Walking Helps You Both to Relax

Many parents find that one of the best ways to help a fussy baby to fall asleep is to take a car ride. But, as long as the weather plays along, it may be better for you to take baby for a walk instead. As a matter of fact, it will probably be good for both of you.

One of the toughest things about being a new parent is constantly feeling cooped up. We can’t go anywhere without the baby, and having a baby with us limits the places we can go somewhat. Walking, while admittedly not the world’s most exciting activity, does get you both out of the house and into some fresh air.

Most babies like the sunshine, and it really won’t stop them from falling asleep if they are tired enough. Ideally, though, you should use a stroller that has a shade on it, so you can shade your baby from direct sunlight.

The motion of walking in a stroller has much the same effect on babies as riding in the car does. It relaxes them, and helps them nod off to sleep. The added benefit to going for a stroller ride rather than a ride in the car, though, is that it also gives you some much needed exercise and a chance to get out of the house. Consider this: walking burns almost 250 Calories per hour. Driving? 0 Calories per hour.

Walking offers us enough exercise to be beneficial, while at the same time not being over stimulating. Many people find a nice walk to be very relaxing. You might even find that it helps you take a nap after you get home and lay baby down. At the very least, you’ll find that the exercise is good for you.

We’re not knocking the old car ride trick. We believe every parent should keep that option open. After all, it works. Besides that, there are times when weather or other conditions makes it impractical, or even impossible to go out for a stroller walk. What we are suggesting is that a walk might be better for both of you than a car ride when it’s possible.