Maternity and child health clinics in Finland may soon give recommendations to spend time in nature

“Nature has always been part of Finnish society, but as society and our lifestyles have changed, our contact with nature has decreased,” says Project Manager Sanna Kuosmanen from Xamk.

Nature promotes children’s health and development in many ways. This is especially true in early childhood, when the immune system develops during the child’s first thousand days, particularly from the foetal period to the age of two.

While maternity and child health clinics offer families advice on nutrition, sleep, and physical activity, they don’t currently issue recommendations to spend time in nature. As Sanna explains, “shared moments in nature strengthen interaction within the family, reduce stress, and promote the development of the child’s immune system”. These moments together outdoors could improve families’ wellbeing and their relationship with nature from the early stages of the child’s development.

“Nature exposure does not require physical or goal-oriented activities” Sanna reminds us, “ you can simply spend time in nature.”  
By integrating the health benefits of nature into the lifestyle counselling provided by clinics, we also aim to reduce the risk of asthma and allergies

Research-based information in an easy-to-use format for the clinics’ use

The materials produced in the project ‘Raised by the Forest – Nature as part of lifestyle guidance at maternity and child health clinics’ were developed in collaboration with maternity and child health professionals, nursing teachers from South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, and experts in nature and health.

In addition to maternity and child health clinics, the materials can be used to teach future nursing professionals at Xamk and at other educational institutions. The materials are designed for families expecting a baby and for parents of children aged 0–2 years. Sanna explains that, “the material presents the health and well-being effects of nature and offers practical tips for increasing contact with nature in everyday life. For example, you can spend time with a baby on a mossy hill and explore natural materials with your older children, too.”

“Clinic visits offer an opportunity to highlight the health benefits of nature and the importance of early interaction – even for families who do not yet have an active relationship with nature,” Sanna Kuosmanen says.

The guides and materials are to be introduced first, starting next summer, in the clinics of South Savo Wellbeing Services County Eloisa, which organises all health, social, and rescue services in the region.

We have long known about the effects of nature on human wellbeing, and current research only adds to our knowledge.

“At maternity and child health clinics, we meet all families during pregnancy and early childhood, so it is a great opportunity to provide families with this important knowledge. This topic is very important to us. We have long known about the effects of nature on human wellbeing, and current research only adds to our knowledge,” says Service Supervisor Katja Kyllönen from South Savo Wellbeing Services County.

Information on the outputs and operating model of this project, funded by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, will also be shared with other wellbeing services counties and third-sector actors in Finland. In addition, the materials will be freely available online, so other close relatives of families with young children, such as grandparents, can read the recommendations.

The project is part of Xamk’s Preventive Health Research Unit’s Nature-Based Wellbeing Services project package. These projects develop practical solutions that integrate nature into our everyday lives and promote sustainable wellbeing across various population groups. The aim is to promote planetary health and to introduce nature into health and wellbeing services.

The project ‘Raised by the Forest – Nature as part of lifestyle guidance at maternity and child health clinics’ is funded by Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund. A total of 187 applications were submitted to Sitra’s funding call, and Sitra’s experts selected four projects for funding. The project is implemented by the Preventive Health Research Unit at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences. The project period runs from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2026.

For more information