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When Can Newborns Go Outside?
When Can Newborns Go Outside?
Photo by @melissagaylephoto

When Can Newborns Go Outside?

Here's how to prep for baby's first outing.

author-Amylia Ryan
By Amylia Ryan
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On
Updated On
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Photo by @melissagaylephoto

In This Article

What to Do When Taking Your Newborn Outside
Keep Baby Protected from the Weather
Pack Extra Diapering Supplies
Bring Entertainment for Your Baby
What to Avoid When Taking Your Newborn Outside
Don't Apply Sunscreen on Your Newborn
Don't Take Baby Outside in Extreme Weather
Don't Put a Mask on Your Baby
Don't Go to Crowded Places
On-the-Go Gear
A Stroller
A Baby Carrier
An Infant Car Seat
How to Pack your Diaper Bag for Baby's First Outing
What to Pack In Your Diaper Bag
Bring the Right Attitude

You might hear that you need to wait until your newborn is a few weeks old before taking them out and about, but really it depends on your baby's health and what their pediatrician recommends. "In general, fresh air is great for babies," says Dr. Jonathan Jassey, founding pediatrician with Concierge Pediatrics in New York & New Jersey. "But we want to be mindful of their developing immune systems, especially in the first eight weeks of life." Healthy babies don't typically need to wait any amount of time between birth and going outside, but be sure to double check with baby's pediatrician just in case.

For babies with health conditions and weaker immune systems, their doctor will likely want you to keep them home for longer in order to give their immune system time to get a little stronger.

When you do get the green light to take baby on their first outing, whether it's after one day, one week, one month or more, it'll require a bit of planning, organization and knowing what precautions to take. But generally, getting out and about—especially going outside in nature—can do both you and baby a some good. So here's everything you need to know to make your first trip to the park, grocery store or wherever go as smoothly as possible.

What to Do When Taking Your Newborn Outside

Baby's First Outing: Dos & Don'ts

❄️

Cold Weather

▼
Dress baby in layers
Pack extra outerwear
Use a stroller bunting
Remove bulky layers before putting baby in car seat
Limit outdoor time when below 40°F
Don't take baby out in temps below -15°F
☀️

Warm Weather

▼
Keep baby fully shaded
Use lightweight clothing with long sleeves/pants
Use a sun hat and stroller sun shade
Consider attaching a small fan to your stroller
Limit outdoor time when above 90°F
Don't apply sunscreen on newborns
Don't leave baby in direct sunlight
🛡️

Safety Guidelines

▼
Check with pediatrician before first outing (especially first 8 weeks)
Keep baby in carrier facing inward if crowds are unavoidable
Start with short, simple outings (like a walk around the block)
Don't put a mask on babies under 2 years old
Don't spend extended time in crowded indoor spaces
Don't go out during extreme weather conditions
Babylist

Keep Baby Protected from the Weather

"When it comes to taking newborns outside, the answer depends on a few factors—especially the time of year," Dr. Jassey says. Whether it's cold or warm outside, it's a good idea to take a few extra weather-related accessories with you to keep baby comfortable and safe.

"In the winter, it’s really about balancing temperature and exposure," Dr. Jassey says. Like if the temperature dips below 40 degrees F, he doesn't recommend taking baby out for long periods. "Cold air can be harsh on their little lungs, and keeping them warm enough is tricky."

But in more mild cold weather, it's totally find to take baby for a stroll as long as you have them properly bundled up. Dress baby in layers—usually about one more layer than you need as an adult—and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also says to pack an extra sweater, booties, mittens and a blanket (just remember to remove these bulky outer clothes before putting baby in their car seat). "While there is no magic formula to dressing your baby, generally speaking, if it's cold out, have a bodysuit, a long sleeved shirt and a jacket," Dr. Jassey says. "Using layers will allow you to adjust for your baby’s comfort during changing temperatures and going between indoor and outdoors."

You can also keep baby in a stroller bunting for their newborn-compatible stroller or infant car seat.

In warm weather, keep baby cool and out of the sun by using a light and breathable carrier, giving them a sun hat or using a breathable sun shade over the stroller—but keep the sunscreen to yourself. "Keep in mind that newborns have very sensitive skin and they aren’t allowed to wear sunblock until six months old," Dr. Jassey says. Instead of sunscreen, dress baby in lightweight clothes while minimizing how much of their skin is exposed to direct sunlight. Make sure that baby stays fully shaded, and you might also consider attaching a small fan to your stroller to help keep things cool, too.

Pack Extra Diapering Supplies

Newborns sometimes need up to a dozen diaper changes per day, so if you have the room in your diaper bag, it's always better to be over-prepared on diapering supplies. Estimate one diaper for every two hours you'll be out, plus one or two extra in case of accidents. No need to go big on wipes and diaper cream though; a travel-sized pack of wipes and small tube of diaper cream should be plenty (we recommend a spray diaper cream for less mess). And for extra easy diaper changes while on the go, a portable changing pad really comes in—they even have pockets to store your diapers and wipes. We also strongly recommend bringing a wet bag in case you're not near a trashcan to toss dirty diapers or if baby has a blowout.

Bring Entertainment for Your Baby

Newborns can't see very far in front of them, so they probably can't take in much of the scenery on a walk. If you're stopping in the park, a waterproof blanket and a few travel-friendly baby activities (i.e. easy-to-clean toys, books and flash cards) are great additions if you can spare the room in your diaper bag.

What to Avoid When Taking Your Newborn Outside

Don't Apply Sunscreen on Your Newborn

Remember: NO sunscreen on babies younger than six months old. Even mineral sunscreen—the only recommended kind for babies and toddlers—can still pose a potential irritation risk for a newborn's sensitive skin. Instead, dress baby in light clothing (long sleeves and pants are fine as long as the material is light and breathable) and keep them shaded as much as possible. When shade isn't an option, use UV-blocking clothes and sun shades.

Don't Take Baby Outside in Extreme Weather

The AAP says to keep babies and children out of temperatures lower than -15 degrees F and higher than 90 degrees F. If for some reason you absolutely need to take your baby out in extreme temps, try to limit their outdoor exposure as much as possible and use whatever weather-appropriate accessories you can to keep them comfortable (i.e. extra clothes and blankets in the cold, fans and shades in the heat).

Don't Put a Mask on Your Baby

If you're in an area with high rates of cold, flu or Covid infections, the best option is to keep your baby at home, since the AAP says to keep masks off babies under two years old.

Don't Go to Crowded Places

"Even when you cross the 8 week threshold for being out in public, I wouldn’t do something like hang out in the mall all day or host a large party," Dr. Jassey says. "But if you need to run into the supermarket with your baby for weekly groceries, you can do so confidently." If crowds are unavoidable, keep baby close and facing inward in a carrier (just remember to keep baby's airways clear so they can breathe correctly).

On-the-Go Gear

If you're leaving the house, you’re going to need a way to get around. This may look different depending on whether you live in the city or the suburbs, or if you’re planning a road trip rather than a walk around the block, but here are the basics you’ll want to consider.

A Stroller

A walk around the block is a great way to ease into getting out and about with your newest addition. You spent so much time researching the best strollers and now it's finally time to take it for a spin. But before you venture out, you’ll want to get to know how to work all its features.

Before baby even arrives, you should read your stroller's manual to learn how to make it compatible for your newborn; you'll need a separate newborn insert or bassinet attachment for baby to ride safely until they reach six months old. Learn how to get your baby in and out and how to fold and unfold the stroller.

If you don't have a bassinet or newborn insert, your infant car seat can also be used to stroll with your newborn if the car seat is compatible with your stroller (just double check if you need car seat adapters). No matter what stroller attachment you use, it's a good idea to practice snapping it in and out of the stroller before you take that first walk. The more comfortable you are with your stroller, the better your first walk will be.

A Baby Carrier

Some new parents prefer a baby carrier over a stroller, especially in those early newborn days when babies like to be held extra close. Short of someone dropping by for an in-person lesson on all things babywearing (wouldn’t that be nice!), online video tutorials are the best way to learn how to put a tiny, squirmy newborn into a baby carrier.

There is a bit of a learning curve with babywearing, and practice really does make perfect, so try to stick with it and don't get discouraged as you figure things out. (If you don't have a carrier yet, be sure to check out our list of the best baby carriers to help you choose one).

An Infant Car Seat

If you’re going anywhere by car, an infant car seat is a must. Haven't chosen one yet? Check out our picks for the best infant car seats. We recommend familiarizing yourself with your car seat before your little one arrives. Read your seat’s instruction manual, watch any videos from the manufacturer on how to use and install the seat and learn how to properly buckle a newborn into a rear-facing seat. (Note: you can also use an infant to toddler car seat for your newborn if you prefer.)

How to Pack your Diaper Bag for Baby's First Outing

We love minimalism as much as the next person, and we’re all for cutting down on the amount of stuff you’ll need to lug around when you’re out and about. But the reality of being on the go with a newborn is that stuff is bound to happen that’s out of your control—and you need to be ready for it. Blowouts, spit-up, fussiness, you get the idea. The better prepared you are, the better you’re going to be able to deal with whatever your (unpredictable) baby throws your way.

It’s possible to use any type of bag or tote as a diaper bag, but bags specifically designed with parents in mind are often better equipped to get the job done. They feature things like extra compartments for storage, insulated pockets for keeping milk cold, built-in changing pads and other extras that can help keep you prepared and organized for a day out with your baby.

So what exactly are you supposed to put inside of a diaper bag? Try to be as organized as possible before you venture out on your first outing with your baby. It's a good idea to have these items packed in your diaper bag before every outing:

Baby's First Outing Checklist

✨ Essentials

💩 Diapering
Portable changing pad
Diapers
Wipes
Hand sanitizer
🍼 Feeding
Bottle(s)
Formula or breast milk
Burp cloths
👕 Clothing
Change of clothes
Extra layers (socks/booties, sweater, or sun hat)
🧸 Comfort
Pacifier
Small toy or teether

💡 Nice to Have

Wet bag
Wipes case
Diaper cream
Portable cooler bag for bottles
Anti-bacterial wipes for surfaces
Swaddle or small blanket
Nursing cover
Babylist

What to Pack In Your Diaper Bag

Munchkin Portable Diaper Changing Kit - Grey.

Munchkin 
Portable Diaper Changing Kit

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Gathre Baby Changing Mat - Ivory.

Gathre 
Baby Changing Mat

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Boogie Antibacterial Hand Wipes (5 Pack) - Green, 20.

Boogie 
Antibacterial Hand Wipes (5 Pack)

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Amazon$9.85
Dr. Brown's Formula Dispenser - Pink.

Dr. Brown's 
Formula Dispenser

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Walmart$4.99
Burt's Bees Baby Organic Burp Cloth (5 Pack) - Cloud Solid.

Burt's Bees Baby 
Organic Burp Cloth (5 Pack)

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Amazon$26.95
Babylist Pacifier Box.

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Pacifier Box

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Skip Hop Grab & Go Wet/Dry Bag - Abstract Dot.

Skip Hop 
Grab & Go Wet/Dry Bag

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Itzy Ritzy Bottle Bag - Milk & Honey.

Itzy Ritzy 
Bottle Bag

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Aden + Anais Cotton Muslin Swaddle 4-Pack - Mother Earth Organic.

Aden + Anais 
Cotton Muslin Swaddle 4-Pack

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Copper Pearl Printed Multi-Use Cover - Midtown.

Copper Pearl 
Printed Multi-Use Cover

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Bring the Right Attitude

The final thing on this list of preparing to go out with a new baby is making sure you're mentally and emotionally prepared. Because, if we're being honest, getting out and about with a new baby can be challenging.

It’s okay to get frustrated when your baby starts crying three minutes after you leave your house. It’s okay to miss the beforetimes when you walked out the door with just your phone, wallet and keys. But try your best to take it all in stride.

Be as prepared as you can, but expect the unexpected. Start small on your first few outings and don’t set unrealistic expectations or put pressure on yourself. Roll with the punches and remember that it does get easier—we promise.

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