Does the child acquire immunity from playing in nature?

Contrary to popular belief, the natural outdoor play does not provide immunity from infection. Research suggests that children who play in natural environments may be at greater risk of developing respiratory infections and ear infections.

However, there has been a significant increase in the number of children living in cities and less access to nature. This is because it’s easier to manage childcare, schools, and jobs with less reliance on public transit.

It also presents the opportunity to explore the benefits of gaining immunity from playing in nature. Playing outside has many health benefits

Nature and immunity

A study in the Journal of Community Psychology found that exposure to nature reduced cortisol levels. This indicates that being outside in nature lowers stress.

Cortisol is a hormone that many people are familiar with from the gym and during exercise. The body releases cortisol when there is a possibility of a fight-or-flight situation.

Stress elevates cortisol levels. Cortisol may play a role in mental health. The body releases cortisol when there is a possibility of a fight-or-flight situation.

Stress elevates cortisol levels. Cortisol may play a role in mental health. Other research, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, found that spending time in nature reduces blood pressure.

Why children are not getting immunity from playing in nature

Some researchers have suggested that because children in cities spend more time indoors, they do not have enough exposure to allergens and germs and that they are not exposed to natural environments as much.

Others have pointed out that urban areas contain more buildings, stairs, and pollution from automobiles, and the vast majority of children in cities do not have the opportunity to go outside for outdoor play.

But there is no evidence to support these two assumptions.

The current best research available suggests that the reason children are not developing immune protection from playing in nature is that they are exposed to too many bacteria and viruses when they are indoors.

The benefits of gaining immunity from playing in nature

We live in a city with fast cars, constant pollution, polluted lakes and waterways, and some polluted air.

Playing in nature allows us to immerse ourselves in nature, and this may reduce exposure to germs.

Many parents want to expose their children to nature but they’re afraid of what could happen if the child gets sick.

There are also concerns over physical damage to the body if the child falls and gets bruised. So, some parents may continue to provide their children with traditional indoor play spaces, but in doing so they’re placing them at risk.

Alternatives to indoor play spaces There are many benefits of engaging with nature, such as spending quality time with our children and developing a strong bond with nature and our local environment.

What parents can do to help their children gain immunity from playing in nature

To protect children from contracting infections in natural areas, parents should: Ask their children to wash their hands frequently during outdoor play.

Clean contaminated play equipment regularly. Limit outdoor time to 30 minutes per day or less.

Follow routine immunization schedules and schedule any required boosters.

At home, keep children in indoor environments when they are sick and decrease outdoor time if symptoms worsen.

Conclusion

The CDC concludes, “Getting kids outdoors has many benefits, including learning to appreciate and respect nature.

It promotes exercise, helps with their eye-hand coordination, improves physical strength and coordination, increases their energy levels, and improves their immune systems.” Contrary to popular belief, the natural outdoor play does not provide immunity from infection.

Research suggests that children who play in natural environments may be at greater risk of developing respiratory infections and ear infections.

However, there has been a significant increase in the number of children living in cities and less access to nature.

This is because it’s easier to manage childcare, schools, and jobs with less reliance on public transit.