You could say we live with our feet in the grass and our hearts tuned to nature. It’s not a tagline; it’s our ethos.
We’re the kind of people who’d rather be outside and who believe in the power of going barefoot. So when we first became parents, it was only natural to ask: Can babies ground, too? Is it safe? Could something as simple as connecting to the Earth support them and their developing systems?
Come along; we’ll take it step by step.
What is Grounding, Anyway?
If you’re new here, grounding—also called earthing—is the practice of connecting your body directly to the Earth’s natural surface. Think: barefoot walks, toes in the sand, ocean dips or even using grounded products around the house.
Here’s how it works: the Earth is rich with free electrons that may help regulate inflammation and balance within the body. We’ve seen it help with our sleep, stress, and overall sense of calm. But what about babies?
Is Grounding Safe for Babies?
We wondered that, too. And as parents who have experienced positive outcomes of grounding, we were curious to learn what the research says.
A 2017 study published in Neonatology looked at what happened when preterm babies in a NICU were grounded. Penn State Children’s Hospital researchers connected 26 preemies to a grounded system using special medical patches.
The results?
- Heart rate variability (HRV), a key measure of nervous system balance, improved significantly within minutes.
- Vagal tone, which reflects parasympathetic nervous system activation (aka rest-and-digest mode), increased by 67%.
- The babies’ exposure to external environmental stressors, such as ambient equipment fields, was also notably reduced.
And when they disconnected the babies from the grounding patches, the improvements disappeared! Their little systems responded to the Earth in real-time, calmly, visibly, and without any adverse effects.
These improvements in vagal tone are especially meaningful. The vagus nerve plays a vital role in inflammation regulation and nervous system development, and boosting vagal tone could help protect preemies from conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe intestinal condition with inflammatory roots.
This was the first study of its kind conducted on infants. While it involved a small sample size, it built on previous adult research suggesting grounding supports a parasympathetic (calmer) nervous system state. The takeaway? Even newborns may be sensitive to the Earth’s energy in measurable ways.
“It seems as though a baby is more relaxed when grounded.”
—Dr. Charles Palmer, Chief of Newborn Medicine at Penn State Children’s Hospital
We may not have lab coats, but we do have a deep respect for what nature shows us, and this research really resonated.
We’ve also seen stories from families in our community that echo this gentle yet profound impact. One mom shared with us that her baby began grounding on a half-sheet around nine months old and, shortly after, started cutting five new teeth without so much as a fuss or a sleepless night. As a mom of three, she called it nothing short of remarkable. [hyperlink to: https://earthingcanada.ca/blog/earthing-testimonials/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22365731259&gbraid=0AAAAAC_Epx0Y1hrhMoaKLiekwU3gKq-63&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0qTCBhCmARIsAAj8C4af4kMXlZ2CNKkNjwX5fyhExHcZwxL2R1g9SZ3u8Hc1BrFrBbDTAIgaAu55EALw_wcB]
Can Babies Ground Naturally?
Yes, and honestly, that’s our favourite way! Before mats, there was moss. Earthing doesn’t have to involve any tools or systems (though we’ll get to those later). It can be as simple as:
- Letting their little feet explore the Earth
- Holding your baby while you’re barefoot on the ground
There’s something incredibly calming, for both our children and us, about slowing down, soaking up the sunshine, and connecting to the Earth together.
If you’re gonna get your little one into grounding, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the area is clean and pesticide-free
- Supervise at all times
- Avoid extreme temperatures or direct midday sun
What About Grounding Products for Babies?
That NICU study used grounding patches applied directly to the babies’ skin in a clinical setting, with promising results. While that kind of setup was specific to a medical environment, it naturally raises the question: Are grounding products safe for babies at home?
The short answer is yes when used as directed.Earthing Canada grounding products are designed to safely bring the benefits of natural grounding indoors. They’re made with gentle, effective materials and are safe for all living beings: humans, babies, and even pets.
Curious about the patches from that study? **We offer something similar [hyperlink to: https://earthingcanada.ca/product-category/earthing-patches/ ] in our shop, made for gentle, everyday grounding.
As always, we recommend speaking with your pediatrician if your child has specific health considerations, but for most families, grounding can be a gentle, supportive addition to your home.
Another customer [hyperlink to: https://earthingcanada.ca/blog/earthing-testimonials/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22365731259&gbraid=0AAAAAC_Epx0Y1hrhMoaKLiekwU3gKq-63&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0qTCBhCmARIsAAj8C4af4kMXlZ2CNKkNjwX5fyhExHcZwxL2R1g9SZ3u8Hc1BrFrBbDTAIgaAu55EALw_wcB ] told us that after introducing grounding into their home, their nine-month-old breezed through a round of teething that would’ve otherwise meant sleepless nights and discomfort.
Is Grounding Safe While Nursing?
There’s something quietly powerful about the early days of parenthood—so much shifting, stretching, softening. Between sleep changes, emotional waves, and hormonal recalibration, it’s a time when the support of the nervous system matters more than ever.
While there isn’t extensive clinical research on grounding during the postpartum period, what we do know points to its calming, restorative potential. Grounding may help support nervous system balance, reduce stress, and invite a greater sense of connection during a time that’s often both beautiful and intense.
We’ve heard from many in our community who’ve made grounding part of their postpartum routine, whether placing a grounding mat under their feet while rocking the baby or taking a few barefoot minutes outside to reset between feeds and naps.
One story that continues to stay with us is Stephanie’s [hyperlink to: https://earthingcanada.ca/blog/earthing-testimonials/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22365731259&gbraid=0AAAAAC_Epx0Y1hrhMoaKLiekwU3gKq-63&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0qTCBhCmARIsAAj8C4af4kMXlZ2CNKkNjwX5fyhExHcZwxL2R1g9SZ3u8Hc1BrFrBbDTAIgaAu55EALw_wcB]. A mother and Reiki practitioner; she turned to barefoot rituals and nature connection after years of battling chronic fatigue, depression, and fibromyalgia. Her healing journey didn’t just transform her; it created a ripple effect through her whole family. Her toddler now hugs trees with joyful abandon!
Is Grounding Safe While Pregnant?
We get this question a lot. And while there’s limited clinical research specifically on grounding during pregnancy, everything we’ve seen suggests it’s not only safe but potentially supportive.
Grounding while pregnant may:
- Encourage healthy circulation (hello, less swelling!)
- Help regulate sleep and mood
- Support nervous system balance and reduce cortisol
- Offer a sense of grounded calm during a time of massive change
We’re not saying it’ll solve everything. But we will say that in our own pregnancy journeys, grounding gave us moments of peace when we really needed them.
Some gentle ways to ground while pregnant:
- Barefoot walks
- Stretching on a grounding mat
- Lying down with a grounding Mattress Cover
So… Can Babies Ground?
Yes, babies can ground. Naturally, and sometimes with a little help from tools that make Earth’s support more accessible indoors.
It’s an ancient, intuitive kind of connection, one that humans have made for generations without even thinking about it. But now, modern research is digging its heels in. From the NICU to the backyard, we’re seeing evidence that our little ones respond to the Earth’s energy just like we do. Grounding may help support stress regulation, inflammation balance, and a calm, connected nervous system. And for families like ours, that’s more than enough to keep our feet on the ground.
Just One More Thing…
We always, always recommend you check with your doctor or midwife if you’re introducing grounding to your wellness routine during pregnancy or postpartum, or if your baby has medical needs.
But here’s what we can confidently say: Earthing Canada grounding products are safe when used as directed. They’re simple, natural, and made to support the entire fam in reconnecting with the Earth’s energy.
Let’s Stay Connected
Have a grounding story of your own? We’d love to hear it. Send us a note, tag us on Instagram, or connect with our growing community of barefoot believers. Whether you’re just starting out or grounding has been part of your family’s rhythm for years, we’re here for it!
References:
Palmer, C., Passi, R., Doheny, K.K., Gordin, Y., Hinssen, H. (2017). Electrical Grounding Improves Vagal Tone in Preterm Infants. Neonatology, 112(2), 140–145. https://doi.org/10.1159/000477962
Earthing Institute. (2016). Grounding Help for Premature Babies. https://earthinginstitute.net/grounding-help-for-premature-babies/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Preterm Birth. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pretermbirth.htm