The idea that babies have to stay inside the house for several weeks after they're born is FALSE. In fact, as long as your baby is healthy, getting some fresh air can be great for mom and baby if you take a few precautions.
Babies need fresh air and light. Going for a walk outdoors is also stimulating and fun for your child. A healthy baby can go outside every day in any season, as long as the temperature isn't too hot or cold.
Fresh air and baby's sleep
Fresh air is good for us - everyone knows that. And it's good for baby too. Nothing like getting them out for a brisk walk, even if it's not the height of summer you can wrap them up and just go. And many people say that their baby sleeps better -and for longer - after a nap in the fresh air.
Sunlight provides your baby with essential vitamin D
By taking your baby outside, they can produce their own vitamin D when safely absorbing the sunlight. The benefits include better calcium absorption, improved bone growth, and prevention from bone deformities such as rickets.
Lots of fresh air will help your baby to sleep better, both during the day and at night, so do take him out and about as much as you can. And of course it's great exercise for you to help start to lose that baby weight.
It goes by many names: Letting your baby sleep outside. In Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and well… the Nordics in general, it's perfectly normal for parents to put their baby to sleep in a pram outside the house, the apartment or even the café.
Air out your baby's skin by letting him or her go without a diaper and ointment for short periods of time, perhaps three times a day for 10 minutes each time, such as during naps. Avoid airtight plastic pants and diaper covers.
Their senses are stimulated by the visual contrast of trees or buildings against the sky overhead, a breeze on their face, and new scents and sounds. Spending time outside can also improve language skills—and maybe even their sleep.
Limit direct sun exposure to around 15 minutes, and then use a cover or sunscreen afterward. Talk with your doctor about your child's individual health to determine how much sun is safe. Keep germy hands and faces away - This is an obvious and important tip to follow.
Remember the windy weather can cause issues to your baby's tender skin, as the conditions run the risk of sapping precious moisture and leaving their rosy cheeks feeling leathery and wind-burned. Make sure to protect hands and feet, as they are prime target areas when there's a chill in the air.
Studies show that kids who get outside more are less likely to develop heart disease, high blood pressure, type two diabetes or high cholesterol as adults. Kids who get lots of fresh air are also more likely to have healthier hearts, more flexible joints and stronger lungs than kids who spend more time indoors.
The general recommendation is that toddlers should get at least an hour of fresh air every day. This can be accomplished by playing outdoors or going for a walk. The important thing is that they are exposed to fresh air, which helps them breathe better and stay healthy.
The idea that babies have to stay inside the house for several weeks after they're born is FALSE. In fact, as long as your baby is healthy, getting some fresh air can be great for mom and baby if you take a few precautions. First, be careful not to overdress or underdress your baby when you leave the house.
ASHRAE (formerly called the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) recommends (in its Standard 62.2-2016, "Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings") that homes receive 0.35 air changes per hour but not less than 15 cubic feet of air per minute (cfm) per ...
Dry air, for instance, can irritate throats and sinuses, and since babies are more susceptible to congestion, the dry air can make them more likely to get sick. Low humidity can also irritate the baby's sensitive skin, exacerbating the effects of eczema and causing redness and chapped, cracked lips.
There's no better cure for a stressful day or an overwhelmed mind than sunshine, exercise, and fresh air. Even those times when you're feeling busy and rushed, you should make it a priority to spend at least 20 minutes outside every day.
There are no set rules about how long to wait before taking a newborn out into the world or when to let people near the baby. Some doctors recommend that parents wait until their baby is a few months old before going to crowded public places (like malls, movie theaters, and airplanes).
While six weeks has long been the traditional timeline for rest and recuperation after a birth, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends ongoing postpartum care from birth to 12 weeks. Six weeks is also the standard recovery time allotted for childbirth-related short-term disability leave.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests parents avoid taking babies outside for long periods of time if the heat index is greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged outdoor exposure on extremely hot days can cause babies to overheat quickly.
Newborns have two fears: loud noises and falling. "Babies' brains and nerves grow rapidly in the first two years of life, but they are born with very immature nervous systems," says Dr. Brown.
“In the early years, the baby has an intense need to be with his mother which is as basic as his need for food.”
Breathing in fresh air, being exposed to sunlight and enjoying the stimulation of bird sounds, weather, temperature, textures and colours helps us feel more open and connected to our world outdoors. Infants and toddlers benefit from being outside as much as older children or even adults.
Generally, brain damage becomes possible after only 3 to 5 minutes without breathing. After 10 minutes, an infant may suffer serious brain damage. Any longer and there is a significant risk of death due to the lack of oxygen.
Nappy-free time is important for all babies. If possible, allow your baby to have some nappy-free time each day. Encourage them to kick their legs and have some fresh air to their nappy area. Check with your nurse that this is okay.
Strengthen immune system Playing outside allows your child an escape from indoor germs and bacteria. This will not only be good for the healthy bunch; the sick kids benefit from the fresh air as well. Just make sure they are properly bundled up and moving around to capture and generate warmth.