When Can Newborns Go Outside?

I started taking my son outside for daily walks pretty much as soon as we came home from the hospital. Not only did he nap better outside, but it helped him kick newborn day-night confusion faster, which was a win-win for the whole family. (Plus, all that fresh air was great for me during postpartum recovery!)

So, exactly when newborns can go outside? Here, we’ll give you the scoop on exactly how to get baby out and about safely and happily—and when it’s okay to do so.

Key Takeaways

• A newborn can go outside as soon as they’re born unless your pediatrician has specific medical concerns.
• Baby can go outside in public around 2 months old, which is when they typically receive their first round of vaccinations.
• When taking your newborn outside, it’s important to avoid direct sunlight or extreme weather, dress baby appropriately, monitor them for temperature changes and keep a safe distance from other people.

When Can a Newborn Go Outside?

We’ve got good news for you: It’s okay to take baby outside right from birth. “As long as baby’s healthy and the pediatrician didn’t share any cautions with you that would prevent baby from going outside, it’s safe anytime!” says Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, a board-certified family medicine physician.

Adds Dr. Amanda Furr, MD, a board-certified pediatrician and chief medical officer at Zarminali Pediatrics: “If a newborn has any medical concerns such as poor weight gain or respiratory problems, parents should speak with their newborn’s pediatrician.”

When Can a Newborn Go Outside in Public?

Experts recommend avoiding crowded areas until baby has had their first round of vaccinations, which usually happens around the two-month mark.

“You want to avoid enclosed, crowded places like malls, stores, churches and airports until 2 months old,” explains Dr. Samuel Parker, DO, a pediatrician at Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics. “This is because a fever in a newborn is an emergency, so it’s important to keep baby safe from transmissible infections.”

Elizabeth P., a mom of two in New Jersey, did exactly that: “We waited until both my kids had their shots to take them on family trips,” she says. “\Before that, they basically only went on walks around the neighborhood.”

That said, in some situations taking baby into a crowd of people may be unavoidable. Keep them shielded and don’t let people touch or hold them, Dr. Furr advises. “A great strategy is to wear baby in a wrap or carrier or keep them in a stroller,” she adds.

Dr. Purdy notes that your doctor may advise against taking baby out in public if they have certain conditions. “Babies that are born very prematurely or have a lengthy NICU stay [may need to delay] public appearances while they’re growing and developing their immune systems,” she says.

What to Do With a Newborn Outside

There are many fun outdoor activities for baby even before it’s fully safe for them to go into crowded areas. Experts suggest the following:

• Go on a walk. Unless you live in Times Square, it’s unlikely that pushing baby’s stroller around the block will take you to a crowded area. Personally, this was our favorite activity—my son got to fall asleep to birds chirping and I got some movement.
• Hang out in the park. When I got tired, I’d simply stop at a shaded picnic table or bench in the park. You can practice tummy time by placing baby on your chest or on a picnic blanket, suggests Dr. Parker.
• Relax in your backyard, if you have one. If you have a backyard, front yard or balcony, those are ideal spots for hanging with baby and enjoying some quiet time.
• Find a favorite nature spot. If you have the opportunity, head to a wooded area, beach or river. “My daughter loved the soothing sounds of the ocean as a newborn,” says Caroline T., a mom of one in Providence, Rhode Island.

Safety Tips for Taking Newborns Outside

There are a few tips you should keep top of mind when taking a newborn outside:

• Keep baby out of direct sunlight. Put a wide-brimmed hat on baby and bring a light blanket to help shade them from the sun. “Newborns have very sensitive skin and even a short duration of direct sun can result in a sunburn,” cautions Dr. Furr. Babies 6 months and older can use sunscreen.
• Dress baby appropriately. In warm weather, dress your little one in loose, comfortable clothing. In colder temps, consider a fleece-footed sleeper to avoid exposing baby’s skin to cold and wind. If it’s particularly nippy, a baby carrier can offer added warmth.
• Avoid insects and mosquitoes. Meghan Martin, MD, a pediatric emergency medicine doctor at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, notes that babies 2 months and older can use 10 to 30 percent DEET insect repellent. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes you’ll want to do so sparingly, as their skin can be different than that of older children and adults. Speak with your pediatrician to weigh the risks and benefits of using insect repellents on babies and toddlers, and, in the meantime, avoid woodsy areas or other insect-prone spaces.
• Monitor baby closely. Babies can’t regulate their temperature like adults and older children can, so it’s important to watch for signs of overheating (or alternatively, of being too cold), says Dr. Martin. If they’re flushed and irritated, they may be too hot. If baby is shivering or has cold hands and feet and pale skin, time to warm up inside!
• Avoid elevations. “Don’t take a newborn above 8,000 feet elevation if less than 1 month old,” cautions Dr. Parker. “This is because there’s less oxygen in high-altitude air,” and their lungs are still immature.
• Be conscious of germs. If you’re out in public, don’t let people get too close or touch baby. A baby carrier can keep your newborn nestled on your chest and deter curious strangers from getting handsy (win-win!). While you’re being germ-cautious, Dr. Martin recommends washing your hands frequently—and wiping down baby’s hands too.
• Pack the essentials. If you’re running an errand with baby in tow, make sure you have your diaper bag packed with basics—diapers, wipes and a spare change of clothes will regularly come in handy.
• Don’t hang bags from the stroller’s handles. Going for a stroll with your newbie? Dr. Martin warns that adding too much weight to the handles of your stroller can cause it to tip, creating a potentially dangerous situation for baby.

When to Avoid Taking Newborns Outside

There are certain times when venturing out with baby isn’t advisable. Experts recommend avoiding trips in these circumstances:

• There’s severe weather or the threat of severe weather. Dr. Martin advises against taking baby outside on very hot days when the UV index is high. Dr. Furr adds: “I wouldn’t take a newborn outside if I couldn’t keep them cool or warm enough or protect them from the sun.”
• The air quality is poor. “Recent wildfires have resulted in several air quality alerts,” says Dr. Furr. “Newborn airways are sensitive and can be easily irritated by particles in the air.” AnAir Quality Index (AQI) over 100 means you should stay indoors with baby.
• Baby’s sick or has an underlying condition. If baby’s sick, hanging out in your own outdoor space is fine, but definitely keep them away from other people. If baby has any health condition, talk to your pediatrician about the types of outdoor activities and errands you should and shouldn’t be doing together.

To Sum It Up

Taking your newborn on outings can be exciting (and daunting!). It’s perfectly safe to take baby outside provided you have your pediatrician’s okay—and once they receive their 2-month-old vaccinations and their immune system is mature enough, you can also take them in public. Take it one step—and one outing—at a time. Soon, you and your little companion will be ready to go all sorts of places together.

How We Developed This Article

There’s nothing quite like getting outside with your new little one. After all, there’s so much to see and explore. But many new parents wonder when a newborn can go outside. To provide clear guidance on when baby can go outside (and in public), we spoke with three pediatricians and a family medicine physician. We also connected with real moms who shared stories of when their babies first ventured out.

After editing, this article was vetted through fact-check and reviewed by our pediatrician medical adviser. Learn more about how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.

About the author: Natalie Gontcharova is the senior editor at The Bump and the mom of a 5-year-old son. When he was a newborn, her son took some of his longest naps outside—which gave her some nice stretches of quiet me-time.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.