The early years are a crucial time for establishing lifelong healthy habits, and outdoor play benefits children of all ages—including babies.
For early years practitioners, the outdoors offers a sensory-rich environment that supports physical development, emotional wellbeing, and cognitive growth from infancy. Here’s how you can effectively use outdoor spaces to promote a healthy lifestyle for babies and young children.
1. Supporting Babies’ Physical Development Outdoors
Even before they can walk, babies benefit from outdoor experiences that stimulate their senses and strengthen their bodies.
- Tummy Time on Grass – Place babies on a soft blanket outdoors to encourage muscle development while they feel different textures beneath them.
- Gentle Movement – Carry babies in slings or let them experience natural movements, such as swaying under trees or feeling a light breeze.
- Sensory Exploration – Let them touch leaves, grass, or safe outdoor objects to develop fine motor skills and tactile awareness.
Safety Tip: Always ensure babies are supervised, protected from strong sunlight, and placed on clean, safe surfaces.
2. Encouraging Active Play for Toddlers and Young Children
As children grow, outdoor play becomes vital for developing strength, coordination, and confidence.
- Climbing and Balancing – Use low logs, stepping stones, or soft play equipment to build gross motor skills.
- Running and Chasing Games – Simple activities like “What’s the Time, Mr Wolf?” encourage cardiovascular health.
- Ride-On Toys and Push-Along Carts – Strengthen leg muscles and coordination with wheeled toys on safe surfaces.
Tip: Rotate equipment regularly to keep children engaged and challenged.
3. Fostering a Connection with Nature (All Ages)
Nature has calming and stimulating effects on babies and young children alike.
- Sensory Gardens – Grow herbs and flowers that babies can smell and touch (e.g., lavender, mint).
- Outdoor Storytime – Read books under a tree or describe natural sounds (birds, rustling leaves) to babies.
- Weather Exploration – Let toddlers splash in puddles (with waterproof clothing) or watch snowflakes melt on their hands.
For Babies: A buggy walk in different environments (woods, parks, beaches) introduces new sights, sounds and smells.
4. Promoting Healthy Eating Habits Through Outdoor Learning
Even babies can begin learning about food through outdoor experiences.
- Herb and Vegetable Patches – Let toddlers help water plants or pick soft fruits like strawberries.
- Outdoor Mealtimes – Picnics encourage social eating; babies can try finger foods in a relaxed setting.
- Mud Kitchens – Toddlers can “cook” with natural materials, fostering an early interest in food.
For Babies: Describe textures and smells of foods during outdoor snack times.
5. Supporting Social and Emotional Wellbeing
The outdoors provides a calming space for emotional regulation and social bonding.
- Quiet Corners for Babies – A shaded area with soft blankets allows restful outdoor time.
- Group Play for Toddlers – Sandpits, shared wheelbarrows, or bubble-blowing encourage cooperation.
- Risk-Managed Challenges – Climbing low slopes or balancing builds confidence in young children.
Tip: Use outdoor time to help overstimulated babies relax with natural sounds and fresh air.
6. Ensuring Inclusivity for All Children
Every child, including those with additional needs, should access outdoor learning.
- Adapt for Babies & SEND – Use textured pathways for sensory input or shaded areas for sensitive skin.
- Family Involvement – Encourage parents to take babies on nature walks or try simple garden activities at home.
Final Thoughts
From a baby’s first sensory experiences in the fresh air to a toddler’s energetic adventures, the outdoors plays a vital role in promoting a healthy lifestyle. By intentionally designing outdoor spaces that cater to all developmental stages, early years practitioners can nurture physical health, emotional resilience, and a lifelong love of nature.
