You grew them within you, you waited months for their arrival. But now that your newborn baby is here, what do you do with them? They aren’t yet that chunky cooing bright eyed 6 month old. They can’t even really hold up their own head by themselves yet. So how do you brave the outside world with your newborn baby? And what do you do together once you’re out of the house?
Getting Baby out of the house is not just good for them, it is good for you too. To see and interact with people to some degree is healthy. Especially when your day quickly feels filled with diapers and baby talk. And getting a breath of fresh air is a necessity!
But being weighed down with bottles, diapers, wipes, changing pad, a change of clothes, pacifiers (because one is never enough) all stuffed into your diaper bag, can be overwhelming. I haven’t even mentioned the car seat, and stroller, and you have barely left the house! A simple trip to the grocery store can easily take all your energy for the day, let alone finding other activities to do with Baby.
So what is a new parent to do? Well you certainly should not stay cooped up all day every day for the next few months. There are plenty of ways you can get small (or large) doses of fresh air without losing your cool. Let’s dive in!
Getting out of the house with a newborn
When you used to have maybe a small mental checklist of things to remember on your way out the door, now your list has tripled. It’s no longer; cellphone, wallet, keys, sunscreen. Now it’s; diaper bag, make sure it’s packed! Did you take the pacifier out when the last one rolled under the couch? Has Baby pooped again already? Better change them before you leave. Have I peed at all today? Where did we put that one toy that makes car rides bearable? The list goes on.
While some of the items on your ‘out the door’ list might be non-negotiable, try to make it as easy as possible for yourself. Leave doubles of everything in the car, so you aren’t scrambling looking for chapstick or an extra hat. Remind yourself that not everything can be perfect with a new baby. It is unlikely that Baby will remember how embarrassed you were when you realized that you were still wearing pajamas when you went to the store.
Take it one step at a time. You can always turn back around if you get overwhelmed. Make sure Baby is fed and changed so you aren’t in a huge rush to feed as soon as you walk out the door. Just as your baby is learning how to navigate life outside the womb, you are learning how to navigate life as a new parent. Give yourself grace. It’s okay if there are tears (from you or from Baby). You will get the hang of it and become an expert soon enough, even if that feels impossible at this moment.
What can you do with baby outside
Always check with your doctor to be sure that your body is ready for physical activity. Particularly if you have had a cesarean birth, some physical activities should wait until your body has healed.
- Walk: Going for a walk, as long as your body is healing and ready for such activity, is a great way to get outside. You can go for as short or long a walk as you feel ready for. You can cart Baby along in the stroller, or strap them into a carrier. Ask your friend to join you! Grab a coffee on the way. Babies love going on walks. The movement reminds them of their time in the womb. It comforts them
- Run: Going for a run will make you feel great. It releases endorphins and gets the blood pumping. There are even strollers specifically designed to go running with. That being said, if you weren’t a runner before, maybe immediately postpartum is not the time to start.
- Have a picnic: This is the perfect place for Baby to have some tummy time. Set them down on a blanket with you. Eat some grapes and cheese, enjoy a book. And this is a relaxed scenario where you can feed your baby easily, by bottle or boob.
Things to do with baby in Summer
During the summer months shade and hydration is the name of the game. Newborns should not spend extended periods of time exposed to the sun or in extreme heat. Babies younger than 6 months should not yet wear SPF because their skin is too sensitive. If you live in the south where the summer weather is very humid, or the desert where there is not a lot of shade and the heat is too extreme, you need to use common sense when choosing activities to do with your newborn.
If the climate is agreeable, or summer has just begun and the temps have not become unbearable, it can be a nice time to get out and enjoy some fresh air with your baby. Make sure to protect your baby’s sensitive skin from the sun. Keep Baby well fed, just as you would hydrate more in the summer. And remember that babies are not yet able to regulate their body’s temperature as well as older children. Keep a close eye, and if they seem lethargic or their fontanel is sunken get them inside air conditioning and hydrate them right away. Always consult your pediatrician if something feels off.
Get yourself outside! You can spend shorter periods of time in the shade with Baby. A change of scenery and a taste of the great outdoors can really refresh a new parent. Sometimes a little vitamin D is all we need to change the day around.
- Garden: if you always enjoyed gardening let Baby join you. Grab your gardening gloves and set Baby down on a blanket or in a bouncer chair. Make sure to keep any chemicals away from your newborn of course
- Take a dip: Your newborn can have a sensory experience with you at the water’s edge. Listening to a gurgling stream, feeling sand on their tiny toes. Make safe choices and it can be a memorable experience
- Night walk: when the daytime temps are too much for you and your little one try an evening walk when the air is a little cooler. This can be a great way to wind down at the end of your day. Bring your partner or a friend along with you.
Things to do with baby in winter
A winter wonderland can be mesmerizing for a newborn baby. Holiday lights, snowflakes falling from the sky. Newborns definitely fare better in the cold than they do in the heat. As long as you keep a close eye and bundle them safely, the cold is much more forgiving.
But safety first, as my daughter always says. Make sure if you’re venturing out on a winter’s day that you and your baby are dressed properly. A baby hat is a must, as well as proper footwear for you, the adult. No one wants to slip on ice while holding their newborn.
- Walk: always take your baby for walks. It can help your body heal and bring a sense of calm to your new found chaos.
- Library: after your walk, or if the cold is too extreme you can head to the library. It’s usually quiet and kid friendly. Maybe you can even find a little peace to pick up a book
- Mall: Take a walk around the mall. You can window shop, and enjoy a soft pretzel. And a lot of malls have spaces for breastfeeding, and baby-friendly areas.
- Museum: If it’s close to nap time and your baby sleeps well in the carrier, take them to the museum. You can find some peace and quiet, and enjoy some culture along the way.
How to keep my baby occupied outside
Babies don’t really need much entertainment. They are just learning what existing in the world is all about. Tummy time is a good option if you are setting up a blanket for some outdoor time. Scenic areas can captivate even a newborn. They may not be able to see the detail that we are able to enjoy, but colors and shapes are stimulating for baby’s eyes. Getting up and out is good for you and baby, but it is more about you than it is about them. Just getting some fresh air is good for both of you.
Take the plunge
You can do this. You have all the tools, you have the time. It can be scary to take that first solo trip out of the house with your newborn. But once you decide to go for it, a whole world of possibilities are open to you. And if you’re not ready it is okay to turn around and try again another day. And if your excursion today felt like a bit of a doozy, there is always tomorrow…or next week if tomorrow feels too soon!
Be sure to always be safe, and dress yourself and your baby for the weather! Once you get the hang of going out with your newborn you might just feel invincible.