Better for newborn to go outside to build immunity or to stay home?

Answer 1

I had to take my baby outside regularly by necessity from 2 weeks old. It was winter.

Bundle baby up really well and don't worry about it. I did, however, keep her covered over with a blanket to try and avoid other people's airborn stuff.

She's 1 year now and only once she had a mild cold for a couple of days. Otherwise she's extremely healthy and resilient.

HOWEVER- I was breastfeeding at the time, and if you want to build immunity, that is the best way to go. But even if you're using formula, take her out- the fresh air is good for her.

Answer 2

Going outside doesn't make anyone sick. Being around sick people and not washing your hands make people sick.

Fresh air is good for a newborn. Helps ease crying and helps set the childs internal clock. So they won't get days and nights confused.

Sick people are bad for a newborn. Fevers aren't good for a newborn either.

Try to keep your child healthy because no matter what you do he/she will get sick eventually.

I worked at a day care where some children would catch everything that was going around. These kids had been in daycare since birth. Another group of kids who started for the first time at 3 or 4 never got sick.

The big difference that I saw was the ones who started at 3 or 4 were hand washers. The ones who had been in day care forever always had to be reminded to wash hands.

Answer 3

While I agree with some of the answers that state that they are vulnerable, there is a degree of danger than overprotection gives. While I would not recommend taking him to a mall and passing him from person-to-person, it is also not recommended that your child be confined to the home. We had my son out in public at 3 days old, in the colder weather. As long as your child was not a premature infant, and you maintain a "hands off" and "not in the face" policy, the risks are very small. After all, it is extremely unlikely that he won't be exposed to outside illnesses and bugs - after all, you have to go to the store at some point, too. Unless your entire family lives in a vacumm, there will be exposure.

My advice, take along a hand sanitizer and anti-viral kleenex. Only take the baby out for short trips - and if it's extremely cold, wait until the next day.

Answer 4

Go outside! I made the mistake with my daughter (currently 6) and now that she is out and about more with other children, she has illness after illness! I think the first time she ever had ANYTHING it was the "sniffles" and she had to be at least 2 1/2...build up your baby's immunity! You won't regret it :)

Answer 5

As long as the weather is not frigidly cold and you are comfortable going outside, it's healthy for the baby to get some fresh air. When I taught at a daycare the rule of thumb for babies was that if it is below 32 degrees they stay inside. Otherwise bundle up the baby and go for it, just make sure that the baby is bundled up and protected from the wind.

Answer 6

if your newborn is halthy there is no reason to keep them inside ... it weakens their immune system if they aren't exposed to things ... unless u plan on never lettin em out the door in thier life ... which i've seen. I'd say dress the baby 4 the weather adn enjoy walks around the block but try not ot let them get over stimulated or you will have a very unhappy baby on your hands

Answer 7

IMHO some exposure to the outside world is good. You don't need him to have an underdeveloped immune system or not get chicken pox till he's 25. Just be diligent about not letting any fever or dehydration get out of control.

Answer 8

I just asked 5 mothers in the office your question and 4 of them said "GO OUTSIDE" and 1 said "stay home"...
but "go outside" only if it's not too cold and the baby is covered appropriately AND the lungs are strong enough.

Good question!

Answer 9

As long as the newborn isn't around someone who is sick, it is ok for them to go outside. Just use common sense and keep the baby properly bundled up.

Answer 10

Go out side. Its good to build immunity!