a walk in the open air helps babies to reinforce their immunological system, which protects them from possible illnesses.
Another benefit is that going out is a great stimulus for your baby. It helps develop the cognitive system, activating his senses when it comes to relating to the world around him.
What if it’s cold?
Going out when it’s cold helps your baby put up better with changes in the temperature, unless of course he is ill, or it’s pouring down or very windy. But you should wrap him up well in warm clothes and avoid draughts.
Times for taking your baby out
If it’s the first time we are taking our baby out, the walk should not be too long. You could start with 20 minutes and then gradually spend longer in the open air. As for when, it’s best to go out when your baby is not hungry and when the parents can enjoy the walk without hurries or time pressure.
The best places to go
Choosing a park or green area, far away from busy places, is always a good option. We should also avoid contaminated places, where the air is not clean, and streets with too much traffic.
Advice about going out with a pram or pushchair
In an earlier post we gave some advice about choosing a pram or pushchair and if we are going out with one, it is important not to forget the following points:
First of all, make sure there is enough room for your baby, and change his position every now and then.
If it’s cold, cover the pram but allow for the appropriate ventilation. In our childcare section you can find a wide variety of designs made of top-quality materials in smart and attractive designs.
If it’s hot, it’s a good idea to use a parasol to protect your baby from harmful sunrays.
What are your experiences when you take your baby out for a walk? What advice or recommendations would you give our readers? We’ll be waiting for you in the comments.
