I remember the first nine months of motherhood with my twins. Taking care of my twins was probably very demanding because you had to feed them every 2-3 hours each, and with a little time to do some chores of the house. The routine changed as the children grew, so at three months I started to go for a walk carrying my babies in a baby carrier, one at a time or both in the stroller. Over time the trails became longer as I enjoyed the sun and the fresh air of spring.
Undoubtedly the reward that babies receive from these outdoor walks is many because there are a variety of stimuli for their senses. Many pediatricians recommend that children spend at least 1 hour a day in green spaces and recreational areas. Imagine those prolonged glances of your baby when you first see a dog, a leafy tree, a flower, and feel the sun's rays. We must take into account that sunlight is beneficial for everyone because it helps the bones assimilate calcium better. However, you have to take precautions in the summer and go out in the hottest hours and place a good sunscreen because babies have very sensitive skin.
Do you know when I knew that my babies enjoyed those excursions on foot? It was already three months of walking my babies and walking through the neighborhood. He put on his hat and sunglasses, at first they took off their glasses but soon adapted to them. On one occasion I was returning from a 15-minute walk with one of my twins, as I approached the front door to open it, my 6-month-old baby cried. I took a few steps back to go back out and continue the walk; my baby stopped crying immediately. I loved that moment because my baby told me he enjoyed the outdoor excursion. Later every time my babies cried for something that I did not know I would go to the door to open it and each one of my twins would stop crying. They learned to associate the front door with a fun outdoor walk.
Next, I will mention some of the most significant benefits for children and babies of being in open spaces and green areas:
- Develop perceptive skills: Touch the grass, feel the difference between a dry leaf and a soft green leaf; feel the breeze on the beach or the wind that blows the dry leaves of autumn, hear the singing of different birds, smell different flowers or fruits, or the taste of sea salt water are stimuli of nature that awaken the senses in children .
- Creativity: At home or school children are surrounded by toys and structured games. In an open space outdoors the child sets the limits for their games with their creativity and imagination. In this way, the child develops his autonomy.
- Social Relations: It is undoubtedly an opportunity to meet other children and play. Especially for the only children, it would bring many benefits to get involved with other children.