How cold is too cold to take baby to the park?

Question

Everyday I go to the park at 6 to meet up with my dog's friends (ok so really they are my friends) I stay out for 45 min - 2 hours depending. I also want to start walking during the day to get some sun and loose weight.

But winter is here. There is another mom in the park and she wants one of us to watch the kids one day and the other to take the dogs to the park and vice versa the next day. I'm not the comfortable with her style of parenting, but everyone keeps telling me it's only for an hour, so what if he cries it won't kill him.

My baby is 8 months and hers is 6. So far they babies seem perfectly happy, and I took my baby out when it was relatively cold when he was a month old in April. (I live in Canada).

So how cold is too cold?

Would you trust yourself/someone else with two little babies for an hour? Even if they are very different parents then you? We both live close the the park and could have a cell phone with us.

If I don't take the dog to the park then he wouldn't get to go to the park most days.

Answer 1

As long as baby is wrapped up nice and warm you should be fine just watch your baby for signs that she is cold. My aunt lived in Poland and in the winter when the sun was out (which apparently isn't very often) they will wrapthere babies up and put the in strollers outside and ir is very cold in Poland.

Answer 2

I know in my heart that I would never "take" someone else's baby. But you don't know what goes on in the mind of someone else. Even Parents steal their own kids. Other people aren't beyond "setting" you up for a later time. And there are others that are totally trustworthy......but, darn, they all look alike. I even taught my kids how to escape should they ever be taken (thru game playing. I was a dragon that would catch them tickle them and they had to wait until I snoozed to try t get away. It was all fun with hidden lessons.) No I am not a paranoid. I know what is going on out there and a baby can fetch a large amount of money and can be untraceable if gotten to another country. Really think about it, if something did happen....how would you feel. Why take a chance on feeling like that. I am sure even in Canada there are parents that are wondering of they will ever see their child again. You think nothing will happen, because, and soley because, it is something you would nevereven dream of doing. Would you ever go out and pull a gun on someone and rob them? But someone else would and does every day. Cell phones are dumped every day because they are traceable. I have been a licenced daycare provider. I know I would never hurt another's child, that is why I had an open door policy. A parent could drop in any time to visit....unannounced. And finally, LISTEN to what you instinct is telling you. You are NOT comfortable with her style of parenting. In short, that is all you need. Don't listen to the others saying it's only for an hour. It's also NOT their child. Crying won't kill him...but because it's not YOU answering his cries will he become and insecure baby. Not able to let you go.
As to how cold is too cold. If there is ice on the ground, I think it's too cold. If your exhale can be seen more than faintly it's too cold, I would think. Bundle them up in layers as lotsa light layers trap body heat to hold in warmth. If your baby will be in a stroller hopefully it is one that you can have the baby face you so the cold air doesn't blow in the face as you walk your weight off.

Answer 3

My doctor told me that the baby feels the same temperature as you. So if you are cold, then your baby is probably cold...so if you go outside and feel like you need a big ol coat...then so does baby. I just wouldnt keep the baby outside for a long time...I wouldn't want to risk it...and as far as leaving your baby with someone- if it's not someone you know extremely well- then I wouldn't do it...it's not worth something happening to your baby. People are one way in public but you don't know what goes on behind closed doors. My daughter is 3 and she's never stayed with anyone except for her grandparents because I've never felt comfortable leaving her with anyone at this point.

Answer 4

I would think as long as the baby is bundled up he would be OK for a little bit longer. I think it would also depend on wind chill. I live in Vermont and have had my babies out in pretty cold weather. You might not be able to stay for two hours. I have watched two babies many times. My sister-in-law watches my children when I have to do something and she is a very different parent then I am. As long as you feel the baby would be safe, it might be a nice break for you.

Answer 5

When I worked at a daycare we weren't allowed to go outside when the temperature was below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing temp)...yeah it may be cold when it's only 38 but a little fresh air is great for the baby, just make sure that he/she is nice and bundled. Lots of layers, blankets and a hat for sure! It can be a great bonding time for you, the baby and the dog.

Answer 6

I saw on Oprah where in another country where it is really really cold (always below freezing) in the winter parents leave their kids in strollers outside shops and stores. It was really interesting. Obviously it would take more than a few minutes outside to be bad for your baby.

Always follow your instincts as far as child care. Wrap your baby up and go for the walk.

Answer 7

I would take my babies, all 6 of them out, bundled up of course until it dropped below 20. As long as they are covered and protected from wind chapping and stuff, the fresh air is good for them. Good for you, I'm proud of you and stick to your guns if you ever get a bad vibe about someone looking after your kids. If it gets too cold try walking at the mall or a similar indoor venue.

Answer 8

I'd say below 32 degrees Fahrenheit is too cold for a baby. Parks are for enjoyment, who can enjoy it when it's that cold. Stay in a warm area with the baby and wait until the weather is pleasant.

Answer 9

path no longer! that's not even that chilly.. chilly sparkling air is stable for a new child, whilst my son became youthful I used to equipment deal him up and take him for walks whilst it became fantastically chilly.. this would continually make him nod off and he many times slept plenty longer too! (i'd positioned him on the balcony outdoors my mattress room). in basic terms confirm they have adequate outfits :)

Answer 10

if it's not comfortable without being all bundled up, i limit my son's outside activities to walking to the car. but, he's under a year and this will change next year for us. i feel more comfortable after his first year, for some reason.