5 Things to Know Before Taking Your Newborn on Their First Adventure Out of the House

Taking your little one out for the first few times when they’re still a newborn can be nerve-wracking. What about all the germs? What if they’re too hot or cold? How do I keep everyone from touching them? Newborn safety has many different considerations. Here’s what you need to know before taking your baby out for the first time.

1. Consider where you’re going
While the Covid-19 pandemic isn’t as intense as it was in the early days of 2020, it’s still a very real concern for everyone, including the parents of newborns. Kayla Hunt, a Charge Nurse in pediatrics at American Family Children's Hospital, shared some advice. “Before going anywhere check-in with the people who are going to be there and ask if they’re having any symptoms,” she told Mom.com. It doesn’t matter if it’s a sniffly nose or a barely-there cough. “This is especially important with RSV this year. It’s the worst we’ve seen in a long time,” she added.

2. Keep in mind the time of day (especially outdoors)
Even if you aren’t taking baby to the beach mid-afternoon, protect them from the sun if you plan to be outdoors. While sunscreen isn’t recommended on babies younger than six months old, covering your baby’s head and face with a hat is important.

3. Keeping baby safe around others
When you’re going out and about, avoiding crowds and other well-meaning people who want to smother your newborn with love is essential. Mom of two Heather L shared advice she was given when her kids were newborns. “Don't kiss the baby on the mouth or let others kiss their face — common adult germs could be very dangerous or even deadly for the baby,” she told Mom.com. Keeping your baby in a carrier, or better yet, strapped to your chest, is a sure way them safe from unwanted, potentially germy, touches and kisses.

Newborns are so tiny, so itty-bitty. When you take them out of the house, you want to keep them warm enough but not overdo it. Here are some tips on how to dress your newborn when taking them out for their adventures.

4. Dressing for cold weather
When the weather outside is chilly, layers are the go-to solution. But when in doubt, dress your newborn the same way you dress yourself. If you’re covered up head to toe, make sure they are too.

Don’t forget to use a care seat cover or drape a blanket over their carrier when getting in and out of the cold winter air. Also, be sure that if you are using a puffy outer layer like a snowsuit or winter coat, you remove them (if necessary) before buckling your little one in.

5. Dressing for summer weather
Even though the season is plenty warm, make layers a rule of thumb. When dressing your newborn (for hot, cold, or mild temperatures), they can wear the same number of layers that you are, but plus one.

Keep the layers light and dress your newborn in breathable fabrics. That way, if you suspect they’re too warm or overheating, you can take off the additional layers until they’re comfortable.

You know how to safely take your newborn out of the house, and how to dress them in any season. Now, let’s talk a little about what essentials your newborn baby needs — a checklist, if you will, to make the most out of your outing.

No matter how young or old your child is, always expect the unexpected. We’re talking spills, spit-up, and those explosive diaper episodes that always seem to happen when you’re away from your house and unprepared.

Keeping an extra pair (or two) of everything packed in the bag will ensure a smooth outing. Extra diapers, wipes, socks, onesies, outfits, bibs, and pacifiers are just a few things that should be on the checklist before adventuring out of the house for the first time.

Another important item to pack in your newborn's diaper bag: a baby first aid kit, as well as any medications your baby may be taking and also the contact information for your pediatrician.