EXPOSURE OF INFANTS TO OPEN AIR

Fresh air is one of the best, and cheapest, things you can provide for your newborn baby. Good room ventilation and afternoon walks outdoors will help your baby sleep better and overall have better health. There are no limitations to the benefits of good quality air for your baby from birth and beyond. Both you and your baby will have better health if you get moving and get outdoors.

Stale, indoor air often contains germs and dust mites which are not healthy for your baby to breathe in. Make sure that your baby’s room has good ventilation and that you do not contain the baby’s sleeping area with an unnecessary curtain that would not allow for fresh air. In winter months, air out the room when the baby is not there or consider using an air purifier that will provide fresh air for your growing baby.

Naturally, the highest quality fresh air is outside when the weather is nice. Make sure that your baby is properly bundled for the temperature and then head outdoors. Going for a daily walk with your infant will be good for both the baby and you. You will be getting exercise and the same fresh air that your baby is, a healthy plan for both of you.

Babies love to look around, especially when they can face forward and see the sites around them. Even looking at a tree blowing gently in the breeze can keep your baby entertained. The outdoors provides health benefits and hours of entertainment. You don’t need to have money or a huge imagination. Park you and your baby under a tree and watch how mesmerized they become just looking at the leaves.

Remember to keep in mind that babies should be sheltered from the sun and sunblock is not recommended until a baby reaches six months old. Use hats and light colored protective clothing to keep the sun from damaging your baby’s gentle skin. Although being outdoors is great for your baby, too much sun can cause problems such as sunburn or heatstroke and this would negate the benefits of the fresh air. Be especially cautious of your baby getting sun in their eyes because their eyes are sensitive to bright lights and should be protected.

Local parks are great places to take your baby for a walk, even when they are infants. No, your baby won’t be able to go down the slide or play on the swings, but generally other mothers are doing just the same thing and it is good for the new mother to get out and talk to adults as much as possible. Parks are good for walking because there is little or no car traffic, providing safety for you and your infant.