Why “Touching Grass” Matters: Getting Outside With Kids (Especially Newborns)

If there’s one simple practice that can transform the rhythm of motherhood—no matter how busy, tired, or overwhelmed you feel—it’s this:

Get outside. Touch grass. Breathe real air.

In a world full of screens, schedules, and endless to-dos, stepping outside with your kids isn’t just a break—it’s a grounding ritual. Whether your little one is a curious toddler, a spirited eight-year-old, or a fresh-from-the-hospital newborn, the outdoors offers something that every age craves.

And for working moms especially, “touching grass” becomes more than a wellness trend. It’s a moment of reconnection—with yourself, with your babies, and with the world beyond your inbox.

At Raising Bread Co., we believe outside time isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Why Fresh Air Is Magic for Newborns (and Their Mothers)

There’s a reason so many cultures around the world build daily walks into early postpartum life. Getting outside:

• resets your nervous system

• lowers cortisol (hello, calmer mom)

• helps regulate baby’s circadian rhythm

• boosts vitamin D

• supports postpartum mental health

• creates a gentle routine that anchors the day

Even a ten-minute walk around the block can shift the entire tone of your afternoon.

And let’s be honest—sometimes you need to step outside just to remember that the world is bigger than the pile of bottles in the sink.

For Toddlers and Bigger Kids: The Outdoors Is the Greatest Babysitter

Okay, not literally. But close.

Nature gives kids:

• space to run

• room to yell

• endless things to explore

• a break from toys that sing at you

• fresh energy (that somehow leads to better sleep at night)

Kids don’t need elaborate plans—they just need dirt, sticks, and freedom.

And you? You get a moment of peace while they burn off the energy that would otherwise be unleashed indoors like a tiny tornado.

Why “Touching Grass” Should Be a Daily Goal—not a Someday Plan

It’s easy to overthink it.

You don’t need:

✖ a curated nature outing
✖ a perfect stroller - in fact, if your babies are anything like mine were, skip the stroller altogether and wear them in a baby carrier. Here's a link to a few favorites.
✖ packed snacks worthy of Instagram
✖ matching outfits
✖ a long window of free time

You just need to step outside. That’s it.

Realistic outside time looks like:

• sitting on the front step with your newborn while you drink your coffee

• walking to the mailbox with your toddler

• roaming the backyard for five minutes

• a stroller walk between meetings

• laying a blanket on the grass and calling it “sensory play” (it is, by the way)

Motherhood doesn’t slow down. But stepping outside slows you down in the best way.

The Science Backs It Up (But Your Heart Already Knew)

Studies show that outdoor time improves:

• mood

• sleep

• stress levels

• immunity

• emotional regulation

• creativity

• development

But even without the data, you’ve felt the shift.

The air is different outside.
The expectations are different.
The pressure is different.

Outdoors, your kids are free to roam, and you’re free to exhale.

A Reminder for Moms: Nature Doesn’t Judge

It doesn’t care if:

• you’re still in pajamas

• the stroller is covered in Cheerios

• you didn’t brush anyone’s hair

• the baby’s nap schedule is chaos

• you’re overwhelmed, under-caffeinated, or on your last nerve

Nature holds space for you exactly as you are.

Sometimes that’s all a mom needs.

Make Touching Grass Part of Your Family Rhythm

Here are simple ways to work outdoor time into your busy days:

• Start each morning with two minutes outside—even on the porch.

• Save one meeting a day for a walking call (baby in carrier = bonus).

• Make after-school “fresh air minutes” a daily ritual.

• Keep a blanket by the door so outside time is always easy.

• Embrace short, messy, imperfect outings.

• Let go of the idea that it needs to be an Event.

Little moments add up. Fresh air builds resilience. And outdoor rituals become childhood memories your kids will remember forever.

Raising Kids, Raising Dough, and Raising Your Well-Being

As a busy mom—scrunchy, working, always juggling—it’s easy to forget your own need for sunlight, grounding, and open air.

But you deserve it every bit as much as your children.

At Raising Bread Co., we believe in practical habits that help moms rise.
Touching grass is one of them.

Here’s to more deep breaths, more sunlight on your face, and more moments outdoors—together.

Raising Bread Co.
For moms raising kids — and raising dough.

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