Newborns: Taking Baby Outside in the Winter Months

By Michele Blandino

Opinions on how long parents should wait before taking their newborn babies out into the world vary widely. Some parents (and doctors) warn against taking newborns to public places during the first four to six weeks of life, arguing that the baby's developing immune system is too delicate to fight off the germs and infections that may be lurking outside the home. Others take a less conservative approach, and take baby out almost immediately upon arriving home from the hospital.

Not surprisingly, there is no right answer to the question of whether or not newborn babies should be taken out in public. Individual beliefs and family circumstances will certainly play a part in the decision that is made, and in the end, parents will do what is right given their individual needs and preferences.

Deciding to Stay Home

Clearly, for those who choose to keep their baby home during the first few weeks of life, the decision to do so has greater ramifications during the winter months. In the summer, even if you decide to remain at home, you can take the baby outside while you work in your garden or chat with neighbors. In the winter, particularly in the colder regions of the country, the decision to remain at home usually means you will be confined to the house. Needless to say, under these circumstances, even with a new baby, boredom is never too far away.

Be Sure to Get Out

To avoid "cabin fever" (and perhaps ultimately the more pronounced symptoms of post-partum depression), it is important to try to create opportunities to leave the house, even if you choose to leave your baby at home.

For example, rather than asking your spouse to stop on the way home from work to pick up some items from the grocery store, make the trip out yourself after your spouse arrives home. Not only will this give you the opportunity to get out for a little while, it will give your spouse priceless time alone with the baby.

Second, try to schedule at least two outings per week for yourself. Go to a bookstore and relax with a cup of coffee or stroll through your downtown area or shopping mall. Run some errands or have lunch with a friend while another trusted friend or relative watches the baby. You don't have to be gone long - the idea is to briefly change your surroundings so that you return home feeling renewed.

The good news is, before you realize it, you will be able to take the baby out and enjoy the world outside your home together.