Taking a Newborn Outside
Question
Is it safe to take my newborn out in public? She's so little.
Dr. Greene's Answer
Being outside can be great at this age if she does not get too hot, too cold, or too much sun exposure.
The concern with being around other people is catching infections, which you prefer for her not to do, especially in the first month. Most of these would be caught from handling, so you might want to minimize the number of people who hold her and have them wash their hands first. You might also want to avoid staying for a long time in enclosed spaces with poor circulation where people are coughing or sneezing.
Alan Greene MD
Dr. Greene is a practicing physician, author, national and international TEDx speaker, and global health advocate. He is a graduate of Princeton University and University of California San Francisco.
Get Dr. Greene's Wellness Recommendations
Our goal is to improve children's health by inspiring parents to become knowledgable partners who can work with their children's physicians in new and rich ways.