10 Tips on Keeping Baby Safe When Outdoors
By Kim Proulx
As a parent, it's natural to be concerned about being out and about with baby in the big world, especially with a newborn or young infant. There are twists and turns each step of the way on any given outing that can be overwhelming for a new parent, as well as, a parent with more than one child. Here are 10 tips for keeping your baby safe.
- Avoid taking a newborn outdoors if possible - It's often recommended that newborns are not taken outside in the early months. This is because by keeping them safe inside, they can avoid potential irritants such as pollution, weather and germs, which may not be well-received by their new, little bodies.
- Have friends and family wash hands - Suggest that visiting family and friends wash their hands if they want to see your new baby. Some parents even put a sign on the door, or a bottle of easy pump hand sanitizer by the main entryway to drive their important point home and keep baby safe.
- Keep pets and animals away from baby - It's smart to keep young children away from animals and pets when you?re outside. For infants and newborns, this is because allergens and other bugs animals carry could threaten the immune system of a new baby. For older babies and toddlers, it?s good to keep them safe from pets and animals since they can?t easily defend themselves if something tried to bite them.
- Avoid taking baby out in areas with lots of bugs - If you're able to keep baby out of the mosquito ridden humid summers by lakes, away from bees, ticks in the forest and any other insects or bugs that could cause harm to your baby, we recommend you do so to keep baby safe.
- Consider keeping a blanket or mesh cover on baby - Stroller blankets and covers made of mesh are perfect for strollers and carriers. Keep them around in a diaper bag or in the car as an easy way to protect baby from bugs, weather and germs.
- Use sun block - By this day in age, everyone should know sun block's role in keeping skin healthy, safe and skin cancer free, even from an early age. Purchase baby sun block and be sure to slather it on before you go outdoors. Don't be afraid to reapply to increase baby?s safety.
- Warm or cool enough clothing - Dress your baby according to the weather and with lots of layers to adjust to changing environment and body temperatures.
- Be aware of strangers - Each parent has their own standards, but always be careful who you let touch and hold your baby.
- Know your surroundings - Pay attention to what?s around your baby or could enter their path, especially for toddlers. Steer them clear of danger at all times.
- Use a playpen - It's a great idea to have a protective play space like a portable play yard around when you're outdoors.
Consider getting something like the LA Baby Crib Yard that's perfect to use at the beach or on a camping trips or at neighborhood cookouts. It will keep your baby off the ground and enclosed in a safe and comfy play environment.
Another great choice is the North States Gates Superyard that surrounds a baby completely, keeping them safe from wandering off. When using it outside you can place a blanket on the bottom to keep your baby away from bugs that crawl in the grass.
