How to prepare for your first walk with a newborn?
The first walk with a newborn baby always arouses a lot of emotions - not only among first-time parents. A newborn baby seems tiny, fragile and vulnerable, so how can he/she be exposed to heat or cold? How to dress a newborn for a walk to prevent overheating? Why do not we give up the first walks when it's freezing outside? In this article, we will explain the best time to go for walks with your newborn and when you can start thinking about it after delivery. This decent dose of knowledge will soothe every parent - and provide your little one with the necessary dose of oxygen. Let's start!
When to go for the first walk with a newborn baby?
It will come as no surprise that a lot depends on the weather, but also ... on the condition of the mother and the baby after delivery. If your baby is premature, ask your midwife about your first walk. It is possible that, under favourable conditions, you will be able to go out right away, in the 1st week of the baby's life - and it is also possible that you will have to wait about 2 weeks. If mom does not have the strength to go out, she should not exert herself during this period. Instead, dad or family members can go for a walk.
Always remember to dress your child according to the weather. One additional layer would be recommended, unless the heat is harsh, or vice versa - it's so cold that you need to additionally cover the baby.
The first walks should last no more than 10-15 minutes.
Summer walks
When it gets hotter during the summer, take a walk before 10 o'clock in the morning. You can also go out in the evening after 4 p.m. You should definitely not go for walks between 12.00 and 14.00, as this is where the hottest time, and both the baby and the mother can be at risk of burns or a stroke caused by the sun.
Always protect your child from the sun - lift the stroller hood and use a gentle sunscreen before going for a walk. Never cover the stroller hood with a nappy or a blanket: then, the temperature in the carrycot rises very quickly! Instead, think about a parasol attached to the stroller frame, which will give extra shade while ensuring adequate airflow in the carrycot.
If you will be walking during the first months of the baby's life in hot weather, it is worth buying a stroller with ventilation panels. Additional panels in the carrycot and the hood will allow you to maintain the optimal temperature in the stroller, without the need to buy parasols - just use the canopy and move the material that covers the mesh on the sides of the hood or carrycot.
Do not forget to put a light cap on. If your baby is hungry, you will have to take it out of the stroller and feed it. Then a thin cap will come in handy to protect the baby's delicate head.
Winter walks
In winter, you need to pay close attention to temperatures. Don't go out if the thermometer shows -5°C and the wind is blowing. Below this temperature, do not go for walks at all, even if the sun is shining. In winter, nice weather can be deceptive, not only you, but also your child can catch a cold.
When it is warmer, go ahead and go for a walk. Remember that the baby in the carrycot does not move like you - so put one layer more on it than you put on yourself. Dress your little one in a long-sleeved bodysuit, pants, socks (preferably two pairs), a sweater, jumpsuit and a jacket (provided the jumpsuit is not one-piece). Also cover it with a blanket and don't forget about a warm hat that will cover your little one's ears.
What shall you do in the case of expected long-term cold weather? Shall you give up walks? Yes, but go for the open window or a balcony door instead. Dress the baby, put it in the stroller and place it next to the open window or balcony door for 10-15 minutes. Thanks to this, the child will be protected against cold, and it will strengthen immunity and will be in contact with fresh, frosty air from an early age.
Walks in spring and autumn
The big problem here is not the temperature, but the weather conditions. Frequent heavy rains and wind can discourage you, so if it is very windy or it rains very much, do not go out. However, you should go out when there is a drizzle - if the stroller is not waterproof, use a rain cover. It can be purchased separately or in a set with a stroller.
It's a good idea to buy a stroller that has a waterproof hood. Thanks to this, you will not have to use the rain cover every time it rains. Dress your child according to the weather. You have to judge for yourself whether it is worth putting on an extra layer or not. The weather in these seasons can be very changeable - in spring it can be cold, and in autumn: above 15 degrees. Therefore, before each walk, open the window or go out to the balcony and check what the weather is really like. Is the wind blowing, or maybe it's much warmer because the sun is shining?
Walking with a newborn baby
Walking with a newborn baby causes a lot of anxiety not only about the weather, but also about the child's behaviour. What to do when the baby cries, and you won't be able to calm it down? These questions are often asked by the first-time parents. Calm down - small children sleep a lot at the very beginning, so the risk that they will wake up and play a drama while walking is rather negligible.
For your psychological comfort, however, we recommend walking around the block of flats or the house. You can always go back home if you feel unsure. Go out for 10-15 minutes at first, and when you feel more confident, you can go farther and for longer walks.
Remember that a calm parent during a walk means a calm child. :)
