How soon after my baby is born can I take him out and about?

Question

You know, like to the park for a picnic... a bit longer than just an afternoon stroll. Or to a baseball game? And what are the limiting factors?

Answer 1

My doc said 6 weeks, she told me it was up to me but that if the baby gets sick they "have to do horrible thing to babies". I asked her what she meant and she told me that if the baby catches a fever they have to use a cathader to collect urine from the baby to check for an infection. I told her to be honest with me about the pain and she said that it would hurt the baby a lot. She said to avoid really congested places. I did, but we still went to the grocery store and stuff, just not shopping, restaurants, we left if it was necessary.

Answer 2

Well, you're certainly not going to take a newborn to a baseball game, are you. To the park, picnic like you say sure. Once the doctor gives his OK, and says the baby is fine, why not??? Why should you sit at home all day watching the baby sleep???

Answer 3

Depends on when he's born. If it's during flu season (November through April, depending on where you live) it's best to just err on the side of caution and keep him away from crowded public places (restaurants, malls, etc.). If a newborn catches the flu (or even a cold) it can develop into RSV, a horrible and potentially fatal respiratory infection for babies. Bundling him up and taking him for walks or to the park will be fine...fresh air never hurt anyone. :)

If he's born during the summer months, you can take him out the day you get home from the hospital if you want. Just be careful...I've found with my two boys, there are some people out there who just don't understand the fragility of a newborn's immune system, and they think it's their place to come up and rub the baby's cheeks or grab their little fingers and play with them, etc. Not out of meanness...everyone loves babies...but they just don't understand. Plus, you have NO idea where these people are coming from, when teh last time they washed their hands was, etc.

As for baseball games...they can be pretty noisy. I guess that's up to you. I really don't know. If you're talking about taking your baby out when he/she is newborn, she'll probably sleep through it, but loud noises tend to startle babies, and when someone scores or they play music or whatever, she'll probably wake up screaming and confused.

Answer 4

This is very controversial. You can take him as early as a week or 2 if it's just to run a quick emergency errand or sooner if it's to the doctor. But if your talking out and about like to the park, I say about 6 weeks. The longer he stays indoors the better. People don't realize it but wind and the harsh environment is what makes babies colicky at night. My baby never went out half dressed and without a blanket covering him outside. Keep him out of the sun and give him Mylicon drops as soon as you get home to prevent a gassy stomach from the wind. Don't allow too many people to handle him too soon. This makes the baby's fragile body sore at night. I did this and I have never experienced the colic or crying spells. Also too much early outside stimulation and exposure has been linked too crib death.

Answer 5

Do what you are comfortable with. Start small. We never questioned when to take the baby out. She was going to the store within a week. Heck we went to subway the day we left the hospital (I was in there for a week and needed real food). Just make sure the baby is dressed for the adventure and keep an eye on them.

Answer 6

I asked the same question after I had my daughter. Many people say weeks and months, that is just rediculous. I think the baby should be in for the first 5 to 7 days. If you need to go places, it is fine. As long as your baby is health, you can take your baby out when ever you feel comfortable.

Answer 7

Well a new babies immune system is non existant so taking him/her out around lots of people is risking the health and possibly the life of the baby. They can't take antibiotics till they are atleast 4 months. Keep that in mind....


My wife and I had to take our 2 month old on a plane so we could attend a funneral. Very risky but we were lucky.

At 2 months you can go out safely to the store or the mall probably.

Answer 8

Some people will say as soon as the baby is baptized or christened. I say as soon as your comfortable you can. Just make sure the baby is covered against the sun and cold. Dress the child cool for sunny days and warm for cold days but no more so than you would feel comfortable don't over dress and overheat the baby.

Answer 9

I have 3 children. 7, 5, and 2. I took all of them out and about right away after they were born. Just make sure they have the proper clothing on and always keep out of the direct sunlight. All of my kids are just fine and have never had any problems.

Answer 10

First, talk to your baby's doctor... Secondly, I've heard and read that you shouldnt have your baby out in direct sunlight until at least 6 months of age... that doesnt mean however NOT to take baby out at all.
My personal choice was to wait a month before we took our son out side of the home for walks due to the fact, babies lungs arent fully & completely developed at birth (read this in a parenting magazine).
It is better to talk to your doctor tho.