After being protected inside the mother’s womb, the child needs to adapt to the new environment and will gradually start to get used to the changes. But this adaptation also happens with the mother, who after her child is born, will need to worry about protecting the baby from a new world, very different from the one the baby was used to while still in the womb. The baby has no contact with microorganisms when inside the placenta, and the child’s intestinal flora is almost sterile1. The type of delivery can greatly influence the development of the child’s immune system. When the child comes into the world by vaginal birth or natural birth, they are exposed to the mother’s bacteria, which act as a sort of first vaccine for the baby. In the case of C-section, however, the child acquires hospital bacteria that do not serve the same protective function.
When Can a Baby Be Taken Out of the House?
The recommendation is that the child should only leave the house for brief outings, and this is due to the fact that the baby’s body is still in the process of building resistance against invading agents. The first breast milk that the baby receives, also known as colostrum2, is rich in antibodies, and gradually the child’s immune system is strengthened. Colostrum contains the most important nutrients, proteins, and everything a newborn needs for their first feeding after birth. During the first few months of life, parents are usually advised to avoid outings to crowded places, where the baby could be exposed to infections3. For this reason, outings with the newborn in the early months should be limited to medical appointments. This includes getting vaccinations and going to quieter places with green areas and balanced sunlight. In fact, moderation in the first exposures of the newborn outside the house is essential.
At What Age Can a Baby Go Out for a Stroll?
There is no specific age recommended by specialists; what is emphasized is the care regarding where the child will be taken. Whether the environment is calm, whether it will be possible to maintain the child’s breastfeeding and sleep routine—in other words, what matters is always considering whether a particular outing will truly be safe for the baby. Visiting relatives’ homes, where the people are known and you are sure it will be calm, is among the most recommended locations. Parks and squares on tranquil days are also suitable, but the ideal is for the time spent outdoors to be short. Places with heavy foot traffic and many other children are not recommended, especially when the newborn has not received all the required vaccines yet. The possibility of the baby contracting some type of virus is high, and if this occurs, treatment tends to be more complex.
Safety When Going Out With a Newborn
Many specialists usually advise that taking a 2-month-old baby out should be avoided, and this advice is primarily due to the fragility of the newborn’s immune system. The concern is that the child might catch an infection such as a cold, flu, bronchiolitis, among others. These problems in newborns usually take longer to resolve. When it is essential to take the newborn to a certain place, it’s important for parents to check if it will be calm there. In case of trips to shopping malls or supermarkets, for example, it’s best to choose times and days with less movement.
IMPORTANT: Breastfeeding is essential for establishing the newborn’s immune system; maintaining breastfeeding for at least the baby’s first six months of life is vital.
Now you know that a calm and welcoming environment can determine when the baby can go out for a walk. Ideally, most vaccines should be administered before exposing the child to busier settings, which can give parents greater peace of mind about the baby’s safety and health. See also: Hospital Bag – What to Take for the Baby
