Many families believe that they should "stay in confinement" completely indoors and limit taking newborns out in the first month after birth. However, according to Dr. Jennifer Shu, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there is no medical evidence that a healthy newborn needs to stay indoors for many weeks before being allowed to go out.
According to experts, the important thing is not to go out but to avoid the risk of exposure to the source of infection. Fresh air and changing the environment can benefit both mother and baby. Instead of worrying about taking children out, parents should focus on limiting children's exposure to people with signs of illness and areas with too many people.
To reduce the risk of infection, parents should avoid taking children to crowded places in the early stages of life. Anyone who wants to hold or touch a child needs to wash their hands thoroughly before contact. At the same time, children should be limited in contact with people who are having the flu, fever or infectious diseases.
When children grow up, short outdoor trips also help them explore the world around them through colors, sounds and scents. This is also an opportunity for children to gradually get acquainted with the outside environment.
Experts recommend that parents should choose the most comfortable time for children to go out. After being full and having clean diapers changed, it is when children are usually comfortable, less fussy and can sleep well throughout the trip.
In addition, preparing enough supplies is also very necessary. Parents should bring diapers, wet wipes, spare clothes, milk bottles or other necessary items to proactively handle when needed.
Weather is also a factor that needs special attention. When it is cold, children need to be dressed warmly enough, covering their heads, hands and feet. The general principle is to dress children in layers of clothing equivalent to adults, and you can also use a thin blanket or jacket to keep them warm if necessary.
On hot sunny days, parents should keep children in shady places, take them outside in the early morning and avoid direct sun exposure for a long time. For children of recommended age, suitable sunscreen can be used and wear thin, breathable clothes to protect the skin.
In addition, parents need to monitor weather conditions before each trip. Too high or too low a temperature can affect the health of newborns. The time spent outdoors should be adjusted to suit the child's age and climate conditions.
According to pediatric experts, as long as children are healthy, cared for properly and limited exposure to the source of infection, parents can completely take their children out early to enjoy fresh air and help them gradually adapt to the living environment.
