First time parents are the ones who usually have a problem with this. Once they take their new baby home from the hospital, they literally want to shelter their child away from the outside world – so much so that it takes them several weeks or sometimes even months before deciding to finally take the newborn baby out of the house.

But is this good practice? Will newborn babies easily get exposed to germs or airborne bacteria which might make them sick when you take them out when they’re only a few weeks old? This is exactly what we will try to find out in the following sections.  

The How’s, Why’s and Where’s when Taking Newborn Babies Out

First, let us find out some of the reasons why some parents – especially those who are caring for their first child – are hesitant to take their babies out of the house. Aside from fear of the newborn babies contracting airborne diseases, there are new moms and dads who simply do not know how to care for their days-old or weeks-old child outside of the house.   There are also new parents who just can’t find the time to get themselves or the new baby ready to go out in public.  Sometimes there doesn’t seem to be enough time in a day and the thought of leaving the house seems a daunting task.

What if you didn’t bring along with you the things that your baby needs when you’re out in the park? What if the area where you’re going becomes too crowded? Also, newborn babies naturally attract women who are out – curious to see what your baby looks like. What if the baby comes in contact with an individual who has the flu?

It is precisely for these reasons that you need to learn about the how’s, why’s and where’s when taking your newborn babies out. Take a look at the following list:

1.    How long after taking the baby home from the hospital is it suitable to take my child out?
You wouldn’t want to take your newborn outside right after taking it home from the hospital – but having a family outing a few weeks after that should be fine. Babies of all ages need the natural vitamins and health benefits that they will be getting from sunshine. It’s also a good way to counteract the early stages of jaundice, a condition wherein the skin takes on a yellowish, discolored, unhealthy hue.

2.    What are the most important things that I need to remember as a parent the first time that I take my newborn baby out?
The best weather to take your newborn baby out is when the sun is shining – although you need to make sure that the stroller has a cover and you always stay in the shade away from direct sunlight. Stay away from crowded places where a cough, a sneeze or unclean hands might negatively affect the health of your child.

3.    How should I dress my baby for his first outing?
Make sure that your newborn baby is dressed appropriately the first time that you take them out. The clothes should be weather-appropriate. Dress your child the way that you would dress when going out. If you need gloves and socks and you’re wearing layered shirts, then your baby should have the same clothing items, too.

4.    Can I take my newborn baby out when it’s a bit windy?
Yes, instead of being cramped within the confines of your house, you should definitely breathe some fresh air along with your baby even if it’s windy. Just make sure that your son or daughter is properly protected – especially for their hands and face which can be easily chapped and painful.

Tips on Getting Out of the House with a Newborn Baby

Now that you already have a basic idea about the frequently asked questions that parents have when it comes to getting out of the house with their newborn baby, what other things should you keep in mind? Here are a few more tips for you:

-    Make sure to only walk around safe neighborhoods. Check out the local parks or the coffee shop near your home.  Learn where other moms take their babies out for a walk.
-    Always check the weather reports first before taking your baby out for a stroll. You wouldn’t want to be caught in a shower with your newborn baby while outside – so make sure that the day’s perfect for your first outing!
-    When you’re a new mom, you will eventually get to know more about your baby’s temperament and both of you will develop a schedule of when’s the best time to take your kid out for a stroll. You could be the type of mother-baby team who requires only a 10-minute stroll outside right after breakfast. Or, you and your baby may find walking at dusk to be the best time of the day to do it.  
-    Always take the essentials with you when ‘packing’ your stroller. Carry all the baby essentials that you need – and maybe a good book for you to read while you’re little one dozes off under the shade of a tree in the park.

No matter how klutzy you think you may have been when you first took your newborn baby out for a stroll, you will eventually get the hang of it. In no time at all, you’ll be having regular outings and you’ll be handling things like a real, seasoned mom!