Newborns
Learn how to take care of your newborn baby.
Your
Baby's First Outing
When and how to take your baby outside for the first time.
Parents often have questions about when and how to take their babies
outside for the first time. Here's what you need to know before your
baby's first outing:
Risk of infection
Babies are born with special immunity that comes from their mothers.
It protects them from many infections during the first months of life.
But when an infant does get sick, it can be difficult for the doctors
to distinguish between a minor illness and a serious one -- especially
during the first month of life. The baby's pediatrician may decide
to perform blood and urine tests, spinal taps, x-rays, and stool tests
in order to rule out a serious problem. In order to avoid this, it's
recommended that you not expose your baby to infection in the first
month.
But how do you
keep your baby from being exposed? First, it's important to recognize
how illness is spread. Don't worry about taking your baby outdoors
-- that's where your baby is least likely to be exposed. Most exposures
come from touch, not from being in the same room as someone who is
sick. Limit the number of people who handle your newborn, and ask
anyone holding your baby to clean their hands before picking him up.
You may even want to carry a bottle of a waterless instant hand sanitizer
with you especially for this purpose.
Also, avoid taking
your newborn into enclosed areas with many coughing or sneezing people.
Although it happens less frequently, some infections can be airborne
or carried by droplets.
Temperature changes
While newborns are relatively immune to infection, they are susceptible
to temperature changes. Babies tend to feel both heat and cold more
than adults do and their bodies are less able to adapt to uncomfortable
temperatures. If you are going to spend time with your newborn outdoors,
choose a time of day that you find comfortable. If the weather is
a little cool, dress your baby in one more layer than what you would
find comfortable; if the weather is a little warm, dress your baby
in one less layer than what you would find comfortable.
Sun exposure
If you're going outside in the middle of the day, it's important to
prevent your baby from getting too much sun exposure. Infants burn
easily because of their thinner skin and undeveloped melanin. But
do not apply sunscreen to your baby until she's 6 months of age. Instead,
keep her shielded from the sun or have her wear protective clothing
if the sun is unavoidable.
Getting some
fresh air and some social contact can be great for both new parents
and their infants. Once you've taken the necessary precautions to
prevent infection, sunburn, and excessive temperature discomfort,
you can enjoy your first outing together -- even as early as the first
day home from the hospital.
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
