How long should you wait before taking your baby out of your home? There is some debate about this, but you should be able to take your baby out as soon as you feel ready. In fact, being out of the house will be good for you, especially if you find time for a walk out in the air and sun. It’s hard to be a new mom cooped up at home. Reconnecting with the outside world, either solo or with a couple of friends, can help you adjust better to the challenges of being a new mom. 

But first, take some notes for your day out with your precious one:

Preparing to leave

First, dress her appropriately. As a rule of thumb, dress her as you would dress yourself. A good trick is to dress your baby in layers so you can add or remove as needed. During warm days, protect her from the sun with a hat and in light clothing that covers her arms and legs. On colder days, bring a blanket and a hat to protect her from the cold air. As you move from outside to inside, work with the temperature change. You’ll need to adjust her clothing when she enters an air-conditioned room after spending time in the warm outside air.

Make sure you have what you need with you. Some parents have a diaper bag always ready. This would have enough diapers for the length of your outing (maybe 6 to 10), baby wipes, changing pad, 2 to 3 change of clothes, plastic bag for soiled clothes or diapers, hand sanitizer, and formula and bottles if bottle feeding. As you go out more, you will be able to customize your needs by adding or removing items more confidently.

Transporting your baby

Stroller or baby carrier? That’s totally up to you. Just make sure that you keep with the safety standards and procedures of your chosen baby transport. Some baby carriers may be too warm to use on hot days, so use your better judgement.

If you are taking your baby on a car drive, study the instructions for using it beforehand so you can familiarize yourself with its functions. Check if it’s properly installed and make sure to restrain your baby according to the instructions. Safety experts insist that babies are always placed in rear-facing position. 

Where to go

In general, try to stick to open and airy places, such as a park. Your baby is less likely to be contaminated by germs in the open air.  However, avoid direct sunlight at all times.

Avoid enclosed spaces and places with crowds. A newborn's immune system is still developing and may not be able to fight off infections. 

If you must be with a group of people, keep your baby tucked away in a bassinet, car seat, or stroller in the corner of the room (or another room, if possible) only to come out when necessary. Limit your newborn’s contact with people (especially with children!)  and turn down requests for carrying her and passing her around. In case contact is unavoidable, ask anyone who holds, touches, or feeds your newborn to wash their hands first. Similarly, be sure to wash your baby's hands if anyone touched her, especially in her first month of life.

SOURCES:

Getting Out of the House With Your New Baby

https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/getting-out-of-the-house-with-your-new-baby

The Science of Immunity: Taking Your Newborn Out in Public

https://www.babble.com/baby/taking-newborn-baby-outside-health/