Although a little nervous, you probably can’t wait to take your newborn home from hospital. Going to the car is your baby’s first outside experience. He could be only two hours or seven weeks old when he feels the warmth of the sun, the coolness of rain and the tickle of wind on his skin for the very first time. The car trip is usually straight home but occasionally there is the quick stop for those unplanned essentials. This quick stop has accidentally seen newborns left in the car – a potentially dangerous act from parents new to the responsibilities of a little one in the backseat!
When it comes to bacteria there is no hard and fast rule or protocol of when your baby can be out in public. It’s really more a decision of common-sense and depends on the individual baby and intended destination. If your baby is born premature or with autoimmune conditions he will obviously be better off with less public exposure during the early weeks than a robust healthy full term newborn.
The immune system in your newborn is not fully developed until around six months old. Until that time Mother Nature has provided additional protection. Firstly, he has circulating antibodies remaining in the blood vessels from the placenta. These slowly decrease but are kept topped up with the immune substances in breast milk. Immunizations are an added boost against the big germs that are generally too strong for the immune system to cope with. Immunizations are not offered until your newborn is six to eight weeks old therefore he risks contracting these diseases if he comes in contact with them before this time.
Hand washing is a first line of defence against many public germs. Washing your hands regularly and having visitors and siblings wash their hands before touching your baby is a great preventive measure.
Sunlight is healing to the skin and provides vitamin D to strengthen bones and immunity but sun can damage your baby’s sensitive skin. Cover skin when in direct sunlight and avoid being in the sun between 10am and 3pm when rays are most damaging. The reflection from sun off water is particularly strong even when your baby is in the shade.
When taking him outside into public places carry your baby in a sling or stroller that faces you. Strangers are less likely to peer in, poke and touch your gorgeous newborn. It also allows you to see if there are any bugs or sunlight disturbing him. Fresh air is generally safer and cleaner than germs circulating in air-conditioned air. This makes walking outside much safer than travelling in planes, shopping in shopping plazas and going to the cinema. This doesn’t mean you don’t do these things but be aware that bub is more likely to inhale bacteria.
Newborns often become overstimulated in busy public places exposed to increased noise, smells, bright neon lights and an increased amount and variety of circulating bacteria. Taking your newborn out in public can also cause your anxiety levels to rise. Take someone with you until you feel more confident to tackle outings on your own. The more relaxed you are the calmer your newborn will be. You can expect your newborn to be a little unsettled after an outing – even going to mother’s group in the early days can be challenging.
Consider your newborn and the safety of the places you are going. Get prepared with essential items such as nappies and wipes, chuck cloths, hand cleanser and a change of clothes. Give yourself plenty of time to avoid being rushed and take someone with you if it will make you less anxious.