According to Doctor Do Phuong Nga of the Neonatal Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, healthy babies can go outside as soon as parents have ensured a safe environment. Some babies may need to wait 1-2 months or longer. Parents should observe their child's reactions and consult a doctor if needed.

Taking babies outside for some sunshine offers several benefits. Sunlight helps with vitamin D synthesis, preventing rickets and promoting bone development. The outdoor environment, with its sounds, lights, and movement, stimulates a baby's senses and supports brain development. New mothers who get some sun with their babies can also relieve stress and reduce the risk of postpartum depression.

However, there are risks if parents rush to take their newborns outside too soon. Early exposure to crowds can lead to acute respiratory illnesses, diarrhea from bacteria, or weather-related allergies. Avoid crowded places like shopping malls, hospitals, and bus stations, as these are potential sources of infection. Fever in babies under 2 months old can require hospitalization for monitoring, as their immune systems are still developing.

Babies are vulnerable to dust, bacteria, viruses, and sudden temperature changes. Limit their exposure to crowds during the first 6-8 weeks of life, as this is when they are most susceptible to respiratory infections like the flu, RSV, and adenovirus.

Doctor Nga advises parents to delay taking premature, low-weight, or babies with congenital conditions outside and to seek advice from a doctor. Premature babies are 2-3 times more likely to develop respiratory infections than full-term babies during their first year.

Doctors check the health of a newborn. Photo illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital.

A baby's first outings should be short strolls of 10-20 minutes in quiet, open areas like a yard or a sparsely populated park. Parents should pay attention to their baby's body language and reactions to adjust the duration and activity accordingly, ensuring comfort and safety. If there are no unusual signs like excessive crying, refusal to feed, sneezing, or a runny nose, parents can gradually increase the outing duration to 30-45 minutes. Ideal times are early morning (7-8 am) or late afternoon (4-5 pm) when the weather is mild.

On sunny days, protect the baby with a wide-brimmed hat and use a stroller with a canopy. On cold days, dress the baby in layers for easy adjustment, along with a hat, mittens, and socks. Avoid completely covering the stroller with thick blankets, as this can restrict airflow and affect the baby's breathing and body temperature.

Thanh Ba