
There are many considerations to make when bringing a newborn home for the first time. While it is generally considered safe to take a newborn outside right away, there are several precautions new parents should take to ensure their baby's safety. For example, limiting the time spent in crowded spaces where there may be high levels of germs, ensuring anyone who handles the baby washes their hands, and avoiding anyone who is sick. Additionally, it is important to dress the baby appropriately for the weather, protect their skin from the sun, and be mindful of extreme temperatures.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
How long should newborns stay at home | There is no medical reason to keep newborns at home for a certain period of time. However, it is recommended to avoid crowded places and to take safety precautions when going outside. |
Safety precautions | Basic safety precautions include limiting sun exposure to less than 15 minutes, avoiding crowded public places, ensuring proper clothing and temperature control, and sanitization. |
Going outside | Going outside is beneficial for both parents and newborns, providing fresh air, vitamin D, and a change of scenery. |
What You'll Learn
- It's safe to take your newborn outside, but avoid crowds and direct sunlight
- Dress your newborn in weather-appropriate clothing, with extra layers for cold weather
- Protect your newborn's skin from the sun with shade, clothing, and sunscreen
- Wash your hands before touching your newborn, and ensure others do the same
- Avoid taking your newborn outside in extreme weather conditions
It's safe to take your newborn outside, but avoid crowds and direct sunlight
It's understandable for new parents to be anxious about taking their newborn outside. However, there's no medical reason to keep a healthy newborn inside, and it's safe to take them outdoors right away, as long as you follow basic safety precautions.
Firstly, it's important to avoid crowds and limit your newborn's exposure to germs. While it's impossible to know who is sick, you can politely decline if strangers ask to hold your baby. Make sure anyone who does hold the baby washes their hands first and avoid crowded public places like schools, hospitals, and airplanes.
Secondly, protect your newborn from direct sunlight. Baby skin burns easily, so keep them covered with clothing, a sun hat, or shade. Avoid peak sunlight hours and seek shade, especially during the middle of the day. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend keeping infants out of direct sunlight, and if your baby is younger than six months old, consult a paediatrician before applying sunscreen.
Additionally, always dress your newborn appropriately for the weather. In warm weather, a single layer of clothing or one more layer than you would wear is sufficient. In cold weather, layer clothing and add a hat, booties, and mittens.
By following these safety measures, you can confidently take your newborn outside while minimising the risk of illness or sun exposure.
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Dress your newborn in weather-appropriate clothing, with extra layers for cold weather
There are no set rules about how long a newborn should stay at home, but most pediatricians agree that it is safe to take a newborn outside as long as basic safety precautions are followed. Going outside in the sunlight and fresh air is good for both you and your baby. However, it is important to be mindful of the temperature and dress your baby appropriately. Here are some tips for dressing your newborn in weather-appropriate clothing, with extra advice for cold weather:
- Layering: The key to keeping your newborn warm in cold weather is to layer their clothing. Start with a thin, breathable base layer, such as a cotton bodysuit or onesie, and then add layers as needed. For very cold temperatures, you may want to add a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and even a snowsuit. Remember, it's better to remove layers if your baby gets too warm than to risk them getting too cold.
- Head, Hands, and Feet: In cold weather, it is important to keep your baby's head, hands, and feet warm. Make sure they are wearing a hat, mittens or gloves, and thick socks or boots.
- Blankets: If you're using a stroller, you can add a blanket or use the stroller's rain cover for extra warmth. Just be sure to leave a gap for air circulation and regularly check that your baby isn't too warm or cold.
- Car Seat Safety: Avoid putting your baby in a car seat with a bulky coat or snowsuit. In the event of an accident, the coat can compress, creating a gap between the harness and your baby, increasing the risk of injury. Instead, dress your baby in multiple thin layers and add a hat and mittens.
- Overheating: Babies can overheat if they are dressed in too many layers or blankets, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Remove winter clothes as soon as you come inside, even if your baby is asleep. Keep the room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Sleep: For bedtime, dress your baby in a warm sleeper or sleep sack instead of blankets, as loose bedding is also a risk factor for SIDS. Keep the nursery temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit for a full-term baby, and 72 degrees Fahrenheit for a preterm baby.
- Sun Protection: In hot weather, protect your newborn from the sun with shade, lightweight clothing, and a hat. Most doctors support the use of sunscreen on babies of all ages, but it's best to consult your pediatrician first.
- Signs of Discomfort: Keep an eye on your baby for signs of discomfort due to temperature. If their face is red and their skin is warm, they may be too hot. If they are fussy and their skin is cold, they may need more layers.
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Protect your newborn's skin from the sun with shade, clothing, and sunscreen
There's no medical reason to keep a newborn inside for the first month or two of their life. In fact, going outside in the sunlight and fresh air is good for both you and your baby. However, it's important to take precautions to protect your newborn's skin from the sun. Here are some tips to keep your newborn safe:
Shade
The best way to protect your newborn from the sun is to keep them in the shade. Seek out natural shade, such as under a tree, or create your own using an umbrella, a pop-up tent, or the hood of a stroller. If you're at the beach, a beach umbrella or canopy can provide shade. Avoid going outside during peak sunlight hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest and UV rays are most intense.
Clothing
Clothing is the first line of defence against the sun. Dress your baby in lightweight, sun-protective clothing that covers their arms and legs. A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and long pants can provide good protection. Make sure the fabric has a tight weave; if you hold it against your hand and can see through it, it probably doesn't offer enough protection.
It's also important to protect your baby's head and neck from the sun. A wide-brimmed hat that shades the neck and ears is ideal. Avoid baseball caps, as they don't provide shade for the neck and ears, which are sensitive areas for a baby.
Sunscreen
The Skin Cancer Foundation and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend waiting until your baby is 6 months old before introducing sunscreen. This is because infants are at a greater risk of sunscreen side effects, such as rashes. However, if your baby is younger than 6 months old and shade and clothing are not providing enough protection, you can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen. Be sure to consult your pediatrician first.
When choosing a sunscreen, opt for a broad-spectrum, water-resistant formula with an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating, as there is no such thing as "waterproof" sunscreen.
In summary, protecting your newborn's skin from the sun is crucial. By using a combination of shade, clothing, and sunscreen, you can safely enjoy the outdoors with your little one.
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Wash your hands before touching your newborn, and ensure others do the same
There is no medical reason to keep a newborn inside for a month or longer. In fact, most pediatricians agree that you can take your infant outside right away, as long as you follow basic safety precautions. Going outside in the sunlight and fresh air with your baby is good for both of you. Not only do you get health benefits like vitamin D exposure, but a change in scenery can help boost your mood and energy.
However, it is important to take extra safety precautions to keep your newborn safe from germs. One of the best ways to do this is to wash your hands before touching your newborn and to ensure that others do the same. Here are some tips to ensure proper hand hygiene for anyone handling your newborn:
- Roll up your sleeves and remove jewellery: Before washing your hands, roll up your sleeves above your elbows and remove all watches, rings, and jewellery (except for plain wedding bands). Store them safely or pin them to your clothing. Artificial nails, long nails, and nails with chipped polish tend to carry more germs than short, natural nails, so consider keeping your nails short.
- Wash your hands thoroughly: Wash your hands for at least 30 seconds in warm water with soap. Point your fingertips toward the bottom of the sink and keep your hands lower than your elbows so that the soap, water, and germs run down the drain, not down your arms.
- Dry your hands properly: After washing, dry your hands with paper towels, which can be disposed of afterwards. Use the paper towel to turn off the tap, so that you don't contaminate your clean hands.
- Be mindful of what you touch: Avoid touching anything with your clean hands before holding the baby.
- Wash hands before and after: Wash your hands after touching your face or eyes, and always wash them again after changing your baby's diaper.
- Supervise young children: If children are coming to see the newborn, help them wash their hands for as long as it takes to sing two rounds of "Happy Birthday".
- Use hand sanitiser: If visitors are not willing to wash their hands, or if soap and water are not available, provide an alcohol-based hand sanitiser as an alternative.
It is important to note that these precautions are especially crucial during the first two months of a newborn's life, as their immune system is still immature and highly susceptible to infections. By taking these simple steps, you can help protect your newborn from dangerous germs and keep them safe and healthy.
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Avoid taking your newborn outside in extreme weather conditions
Newborns have a harder time regulating their body temperature than adults. They are also more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, as they can quickly lose body fluids through perspiration, which can lead to dehydration. Therefore, it is important to avoid taking your newborn outside in extreme weather conditions.
In hot weather, babies and young children should be carefully monitored. They should drink regularly, wear light clothing, and be kept cool. Breastfed babies may need extra breastfeeds, and the mother should ensure she drinks plenty of fluids. It is also important to avoid leaving babies to sleep in a pram in hot weather, as they can be hot and airless. If travelling in a car, do not cover a baby capsule with a rug or towel, as this will restrict airflow and make the baby hotter.
In cold weather, babies are at risk of hypothermia, a condition where the body temperature drops so low that it affects the body's systems. Signs of hypothermia in infants include red, cold skin and unusually low energy levels. To prevent hypothermia, dress your baby in layers of clothing, such as a long-sleeve undershirt, cosy pyjamas or a one-piece outfit, and a warm jacket. Additionally, warm booties, a hat, and mittens are necessary.
Whether in hot or cold weather, it is important to protect your newborn's delicate skin from the sun's rays with a hat and baby-safe sunscreen.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no medical reason to keep a newborn at home for a certain period, but it's recommended to take basic safety precautions when going outside.
Here are some safety precautions to follow:
- Avoid direct sun exposure for more than 15 minutes at a time.
- Do not let other people touch your newborn.
- Choose clean locations and avoid crowded public places.
- Dress your baby appropriately for the weather.
Some additional tips include:
- Avoid extreme weather conditions and bad air quality.
- Be mindful of your baby's medical condition and consult with their doctor if they have special needs.
- Avoid peak sunlight hours as it may be challenging to find shade.
- Bring plenty of breast milk or formula to keep your baby hydrated.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended to restrict visitors and avoid socializing with others outside your immediate family. You can use technology, such as video calls, to introduce your newborn to friends and family virtually.