If the weather is nice, you should feel free to take your baby outside whenever you feel up to it — you both would both probably enjoy a stroll outside and some fresh air! Just be sure your baby is dressed for the weather. A newborn's immune system is still developing and may not be able to fight off infections.
The idea that babies have to stay inside the house for several weeks after they're born is FALSE. In fact, as long as your baby is healthy, getting some fresh air can be great for mom and baby if you take a few precautions. First, be careful not to overdress or underdress your baby when you leave the house.
According to most pediatric health experts, infants can be taken out in public or outside right away as long as parents follow some basic safety precautions. There's no need to wait until 6 weeks or 2 months of age. Getting out, and in particular, getting outside in nature, is good for parents and babies.
Once upon a time, a cardinal rule of newborn care was that new parents and babies should hole up inside their homes for weeks after birth. Today, we know that it's perfectly safe to take your newborn on an outing from day one (or two, or three — whenever she's released from the hospital or birthing center).
If you've just given birth and are yearning for some fresh air, you may be itching to ask: “When can I take my newborn outside?” We've got good news for you: It's okay to take baby outside right from birth.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests parents avoid taking babies outside for long periods of time if the heat index is greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged outdoor exposure on extremely hot days can cause babies to overheat quickly.
Here's what the survey found
The survey found that the majority of new parents are getting between 5 and 6 hours of sleep each night. Sadly, no surprises there. On average, each new parent loses a staggering 109 minutes of sleep every night for the first year after having a baby.
Parents usually start kangaroo care once or twice a day for at least one hour each time or as long as it is tolerated by your baby. The longer you hold your baby, the better. Any amount of time is good, but it is best to try for at least 1 to 2 hours each day.
Most pediatric health experts agree that babies can head outside right away, as long as you use basic safety precautions. (More on those to come, so keep calm and read on!)
The first outings should be relatively short: about 20 to 30 minutes. They can gradually get longer, provided your baby is comfortable. Since infants often experience discomfort when exposed to the wind, be sure to use the carriage or stroller hood for protection.
According to the National Heart Association, it's a great idea to start aiming to get at least 30 minutes of walking in every day. Taking your baby outside has so many health benefits for you and your baby, and being exposed to some sunshine can really boost your mood and productivity levels.
Television viewing in babies under 18 months of age should be avoided, other than video chatting. To help encourage brain, language, and social development, spend more time playing, reading, and being physically active with your baby.
Since mom herself will be back on her period soon, there's no valid, medically-proven reason that someone's menstrual cycle would cause any harm to a newborn.
Most people find the first six to eight weeks to be the hardest with a new baby, and whilst people may not openly discuss many of the challenges in these early weeks of parenthood (if at all), there are a number of common hurdles you may face at this time.
Sleepless nights are common in new parenthood, but they do not last forever. Most babies will begin to sleep for longer periods at night from the age of 6 months old. Newborn babies need to feed every few hours until the age of 3 months. After this, it is normal for infants to feed once or twice during the night.
Also, their lungs are much smaller so any inflammation to their airways is exponentially worse when the baby is smaller. RSV is spread through contact with contaminated respiratory droplets. Kissing, sharing drinks, or transferring things from mouth to mouth can transmit RSV.
Don't pick up a baby under their arms.
It makes a baby's arms unavailable for self-comfort or support, and it can interfere with their breathing because their ribs are held.
While caring for your baby, you must understand their basic needs so that they can be met appropriately. From clothing to food and security, the list can seem daunting. There are six basic needs that all newborn babies require: security, clothing, enough sleep, nutritious food, sensory stimulation, love, and attention.
Fresh air and baby's sleep
Fresh air is good for us - everyone knows that. And it's good for baby too. Nothing like getting them out for a brisk walk, even if it's not the height of summer you can wrap them up and just go. And many people say that their baby sleeps better -and for longer - after a nap in the fresh air.
In order to prevent serious health issues, anyone and everyone, including parents, should avoid kissing babies. Due to the rise in cases of RSV and other illnesses, it's extremely important for all individuals to be aware of the dangers of kissing babies.
A dark, quiet environment can help encourage your baby to sleep. Put your baby to bed drowsy, but awake. Before your baby gets overtired or cranky, you might try singing soft lullabies or swaddling or massaging him or her. Eventually, your baby will learn that these activities mean it's time to rest.