It is in the forest, in a setting filled with smells, sounds, textures, and endless possibilities for exploration, that babies arrive at our sessions… curious, attentive, and ready to explore the world with their whole bodies.
“Bebés Lá Fora” sessions take place outdoors, in nature, and last two hours. They are designed for children aged 0 to 3 years, accompanied by a caregiver. A Forest School Leader is always present, responsible for preparing the space and facilitating open-ended exploration activities, thoughtfully designed based on attentive observation of the group.
How does a session work?
Each child should be accompanied by only one adult. This choice is intentional. When the space fills with adults, the environment changes—becoming noisier, more directive, and less open to spontaneous exploration. By ensuring one caregiver per baby, we preserve the quality of the encounter with the forest.
The space is prepared with simple, natural invitations that encourage touch, sound, and movement. These are activities that do not impose an outcome but instead open up countless possibilities. In “Bebés Lá Fora,” there are no final products—only processes and plenty of discovery.
Each session is different, because each group is different. The Forest School Leader observes, listens, and adapts. For those who seek more movement, there is space to run, climb small logs, swing, and scramble. For those who are more contemplative, there are gentler sensory experiences, moments of pause, and opportunities to listen to the sounds of nature.
At the end of each session, there is always a collective moment. Everyone sits in a circle, on blankets or logs. Simple songs are sung, musical instruments are explored, and stories are shared. Nothing is mandatory, because sometimes exploration in that moment is the priority. Even so, this shared time gradually and naturally builds a sense of community.
The role of the accompanying adult
In this outdoor context, the adult is not meant to be an entertainer or director of play, but a secure presence.
The caregiver is invited to take on the role of a quiet observer and gentle mediator. We believe it is not beneficial to frequently interrupt the child, overstimulate them, or restrict what they are doing out of fear.
Often, the greatest challenge is allowing the baby to experience the earth in their hands (and often in their mouth), to feel the coldness of water, to test gravity by climbing a log. We believe the best we can do is be present without invading, and support without directing. When the adult trusts, the child feels it. When the adult slows down, the child deepens their experience.
The importance of being well equipped
For true freedom of movement and exploration, it is essential that both babies and adults come well prepared. Waterproof clothing, thermal layers in winter, sun protection in summer, and comfortable footwear suitable for the terrain (or even better, bare feet).
Without proper equipment, discomfort arises more easily. This applies to adults as well—when they are uncomfortable, they tend to limit the child’s exploration.
Being prepared is, in fact, about opening the door to discovery. It allows the body to fully engage with all the possibilities that this encounter offers.
Benefits for child development
Regular contact with nature has profound impacts on child development. Various studies highlight benefits for the immune system, emotional regulation, motor coordination, attention span, cognitive development, among others.
But beyond scientific data, there is something you quickly feel when participating in these sessions. The pace slows down, the gaze becomes more attentive, and nature invites constant exploration and wonder.
The benefits of these sessions are not limited to childhood. The accompanying adult is also deeply impacted by the experience.
A space for adults too
“Bebés Lá Fora” sessions are a meeting point for families. While babies explore, adults share doubts, stories, and challenges. An informal support network emerges—something so needed in the early years of a child’s life.
Two hours in the forest become a moment of mutual care, where adults can also breathe deeply, feel the earth beneath their feet, and remember that healthy growth happens without rush.
An invitation
In an increasingly fast-paced society, offering time and freedom is almost a revolutionary act. “Bebés Lá Fora” sessions are an invitation to return to what is essential.
For families exploring how a Forest School works, the answer is very simple: it works because it respects the rhythm of childhood. Because it gives children back the right to get their hands (and feet, hair, and whole bodies) dirty, to face physical challenges, to have time to observe something as simple as leaves moving in the wind, and to have the freedom to choose.
What we offer is this:
Two hours. One adult and one baby. One forest. And everything that can grow from that encounter.
Sofia Rocha, Coordenadora Almada
