Can I take my baby out for a walk in the winter?

Question

My husband and I love taking walks, but since we have had my daughter (10 weeks old) we really have not gotten out much. We were wondering if its okay to take her out in the cold this winter (she would be bundled of course). Is she too young to be out in the cold weather? What is too cold?

Answer 1

I would suggest against it. There is a high risk of getting rsv. It is a very bad lung problem. But if it is a very short walk and you HAVE to go, then it can be ok. But it may not be worth the chance. I suggest you wait until spring. It is the safe call. congrats on the baby.

Answer 2

I have been struggling with this. I have a dog who needs to get out, so do I.

Personally I think it is more to do with windchill than anything else (If you don't know what windchill is don't answer this question, seriously I asked this question and some people think 50 is too cold). I will take my baby out even if it is 5F with no wind. But at 32 if the wind is really nasty we might stay in. Plastic rain shields can help with the wind. Also when my baby was smaller I would put him in a baby carrier, bundled up of course, and then put my coat over top of the whole thing.

Just keep and eye on your baby and be prepared to head inside quickly until you know what her limits are. My baby screams if he is hot (too many layers) but has yet to cry from cold. All babies are different though.

Answer 3

I would not recommend taking your baby out in the cold. a reasonable temperature is 56 degrees. Anything below that is not acceptable for a 10 week old. You need to just keep her warm in the house unless its a reasonable temperature. Although colds are captured through other people with colds but you may be around a person that has a cold and your baby might catch it. You can bundle your baby up as much as possible but she might be overheated.

Answer 4

My son was born in nov of 05, and I was out and about with him. I mean as long as he is healthy and you have him well bundled it shouldn't be a problem. Just remember if you start getting too cold, then maybe it's time to go in. If you are too nervous try short walks at first, and see how the child reacts. My son is 1 now, and he is fine.

Answer 5

Newborn babies need to be kept warm. That's why your baby was bundled up in a receiving blanket in the hospital nursery. Your baby doesn't have the ability to adjust her body temperature the way you do, so it's up to you to keep her at the right temperature. Here are some tips for keeping your baby at the right temperature:

Use your own outfit as a guide. Many doctors will tell you to dress your baby as you are dressed plus one thin layer. If you're wearing a T-shirt and jeans on a nice warm day, then baby will be comfortable if she is similarly covered, perhaps with an added undershirt. If you need a sweater, so will your baby.

* Keep your home temperature at 68 to 70 degrees F. That's a comfortable temperature which won't require your baby to be bundled up all the time.

* Avoid drafts. Don't place your baby near the draft of an open window, open door, or in front of a hot- or cold-air register that blows air. Even ceiling fans can create a breeze that's too cool.

* Go for the layered look. Use undershirts and easy-to-remove tops to layer clothing for warmth.

* Put a hat on baby. Keep your baby's head covered in cold weather and when her hair is wet.

* Don't overdo it. Babies need to be warm, but not hot. If your baby feels too warm, remove a layer of clothing.


Dressing your baby for a trip outdoors

When you're taking your baby outdoors for a walk, a trip to a relatives, or a quick run to the grocery store, here's how to keep her comfortable:

* Dress your baby appropriately for the outdoor temperature.

* In cold weather, always cover baby's feet, hands, and head.

* In warm weather, you don't need to keep booties on your baby.

* For car trips on cold days, warm up the car first before loading your baby inside.


Bundling baby

The nurses at the hospital will show you how to properly bundle your baby. The standard method is a lot like making an open-topped burrito. Be careful not to bundle her too tightly and pay close attention to how her arms are positioned. Once she can roll around on her own, she'll want to be bundled less.

For car trips on warm days, you should shield your baby from hot direct sunlight by using a blanket in the window or a shade made especially for car windows.

Answer 6

Take her out, and enjoy your walks as a family! Bundle up Baby if she's going to be in a stroller (hat, hand and foot coverings). The less exposed skin, the better, just like for grownups. If you're going to carry her in a sling or Baby Bjorn, same rules apply, but your body heat will help her stay toasty. I carried both guys this way. At 10 months, I could zip them up inside my coat, so just their heads poked out the top. Put a warm hat on, and you're all set. Have fun--

Answer 7

Too cold for her, is too cold for you. by 10 weeks she can regulate her heat quite well. Just keep her covered in her stroller, like with a blanket thrown over the sun shade, to keep the fridged air from irritating her skin and lungs.

Being out in the world and in the weather is excellent for babies. It helps prevent colds and other sickenss from the recycled stale indoor air. Plus, her body having to work to regulate itself is excellent as well.

Obviousyl you dont want her getting cold, or worse yet, being so bundled that she sweats and gets a chill. But a nice jaunt around the neighborhood is wonderful for all of you.

Answer 8

I wouldn't be out for very long but if you want to I would bundle her up big time. Head to toe. Fell her body every now and then to make sure she's not too cold.

Answer 9

Dress your baby up warm and keep her covered from any wind or cold air and she wil be just fine. My son is 10 weeks old and that is exactly what I do with him. If he gets too hot or too cold he lets me know by crying, once I either warm him up or cool him off he is fine again. Enjoy your walk!!

Answer 10

It would not be harmful for her....actually, getting out and getting fresh air in the winter is good for all of you. Just make sure she is kept warm and don't stay out too long. If you think it's too cold, then it probably is. Just go with your instincts.