Getting out of the house with your new baby (2024)

FAQs

How do you get out of the house with a new baby? ›

There is no rush to go on an outing with your new baby. In some cultures, women stay in the home with their new baby for a month or more. It's okay to take your baby outside as soon as you feel ready. It's a good idea to go out when your baby is calm and happy.

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).

While six weeks has long been the traditional timeline for rest and recuperation after a birth, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends ongoing postpartum care from birth to 12 weeks. Six weeks is also the standard recovery time allotted for childbirth-related short-term disability leave.

Heading out used to be simple – you'd grab your phone, wallet and keys and be off without a second thought. But as any new parent knows, leaving the house with a new baby is a whole different ball game: there are nap and feeding times to be juggled, countless items to pack, and nappy changes to navigate.

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.

While there are no hard and fast rules for when you should first take your baby out, in the very early days (up to six weeks) it's a good idea to stay away from crowded places such as shopping centres or restaurants. This is because babies have delicate immune systems and are at greater risk from rogue germs.

Between 4–7 months of age, babies develop a sense of "object permanence." They're realizing that things and people exist even when they're out of sight. Babies learn that when they can't see their caregiver, that means they've gone away.

Do not kiss a baby unless you are their parent or main carer – and even then, avoid kissing if you have an infection or are unwell. Do not visit a baby if you are ill, have recently been ill or have an infection. This includes colds, active cold sores as well as diarrhea and vomiting illnesses.

When to let visitors see a newborn? ›

Parents should try to limit the number of visitors their babies come in close contact with overall. Consider having extended family and friends wait two to three months until your baby's immune system is stronger to plan their visits.

In almost all non-Western societies, 40 days after birth is seen as necessary for recuperation. Among most non-Western cultures, family members (especially female relatives) provide strong social support and help new mothers at home during this period.

The 5-5-5 rule in postpartum can help new mothers manage their wellbeing. It suggests taking five days in bed, five days on the bed, and five days around the bed, to be sure you're getting adequate rest. The first five days are intended for a mother to rest in bed, and have skin to skin bonding time with the baby.

In fact, in some cultures moms and babies are sequestered inside for a month or longer. But there's no medical reason not to take a healthy baby out of the house. Fresh air and a change of pace can be good for people of any age, including babies. It's exposure to other people that can cause a baby to become sick.

After three weeks postpartum, you can start resuming many of your normal activities. However, it's still important to take it easy.

A health visitor will usually visit you at home for the first time around 10 days after your baby is born. Until then you'll be cared for by local midwives. A health visitor is a qualified nurse or midwife who has had extra training. They're there to help you, your family and your new baby stay healthy.

Another option some parents go for is carrying your baby in a sling, which can be good as your hands will be free to take care of your toddler (Whole Parenting Family, 2013). Try stocking a bag with all of the necessary extras for going out so you won't have to prepare it every time you go out .

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. In fact, some fresh air and sunshine can benefit you both, thanks to vitamin D and mood-boosting benefits.