When is it safe to take a newborn out to a restaurant

A new baby is fragile, delicate and unpredictable. Certain places are just not good to take newborns due to their very weak immune systems, and being so weak and little. Below we have listed 10 places that we advise you not to bring your newborn. That does not mean that you have to stay locked up during those first few months, we have also added 5 places that are safe to take to take your newborn. Parenting is tough and being a brand-new parent can be super confusing. It may be common sense not to take babies certain places, but it can be hard to tell what is safe and acceptable and what is not.

There is a lot to take into consideration when taking a baby to a specific place such as temperature, danger, accessibility to tend to babies needs, social norms for that location, and of course, those pesky germs. We have it all figured out below on how to not go stir crazy in the house, but keep baby out of situations just not meant for them. Some mama’s want to show their baby off any chance they get, but there is a time and place to do so. We know how hard it is once baby is born, there are so many new changes that keep popping up. One change that mama’s may not consider is the amount of restrictions for a new baby in the first few months.

Some moms do whatever they please and will ignore this list, but for the safety and well being of the baby, the whole family and everyone around them, it is best to take a look at the facts.

15/15 Bad: Movie Theatres

Some weddings are a no-kids allowed deal while others are the opposite. Even when kids are invited, it is best to skip the wedding or leave the baby with a babysitter or family member at home. Babies are unpredictable and the risk of Jr. having an unexpected crying fit is likely. No only is it totally distracting but it is stressful for you as well. As much as the wedding hosts probably love your new bundle of joy, they probably will not be thrilled with the screaming baby during their wedding vows. Of course, there is the risk of exposing baby to plenty of germs. It does not matter if a wedding has 50 guests or 300 guests, germs are inevitable. Most likely people are going to want to hold your baby and pass him around which exposes him to a lot of germs.

1/15 Safe: Coffee Shops

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ByChristin Perry

Published
July 1, 2022

Image: kate_sept2004/Getty Images

It’s super-rewarding to experience new things with baby, and going outside together is no exception. Of course, picking that first pumpkin at the patch or heading to the playground sprinklers might seem far in the future when you’ve got a shiny newborn to keep you company—but there are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors together right from the start. Wondering when newborns can go outside? Here, we’ll give you the scoop on exactly how to get baby out and about safely and happily—and when it’s okay to do so.

In this article:
When can a newborn go outside?
Safety tips for taking newborns outside
When not to take babies outside

When Can a Newborn Go Outside?

If you’ve just given birth and are yearning for some fresh air, you may be itching to ask: “When can I take my newborn outside?” We’ve got good news for you: It’s okay to take baby outside right from birth. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, a hospitalist at Williamson Medical Center and Chief Medical Officer at OpenLoop, says you can and should do it whenever you feel ready. “As long as your baby is healthy and the pediatrician did not share any cautions with you that would prevent the baby from going outside, it’s safe anytime!” she adds.

If the prospect of heading outside with your newborn feels daunting, start with a leisurely walk. You can use the stroller or wear baby in a carrier. Going for a stroll or having your next feeding session on a park bench is a great bonding experience and a nifty way to get some fresh air and vitamin D.

When can a newborn go outside in public?

As for taking baby out to public places, it’s recommended that you avoid bringing them into congested spaces, if possible—at least until they’ve had their first round of vaccinations. “Infants under a few months old don’t have their first immunizations (to protect against whooping cough, polio, pneumococcal diseases, etc.) and their immune systems are immature, so it’s important to avoid crowded areas,” says Meghan Martin, MD, a pediatric emergency medicine doctor at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. It’s precautionary, though, and there’s no definitive rule. Of course, while some pediatricians recommend waiting a few weeks before taking baby into stores, restaurants and on public transit, you know very well that the grocery shopping isn’t going to do itself. Sometimes, taking a newborn out before 6 weeks of age isn’t a matter of choice—it’s a necessity. Use your best judgment and take some steps to keep your little one healthy and happy (more on that below).

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Purdy notes that your doctor may advise against taking baby out in public if they have a compromised immune system, due to a severe illness, such as cancer, or chronic conditions like Type 1 diabetes or cystic fibrosis. “Babies that are born very prematurely or have a lengthy NICU stay could be recommended to hold off from public appearances while they’re growing and developing their immune systems,” she adds.

Safety Tips for Taking Newborns Outside

Use some common sense and follow your instinct when taking your newborn outside. If it’s too hot or too cold, go back indoors. Regardless of whether you’re just doing some laps in the neighborhood or heading into town, there are a few tips you should keep top of mind to make those first outings pleasant and safe:

• Keep baby out of direct sunlight. Put a wide-brimmed hat on baby and bring a light blanket to help shade them from the sun. Babies 6 months and older can use sunscreen.
• Dress baby appropriately. In warm weather, dress your little one in loose, comfortable clothing. In colder temps, consider a fleece-footed sleeper to avoid exposing baby’s skin to cold and wind. If it’s particularly nippy, a baby carrier can offer added warmth.
• Avoid insects and mosquitoes. Martin notes that babies 2 months and older can use 10 to 30 percent DEET insect repellent. In the meantime, you’ll want to avoid woodsy areas or other insect-prone spaces.
• Monitor baby closely. Babies can’t regulate their temperature like adults and older children can, so it’s important to watch for signs of overheating (or alternatively, of being too cold), says Martin. If they’re flushed and irritated, they may be too hot, says Martin. If baby is shivering or has cold hands and feet and pale skin, time to warm up inside!
• Be conscious of germs. If you’re out in public, maintain social distance and try not to let people to get too close or touch baby. A baby carrier can keep your newborn nestled on your chest and deter curious strangers from getting handsy (win-win!). While you’re being germ-cautious, she recommends washing your hands frequently—and wiping down baby’s hands too!
• Pack the essentials. If you’re running an errand with baby in tow, make sure you have the basics packed—diapers, wipes and a spare change of clothes will regularly come in handy.
• Don’t hang bags from the stroller’s handles. Going for a stroll with your newbie? Martin warns that adding too much weight to the handles of your stroller can cause it to tip, creating a potentially dangerous situation for baby.

When Not to Take Newborns Outside

There’s nothing quite like getting outside with your new little one. After all, there’s so much to see and explore! But there are certain times when venturing out is not advisable. Martin recommends avoiding trips in these circumstances:

• When there’s severe weather or the threat of severe weather
• On very hot days when the UV index is at the highest point of the day (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
• When you know you’ll be outside for extended periods of time
• Martin also says to “use caution” if baby is sick

If baby has an underlying condition that compromises their immune system, talk to your pediatrician about the types of outdoor activities and errands you should and shouldn’t be doing together.

Taking your newborn on outings can be exciting (and daunting!), but a change of scenery can be good for both of you. Take it one step—and one outing—at a time. Soon, you and your little companion will be ready to go all sorts of places together.

About the experts:

Meghan Martin, MD, is a pediatric emergency medicine attending physician at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. She earned her medical degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.

Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, is a hospitalist at Williamson Medical Center and chief medical officer at OpenLoop. She earned her medical degree from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

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