Why Indoor and Outdoor Physical Activity is an Important Part of Infant Development

A couple of weeks ago, while driving through our neighborhood, I noticed that our local park had installed bucket swings that were specifically designed for infants and toddlers. I pulled into the parking lot, took my girls out of the car and put each of them into a swing.

After I began to push, I heard the cutest little squeals and giggles. Judging by their large toothless grins, I knew that the simple act of swinging outside gave them tons of joy.

Physical activity both indoors and outdoors is important for infants to develop properly. When infants are active, it gives them the opportunity to learn, grow and explore their environment. Every time a baby kicks, crawls, rolls, stretches or turns, they are learning.

There is a whole world to be explored by your baby. Making infants spend too much time in enclosed spaces such as playpens, cribs or strollers, can hinder their development and cheat them out of the opportunity to learn.

Letting your little one spend time outdoors opens their world to a wide variety of sensory experiences.

There is so much for your baby to see. By letting them spend time outdoors your infant will have the chance to stimulate their senses by feeling the sunshine on their face, feeling the wind blow through their hair, listen to the birds chirp or see the trees tower above.

Indoor and outdoor physical activity will help your infants sleep better and it can be beneficial if you want them to grow to become healthy, active adults.

There are a variety of activities that you can do with your infants to ensure that they get enough physical activity. Listed below are a few: