Why Do Babies Avoid Grass?

Why do babies hate grass?

Babies hate grass because the complex textures can cause sensory overload in their newly developed nervous system.

While touching grass is not something we think twice about as adults, a child's developing body takes in all of the different sensory experiences differently and the sharp blades and prickly texture can be overwhelming to them.

It is worth noting that if your child is the type to want to explore everything around them and you decide to try some playtime outside on the grass on a sunny day, it will not cause any lasting physical harm to them.

Just be careful not to tarnish the beautiful experience of outdoor time with a prolonged episode of crying because the sensation is too much for them. Slow and steady wins the race when teaching your baby new textures and feelings.

Is sensory overload bad for babies?

Sensory overload is a real concern when it comes to touching new textures for babies. It’s important to be aware of how their environment can affect the development of their tactile senses.

While the sensation of exploring many different materials and objects can be exciting, overstimulation can lead to confusion and distress. To promote safety and well-being, introduce your baby to one new type of texture at a time in short bursts.

If they decide that this is the wrong moment to sit on the grass then come back to it another day to avoid creating a fear of it.

How do I know if my baby is allergic to grass?

While many allergies cause minor symptoms, such as sneezing or itching, more serious reactions to grass allergens like hay fever or asthma can also occur when playing outside on the grass.

Pay attention if your little one starts coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or develops red and irritated skin after spending time outside in the grass. If any of these signs appear, contact a medical professional right away for proper allergy testing and treatment.

In terms of prevention, avoid any exposure to pollen by staying inside when grass pollen forecasts are high and consider a bath before bedtime.

Is touching grass bad while the baby's nervous system develops?

While it won't hurt your baby or their nervous system to touch grass at a young age, the general response will probably be for them to avoid it if they body it not ready to process such new and extreme feelings.

Take it at their pace and eventually they will come around to it when their body's nervous system is mature enough to process the sensations better.

At what age will my baby want to play on grass?

After about a year of age, you will notice that your baby might be ready to start exploring these natural textures such as grass. This is due to their readiness to take on the overload that usually stops them in the first place.

Now that their bodies are more adapted to other more simple textures they are now able to process the more complex ones without too much of a hassle.

Babies have a sense of ancestrally recurrent dangers

Babies have an inborn, intuitive knowledge that there are certain dangers that they are ancestrally conditioned to avoid. This is largely due to the fight-or-flight response which motivates them to recognize and flee from potentially dangerous situations.

For instance, most babies will instinctively cry when thrown into the air by an adult since this heightens the risk of falling and possible injury. They also show a fear of extremely loud noises, as hearing loss has long been a potential threat for those who lived in pre-modern societies.

Finally, to our topic at hand, if any type of plant hesitancy occurred it is likely due to evolutionary circumstances in our past that want to keep our little ones safe around nature. A reluctancy to touch grass at a young age might be a small expression of that.

Don't play into the viral videos

The fact that most babies hate grass may result in some funny youtube videos from time to time that are entertaining as new parents.

However, it is important to remember that the reason they avoid grass in the first place is because they are experiencing sensory overload and want it to stop as soon as possible until they can get a grasp of what is going on.

Do yourself and your baby a favor and do not purposely place them in a situation that will overwhelm their little bodies for your own amusement or to share with the world.

Which surfaces are better for my baby to play on?

With the warmer months quickly approaching, it's time to think about where your baby can safely and comfortably play outdoors. While a bed of grass may seem like an inviting place for your little one to roam, there are other surfaces that can provide just as much fun if they are not into it quite yet.

Quality foam play mats are a great way to provide your baby with protection from the ground while simultaneously stimulating their senses and boosting motor development. Sandboxes also make a great spot for outdoor play; just be sure to keep sand rakes or toys away from baby’s mouth!

If you are not leaving the house then wood surfaces or carpet are probably your best bet. Babies simply love the simplicity of these and they can focus on their play instead of being bombarded with new sensations in their minds.

Do babies avoid plants as well as grass?

Generally, it doesn't seem babies show the same aversion to plants as they do to grass. While some may have a natural sensitivity that causes them to shy away from certain foliage, most enjoy exploring the textures and shapes of different plants.

Depending on their development stage, some may even put leaves and flowers in their mouths! Therefore, it seems babies are more likely to be curious around interesting flora than eager to stay away from it.

Our final thoughts on why babies avoid grass

After researching the topic of why babies avoid sitting on grass, it appears that this unusual habit could be attributed to a few different causes.

For starters, grass might not be comfortable for baby's delicate skin, especially when compared to a soft and plush surface. Secondly, a baby may have an innate fear of their environment due to their inexperience with certain textures. Lastly, another reason may be that a baby simply doesn't like the sensation of standing barefoot on more 'natural' surfaces such as grass and dirt.

Although there is no concrete answer as to why babies would naturally avoid grass, one thing is certain; they're just being extra cautious while they explore the world around them!