In some cultures, women stay in the house with their new baby for a month or more. But it is also fine to take your baby outside as soon as you feel ready. It is a good idea to go out when your baby is calm and happy. After a feed and a nappy change is a good time.
There are no set rules about how long to wait before taking a newborn out into the world or when to let people near the baby. Some doctors recommend that parents wait until their baby is a few months old before going to crowded public places (like malls, movie theaters, and airplanes).
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.
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.
When can a newborn go outside in public? As for taking baby out to public places, it's recommended that you avoid bringing them into congested spaces, if possible—at least until they've had their first round of vaccinations.
Babies need fresh air and light. Going for a walk outdoors is also stimulating and fun for your child. A healthy baby can go outside every day in any season, as long as the temperature isn't too hot or cold.
A breastfeeding vest can cover your tummy. Some baby slings and carriers can also hide a feeding baby and a baby sun hat can work well too. If you feel self-conscious, try practising in front of your partner, a friend or a mirror. With time, you'll learn what you're likely to need while out with your baby.
Fresh air cleans children's lungs, ridding them of impurities such as car fumes and dust, which playing outside will help clense. In a home with poor air circulation, you might think the most obvious problem is that we are all breathing in and recycling each other's breath.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is OK to take a newborn outside when the temperatures are between −15 F and 90 F. Anything beyond this range can be harmful to newborns.
The mother may not want visitors when she is not looking or feeling her best, as may be the case after childbirth. The mother may desire privacy as she tries to establish breastfeeding. The parents may not want an audience as they get used to handling and changing their newborn.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends supervised tummy time for full-term babies starting in the first week, as soon as your baby's umbilical cord stump falls off. For newborns, success is a minute at a time, 2 to 3 sessions per day. If they start crying, it's time for a break.
Resume light exercise and household chores
If you haven't already and you're feeling up for it, you should be able to resume a light workout schedule—think walks and stretches—about two weeks postpartum. Just remember to take it slow and avoid trying new things right now.
Don't drink alcohol, use street drugs or use harmful drugs. All of these can affect your mood and make you feel worse. And they can make it hard for you to take care of your baby. Ask for help from your partner, family and friends.
Official guidelines tell parents to keep babies in the parent(s) room until they are 6 months old. This is because the risk of SIDS (cot death) is greater for babies who sleep on their own compared to sleeping in the presence of an adult.
Newborns spend their first weeks feeding, sleeping and bonding with caregivers. You can bond with your newborn baby by cuddling, talking and smiling. If you're concerned about your newborn baby, speak with your GP, child and family health nurse or paediatrician.
Yes, you can! It just takes a little extra planning. It is a good idea to have a talk with your boss, or your school advisor about your plans to breastfeed your baby. Arrange to take as much time off from work or school as possible after delivery.
Breastfeeding in public requires women to be discrete. This means women are required to cover up, feed in an appropriate place to avoid discomforting others, guard against judgement, and to protect themselves from the unwanted male gaze.
Ideally, between 4 and 9 months is the best time to leave your baby overnight for the first time. This is because before 4 months your baby will still be establishing breastfeeding and building a connection between both parents, so they're a little too young to be away from you.
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.
Since babies can't regulate their body temperatures as well as adults, the main risk of keeping the air conditioner running is a sudden drop in temperature. This problem can lead to hypothermia, during which the nervous system, heart and other organs cannot function properly.
Most doctors agree that it is safer to use a cooler or an air conditioner (AC) with a newborn than to let him stay in a hot, airless and humid environment. Babies, particularly newborns, can't adjust their body temperature as well as adults.