
Newborns are highly susceptible to infections and serious illnesses such as sepsis and meningitis. They are also more vulnerable to respiratory infections and serious bacterial infections. As such, it is important to take precautions when taking newborns outdoors. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to newborn care, it is generally recommended to limit their exposure to crowded places and to ensure that anyone who comes into close contact with them practices good hygiene. In addition, it is crucial to consider the weather conditions and dress newborns appropriately to protect them from extreme temperatures.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Time spent outside | No need to stay inside for the first 1 or 2 months of life, but avoid extreme weather and direct sunlight |
Sun protection | Cover skin with clothing and a sun hat or stay in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight for babies under 6 months |
Crowds | Avoid crowded places like malls, airplanes, pools, grocery stores, and indoor restaurants |
Hand hygiene | Ensure anyone who touches the baby has washed their hands |
Visitors | Limit the number of visitors and ask them to wear masks |
Vaccinations | All visitors should have an up-to-date Tdap vaccination and flu vaccine if it's flu season |
COVID-19 | Restrict visitors until the pandemic improves |
What You'll Learn
Dressing for the weather
Dressing a newborn for the weather can be a daunting task, but it's important to ensure their comfort and safety. Here are some detailed guidelines on how to dress your newborn appropriately for different weather conditions:
Warm or Cool Weather:
When the weather is mild, it's best to follow the layer rule. Dress your newborn in as many layers as you would wear and then add one more layer for extra warmth. It's crucial to ensure that your baby is always dry, as wet clothing can make them cold, even in cool weather. Additionally, make sure to check their diaper frequently when you're outdoors.
No matter the temperature, shield your newborn from direct sunlight by using a stroller canopy, hat, sunglasses, or by seeking shade. The sun's harmful UV rays can be damaging to their sensitive skin.
Cold Weather:
When venturing out in cold weather, it's essential to bundle up your newborn to keep them warm. Here are some tips:
- Think layers: Layer your baby's clothing to trap heat between the layers. Start with a thin cotton onesie, then add long sleeves and pants, and even a snowsuit for very cold temperatures.
- Cover up: Ensure your baby is covered from head to toe. If you need mittens, gloves, a hat, thick socks, and boots, make sure your baby wears them too.
- Use blankets: When using a stroller, add a blanket or the stroller's rain cover for extra warmth.
- Car seat safety: Remove bulky coats before placing your baby in a car seat, as they can compromise safety. Instead, opt for multiple thin layers, a hat, and mittens.
- Avoid overheating: Babies can overheat if dressed in too many layers, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Remove winter clothes as soon as you come indoors, even if the baby is asleep.
- Maintain a cool room temperature: Keep the room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your baby's neck to ensure they're not too sweaty.
- Skip the blankets: Instead of blankets, dress your baby in a warm sleeper or sleep sack for bedtime. Loose bedding is also a risk factor for SIDS.
Hot Weather:
Newborns can't regulate their body temperature effectively, so it's crucial to take extra care during hot weather to prevent overheating. Here are some tips:
- Remove layers: When the temperature is over 75 degrees Fahrenheit, a single layer of clothing should be enough.
- Cover their head: Use a lightweight hat to protect your baby's head from the sun, whether it's hot or cold.
- Choose lightweight fabrics: Opt for lighter fabrics, especially at night. A light sleeper onesie and a thin sleep sack should be sufficient.
- Shield from the sun: Avoid direct sun exposure, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Use shade, a stroller canopy, or a parasol to protect your baby from the sun.
- Keep them hydrated: Offer breast milk or formula frequently to prevent dehydration. For babies over six months, you can also offer small amounts of cooled boiled water.
- Dress comfortably: Choose light, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable materials like cotton to help your baby stay cool.
- Avoid overheating: Remove layers if your baby shows signs of overheating, such as flushed skin, rapid breathing, crankiness, or irritability.
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Sun protection
The skin and eyes of a newborn are extremely sensitive to sunlight, particularly in the first six months of their life. During this time, their skin is not mature enough to form an effective barrier against UV rays, and their eyes lack the pigment that filters out UV rays, which can cause retinal damage. Therefore, it is important to take extra precautions to protect newborns from direct sunlight. Here are some guidelines to ensure your baby stays safe in the sun:
- Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when UV levels are lower.
- Keep trips out relatively brief during moderate to high UV times (when the UV level is 3 or above).
- Protect your baby from direct sunlight by seeking shade, using a pram shade, or other forms of sun protection such as a large-brimmed hat that shields their eyes, ears, and neck.
- Dress your baby in lightweight, sun-protective clothing that covers their arms and legs.
- Use sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection to shield your baby's eyes from harmful UV rays, which can contribute to the development of cataracts and other eye problems.
- Use a stroller with a sun-protective cover when going for walks.
- Keep your baby well-hydrated by offering frequent breastfeeds or bottle feeds.
- If your baby is six months or older, you can apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is designed for infant skin and will not sting their eyes. Apply it to all exposed areas, such as the back of the hands, face, ears, and neck.
- Be mindful of car rides, as UVA rays can penetrate through windows and cause skin damage. Use a shade or UV shield to block UV rays from reaching your baby.
- Be cautious of the heat and keep your baby's pram cool and comfortable. Check on them frequently to ensure they are not overheating.
Remember, it is important to strike a balance between sun protection and ensuring your baby still receives adequate vitamin D. Sun exposure is one way to boost vitamin D levels, but it should be done in moderation and always with proper sun protection.
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Avoiding crowded places
It is understandable that you want to keep your newborn safe and healthy, and one way to do this is by avoiding crowded places. Here are some tips to help you navigate this:
- Avoid crowded places for the first few months: It is generally recommended to avoid crowded public places like malls, movie theatres, and airplanes until your newborn is a few months old. This is because their immune system is still developing, and they may struggle to fight off infections.
- Be cautious of other people: If you do go out, try to maintain social distance and prevent others from getting too close or touching your baby. A baby carrier can be useful in this situation, as it keeps your newborn close to you and discourages strangers from getting too close.
- Practice good hygiene: Ensure that anyone who touches or holds your baby washes their hands first. You can also ask people to wear masks around your newborn, especially if there have been many respiratory infections like COVID-19, the flu, or RSV in your area.
- Keep up with vaccinations: Make sure that your baby's routine vaccines are up to date, and that everyone in the household is also vaccinated to protect the baby. This includes the yearly flu vaccine and updated COVID-19 vaccines.
- Take extra precautions for preterm or immunocompromised babies: If your baby was born prematurely or has a condition that affects the immune system, consult your doctor for extra precautions. They may advise you to stay at home during specific periods or avoid certain places.
- Be mindful of the weather: Avoid going out in extreme weather conditions, whether it is too hot or too cold. Also, try to avoid peak sunlight hours, as it can be challenging to protect your baby's skin during this time.
- Stick to outdoor or virtual visits: If you want to introduce your newborn to friends and family, consider scheduling virtual visits or outdoor visits while maintaining a safe distance. This way, you can show off your new addition without exposing them to potential illnesses.
- Prepare for outings: When you do go out, pack the essentials like diapers, wipes, and a spare change of clothes. Also, be mindful of what you put on your baby – dress them in weather-appropriate clothing, and use a wide-brimmed hat to protect them from direct sunlight.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and you should do what feels most comfortable for you and your baby. Taking your newborn outside can be beneficial for both of you, providing fresh air and a change of scenery. Just be cautious of crowded places and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of infections.
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Hand washing
When to Wash Your Hands
- Every time you enter a neonatal unit.
- Before and after touching or handling a baby.
- After every nappy change.
- Before and after expressing breast milk.
- Before and after preparing feed for a baby.
- Before leaving the neonatal unit.
How to Wash Your Hands
- Take off your outdoor jacket or coat and hang it on the hooks provided (keep your valuables with you).
- Roll up your sleeves and remove your watch, bracelets and rings. Keep them securely in your pocket or bag until you leave the neonatal unit.
- Apply soap from the dispenser and wash your hands, wrists and lower arms following the instructions.
- Dry your hands, wrists and lower arms using paper towels.
- Finally, apply the alcohol provided in the dispenser, using the same technique as when washing your hands.
Hand-Washing Steps
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the water, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or let them air dry.
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Keeping newborns away from sick people
It is understandable that you want to keep your newborn safe from infections and illnesses, especially in the first few weeks and months of their life. Here are some ways to do so:
Hand Hygiene
Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illnesses. Wash your hands before touching your baby, after coughing or sneezing, after using the bathroom, and before preparing food. Insist that any visitors who want to hold your baby do the same. It is also a good idea to carry hand sanitiser with you when you are out and about, and to ask anyone who wants to touch the baby to use it first.
Minimise Contact with the Baby
Limit your newborn's contact with others, especially those exhibiting symptoms of illness. Common viruses such as the flu are spread through respiratory droplets and close person-to-person contact. Remember that a person can be contagious a few days before showing symptoms. Set boundaries with those who hold the baby, such as washing their hands, avoiding kissing the baby, and wearing a mask.
Clean High-Traffic Areas
Frequently clean commonly touched areas such as door handles and tables. This is an important way to prevent the spread of germs through indirect contact.
Quarantine in the Home
Consider temporarily isolating family members who are exhibiting symptoms. For example, if you and your newborn usually sleep in the same room as your partner, and your partner is sick, you could sleep in another room with the baby. Use separate drinking glasses and plates for those who are exhibiting symptoms.
Be Mindful of Visitors
Try not to have visitors who are unwell or exhibiting infectious symptoms around the baby. This includes people with a fever, cold, cough, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Remember that a person can still be contagious a few days after their symptoms have disappeared. It is also acceptable to say no to visitors if you do not feel comfortable with them visiting yet.
Keep Public Outings to a Minimum
In the first few weeks, keep public outings to a minimum. This will help to reduce your newborn's exposure to potential infections. When you do go out, wear your baby in a sling or carrier, or keep them in a stroller, to prevent others from getting too close.
Vaccinations
Ensure that parents, siblings, and caregivers receive the flu vaccine each year. Babies cannot get the flu vaccine until they are 6 months old, so protecting those around them will help to protect your newborn. Pregnant women should also get immunised against pertussis (whooping cough) with each pregnancy.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to limit the number of visitors your newborn comes in close contact with. Extended family and friends should wait two to three months until your baby's immune system is stronger before visiting.
Most pediatric health experts agree that babies can go outside right away, as long as you use basic safety precautions. However, it is advised to avoid crowded places with high levels of germs, especially during COVID-19 surges.
While sun exposure will give your baby essential vitamin D, they should not be in direct sunlight for more than 15 minutes at a time to prevent sunburn.