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).
The quick answer: When you're comfortable! There simply isn't a general, one-size-fits-all rule on when to welcome visitors after baby arrives (let alone who gets first dibs on newborn snuggles!).
According to most pediatric health experts, infants can be taken out in public or outside right away as long as parents follow some basic safety precautions. There's no need to wait until 6 weeks or 2 months of age. Getting out, and in particular, getting outside in nature, is good for parents and babies.
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.
After two weeks, people can be reasonably sure they're not infected. “I would say, self isolation for a new mom, dad, mom/dad, dad/dad or mom/mom for two weeks, then go for it. To be equally safe, grandparents should isolate for two weeks as well,” said Gregg Gonsalves, Ph.
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).
The lip-restraining guidance is most pertinent to people outside an infant's household, experts told me, which can include extended family. Ideally, even grandparents “should not be kissing on the baby for at least the first few months,” Tan told me.
All close contacts to the newborn should be vaccinated with the annual influenza vaccine at least 2 weeks before meeting the baby. They should also have had Tdap in the last 10 years. If they have not received that vaccine, they should get a Tdap booster at least 2 weeks before meeting the baby.
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.
The mother may not want visitors when she is not looking or feeling her best, as may be the case after childbirth. The mother may desire privacy as she tries to establish breastfeeding. The parents may not want an audience as they get used to handling and changing their newborn.
Keeping your newborn safe in crowds is best done by avoiding all crowds, period. If you must go to a place where there are lots of people, wear your baby in a sling, wrap, age-appropriate carrier or keep her in a stroller so others don't get too close.
Ideally, between 4 and 9 months is the best time to leave your baby overnight for the first time. This is because before 4 months your baby will still be establishing breastfeeding and building a connection between both parents, so they're a little too young to be away from you.
Dr Prasad says to prevent serious health consequences, everyone, including moms, should avoid kissing infants early on. He notes that given the rise in RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and other illnesses, it is critical that everyone is aware of the dangers of kissing newborns.
Parents usually start kangaroo care once or twice a day for at least one hour each time or as long as it is tolerated by your baby. The longer you hold your baby, the better. Any amount of time is good, but it is best to try for at least 1 to 2 hours each day.
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.
It depends. The first thing to consider is your baby's ability to eat without you there. A formula-fed baby can be left with another caregiver as soon as you feel comfortable leaving them. If you're breastfeeding, it's important to wait until breastfeeding is well established, which typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks.
The immunity you get from the whooping cough vaccine fades over time so you need to be vaccinated during each pregnancy at around 28 weeks. It is also important that those who will be closest to your baby in the first weeks of life also receive a whooping cough vaccine.
Adult household contacts and carers (e.g. fathers and grandparents) of infants <6 months of age should ideally receive a dTpa vaccine at least 2 weeks before beginning close contact with the infant. A booster dose of dTpa vaccine is recommended for those who have not received one in the previous 10 years.
When your baby is six weeks old, it is recommended they have three vaccines: combined (or hexavalent) DTPa-Hib-IPV-HepB, 13vPCV, and rotavirus. Only two of the vaccines are needles, usually given in babies' legs. The rotavirus vaccine is given as drops put into your baby's mouth to swallow.
In order to prevent serious health issues, anyone and everyone, including parents, should avoid kissing babies. Due to the rise in cases of RSV and other illnesses, it's extremely important for all individuals to be aware of the dangers of kissing babies.
Say the no-kiss rule is only temporary.
Most babies' immune systems will be strong enough for kisses after 2 to 3 months. Until then, it's healthiest not to kiss the baby, painful though it may be. “The baby will need your kisses in a few months!” “Keep looking forward to the time when she's old enough to be snuggled!
Aside from the danger of germs passing across, a child needs to be aware that it is not normal for an adult to have such intimate contact with them.” But some users took to the digital forum to defend the grandmother with many explaining that they don't seem a problem with kissing their children on the lips.