Outdoor Adventures & Smoother Bedtimes
If you're anything like me, you know the struggle of getting your little ones to settle down for a good night's sleep. In fact I struggled with getting my son a good night’s sleep for the first 8 months of his life. Truth be told, I was too exhausted to wrap my head around, let alone plan an outdoor adventure, so much so that I would avoid them. But everything changed, once he got to sleeping! We were well rested and I was ready to hit the Colorado outdoors, again! Thanks to our love of the outdoors my son is now a huge outdoor enthusiast, who loves National Parks and collects Junior Ranger Badges. He seriously looks so stinking cute in his green Junior Ranger vest and matching green hat.
A few years later when we had our daughter, I had a real understanding of sleep and nursing, so we never really had to slow down with our outdoor adventures. Seriously, we were at Box Cañon Falls Park and Nature Center, Black Canyon of Gunnison, Colorado National Monument and Arches National Park all before she was even 8 months old. So today, I come to you as a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Certified Lactation Counselor and mom of 2, who is more than happy to share her tips. Specifically her go to tip - simply stepping outside and going on that outdoor adventure! Let me share with you how embracing the outdoors can help bedtime for our little ones.
Why Quality Sleep Matters for Our Little Ones?
Before we dive into the outdoor fun, let's talk about why sleep is so important for our little ones. Quality sleep isn't just about avoiding grumpy toddlers, although that's definitely a perk! It's about giving our little ones the best shot at healthy growth, brain development, and a happy demeanor, (just like us)! When they snooze well, they learn better, grow stronger, and, let's face it, throw less tantrums.
Nature's Sleep Magic
Now, let's talk about the secret sauce: nature! Stepping outside with our little ones isn't just about burning off some energy, although that's a big plus too! It's about exposing them to the wonders of the natural world that work wonders on their sleep routines. When they soak up that sunshine during the day, their little internal clocks get a boost, making it easier for them to wind down when it’s nap or bedtime. Plus, all that fresh air and sensory stimulation? It's like a lullaby for their busy minds, helping them relax and drift off into dreamland more easily.
Screen Time
Oh, screens – our modern-day nemesis when it comes to sleep. But fear not! When we swap screen time for outdoor play, we're giving our little ones a much-needed break from the glowing screens that mess with sleep. Instead of staring at cartoons or tapping away at tablets, they're busy exploring the great outdoors, engaging their senses, and getting those wiggles out in the best way possible.
Making Memories and Melting Stress Away
Let's be real – life with little ones can get stressful. But there's something magical about watching them splash in puddles, chase butterflies, or simply pick up rocks to add to their collection. Nature has this incredible way of melting away our stress and worries, both for us parents and our little ones too. So, when we spend time outdoors together, we're not just improving their sleep – we're making memories that'll last a lifetime.
4 Tips for Outdoor Adventures
1. Keep it Simple: You don't need a nature trail, sprawling park or National Park to enjoy the outdoors with your little ones. Even a patch of grass or a backyard garden can become their own mini wilderness to explore.
2. Follow Their Lead: Let your kids take the lead on outdoor adventures. Whether they're digging in the dirt, collecting rocks, or chasing bugs, let their curiosity guide the way.
3. Embrace Messiness: Outdoor play isn't always tidy – and that's okay! Let them get muddy, sandy, or grass-stained. The memories they make will far outweigh the bath and laundry you'll have to do later.
4. Make it a Family Affair: Get the whole family involved in outdoor fun! Whether it's a weekend hike, a trip to the beach, or backyard gardening, there's nothing like bonding over shared adventures in nature.
So, there you have it – the secret to smoother bedtime routines and happier, healthier little ones: outdoor adventures! By embracing the great outdoors, we're not just helping our little ones sleep better – we're giving them the gift of exploration, wonder, and endless joy. So, what are you waiting for? Grab those sneakers, open the door, and let the outdoor adventures begin!
And, if you find that you’re adventured out, yet sleep is not getting any better, schedule a complimentary call with me. Let’s get your baby sleeping, so that you can rest after being in the great outdoors!
