When can I take my baby out for a walk?

Edison Volkman
2025-07-20 13:55:08
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When to go for the first walk with a newborn baby, it will come as no surprise that a lot depends on the weather, but also on the condition of the mother and the baby after delivery. If your baby is premature, ask your midwife about your first walk. It is possible that, under favourable conditions, you will be able to go out right away, in the 1st week of the baby's life - and it is also possible that you will have to wait about 2 weeks. If mom does not have the strength to go out, she should not exert herself during this period. Instead, dad or family members can go for a walk. The first walks should last no more than 10-15 minutes.
In winter, you need to pay close attention to temperatures. Don't go out if the thermometer shows -5°C and the wind is blowing. Below this temperature, do not go for walks at all, even if the sun is shining. In summer, take a walk before 10 o'clock in the morning. You can also go out in the evening after 4 p.m. You should definitely not go for walks between 12.00 and 14.00, as this is where the hottest time, and both the baby and the mother can be at risk of burns or a stroke caused by the sun.
In spring and autumn, the big problem here is not the temperature, but the weather conditions. Frequent heavy rains and wind can discourage you, so if it is very windy or it rains very much, do not go out. However, you should go out when there is a drizzle - if the stroller is not waterproof, use a rain cover. What shall you do in the case of expected long-term cold weather, shall you give up walks, yes, but go for the open window or a balcony door instead. Dress the baby, put it in the stroller and place it next to the open window or balcony door for 10-15 minutes.

Patsy Lesch
2025-07-12 19:39:16
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If your baby is healthy and developing perfectly, the time from birth to first stroll can be between a few days to one month. The first short walk can be taken a few days after birth if the weather is nice and warm (late spring to early autumn). However, if the conditions are not good, it is worth waiting. There’s no rush – remember, it’s better to decide a few days later than too early. The best time is when your child will be calmer after feedings and nappy changes. When a newborn can go outside depends on many factors, mainly the season and the baby’s health. This will most likely vary from a few days (in warmer seasons) to a month (in cold seasons). If your baby has had any health problems, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about the timing of the first walk. Important note – regardless of the season, the first walk should not be long. Just a fifteen-minute stroll around the house is enough to introduce your baby to a new environment slowly.

Zoe Green
2025-07-06 08:20:05
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If the weather is nice, 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. Some doctors recommend that parents wait until their baby is a few months old before going to crowded public places. A newborn’s immune system is still developing and may not be able to fight off infections. When you are out and about, avoid exposing your newborn to anyone who looks sick. Your doctor may advise you to take extra precautions if your child was born early or has a condition that affects the immune system, like HIV.

Lydia Mayert
2025-06-26 02:48:27
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You can take your newborn out of the house as soon as you feel comfortable. Start by getting some fresh air with short walks around your local area using a pram or sling. Unless your baby was born at home, they will have already enjoyed their first taste of the outdoors on their journey home from hospital. As soon as you feel ready, it's fine to take your newborn outside for a short walk in their pram or sling, or to visit friends or family nearby. It's best to keep trips short at first, around 30 minutes to 45 minutes. This will give you both a chance to adapt to the experience. When it's sunny, use a sunshade or parasol over their pram and keep the pram in the shade. Do not drape a muslin or blanket over it as your baby will get too hot.

Donnie Olson
2025-06-25 23:51:30
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Most pediatric health experts agree that babies can head outside right away, as long as you use basic safety precautions. Generally speaking, there’s no need to stay inside with your little one for the first 1 or 2 months of baby’s life if you both feel up to getting out. One exception to keep in mind, though, is that some doctors prefer you wait a bit before taking your little one into crowded spaces where they may be exposed to high levels of germs — especially during COVID-19 surges. Most doctors agree that there’s no need to wait until your baby is 1 or 2 months old to take them out and about. However, you also shouldn’t feel pressure to do it before you’re ready. Newborn babies can seem so delicate, you might want to put them inside a bubble of protection, but the truth is some sun protection, weather-appropriate clothing, and distance from crowds will probably be enough to keep them safe.

Lori Blick
2025-06-25 22:27:57
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Give your baby time to adjust to your home temperature, we recommend waiting about four to seven days depending on your baby’s weight and the time of the year, e.g. summer or winter, this will depend on their weight as well, please ask your Community Neonatal Nurse or Health Visitor for advice. Obviously in the summertime you may only need to wait a few days. Make the first few outings short, try not to visit many crowded areas where your baby could be exposed to a lot of smoke or infections form others. Avoid damp, foggy or bitterly cold frosty days if you can, journeys in the car from one warm environment to another are ideal.
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