Winter walks with a child. What could be more pleasant for a new mother? During a walk, a woman can relax and unwind, while the baby usually sleeps peacefully in the stroller. However, parents often have a question: how long to walk with a newborn in winter? This is exactly what this article will answer. You will learn about the features of this process. You will also be able to find out how long after you can walk with your newborn in the winter after being discharged from the maternity hospital.
The benefits of walking for young children
In winter, many couples don’t even ask this question. They are sure that such walks are dangerous for the baby. That is why they prefer to stay at home until the baby reaches 3 months of age. By that time spring has already arrived. However, this tactic is wrong.
Experts say that children need walks at any time of the year. After all, kids breathe fresh air outside. In the frosty winter, it is especially useful, as it is devoid of any viruses and bacteria. Don't worry about your child getting sick. Just the opposite. With these walks you can boost your baby’s immunity. However, you always need to remember how and how much to walk with your newborn in winter. If this question worries you, be sure to ask your pediatrician. The doctor will dispel your doubts and give the necessary recommendations.
First walk
How long can you walk with a newborn in winter? If the baby was born in the cold season, then your first walk will take place upon discharge from the maternity hospital. Usually the baby does not stay outside for long. It will only take a couple of minutes before mommy gets to the car and goes into the house. This is quite enough for a week old baby.
This walk does not take air temperature into account. After all, no matter the weather, you need to somehow leave the hospital. That is why it is worth taking care of warm clothes for the baby. It should suit your climate. If winters are harsh and the temperature outside the window drops to -30 degrees, then you should not choose thin envelopes with ruffles. Prepare a thick blanket, a blanket and several flannelette diapers. Don't forget about socks and a hat for your baby.
When and for how long to leave the house?
How long after can you walk with a newborn baby in winter? Afterwards, doctors advise immediately starting walks, while gradually increasing their duration. The first trip outside can last from 5 to 10 minutes. After this, it is advisable to go indoors and not walk around again that day. Monitor your child's condition carefully. If everything went well, then the next day the time spent outside can be increased.
The next walk may be 10 minutes longer. In other words, you are allowed to walk for 15 to 20 minutes. This time it is advisable to take a stroller with you, because every mother so wants to push her baby in it as quickly as possible.
Premature babies and features of walking with them
How long should you walk with your newborn in winter if he was born with low weight? In this situation, things are somewhat different. Experts give other recommendations. It makes a big difference whether your baby was born premature or just underweight. Children weighing less than 3 kilograms are not recommended to go outside at temperatures below 5 degrees. If the baby is premature, then you should start walking only when the temperature is above zero. At the same time, the first time you just go out onto the balcony.
How do doctors explain such restrictions? The fact is that young children have poor thermoregulation. The less weight and fat layer a baby has, the easier it is for him to freeze. If you do not want hypothermia, then it is better to stay at home for several weeks until the baby becomes stronger.
Child's clothes for walking in the cold season
How long to walk with a newborn in winter? Much depends on how you dress your child. At temperatures from 0 to minus 5 degrees, it is recommended that the walk last no more than 60 minutes (taking into account the fact that this is not the first time you leave the house). In this case, it is worth dressing the child in warm flannel or flannelette fabrics. There must be a second layer of clothing on top - a warmer one. A windproof overall or blanket completes the set.
When the temperature outside is below 10 degrees, make sure that your baby does not stay outside for more than 30 minutes. His clothes should have 4 layers. First comes a light cotton fabric, then a warmer diaper (flannel or flannel). Next, a jumpsuit or envelope is put on, and a blanket completes the whole thing.
When it’s colder than minus 15 degrees outside, you shouldn’t go out with your baby at all. Stay at home and ventilate the room more often. If you have a glassed-in balcony, you can take the baby out there. Remember the relationship between clothing and air temperature.
Walking after vaccinations
How long can you walk with your newborn in winter if your child has been vaccinated? The first vaccination of babies is usually carried out at the age of one month. After vaccination, the baby's immunity is greatly reduced. This is why doctors sometimes do not recommend mothers to take their children outside.
If your child has been vaccinated, then on this day your walk should be limited to the road from the clinic home. It is not recommended to go out anymore. After vaccination, carefully monitor your baby's condition. If you feel unwell or have a fever, you should stay at home for another three days. Call a doctor if necessary. As soon as the effects of the vaccination are over, you can safely go outside. There is no need for a gradual increase in time. If you have already walked with your baby for up to one hour, then continue to do so. Consider temperature conditions.
After illness
How long should you walk with your newborn in the winter if the baby has suffered from ARVI? During periods of illness, you should completely avoid walking. When it comes to a common runny nose without additional symptoms, then you can go out. However, the air temperature should not be minus.
If a child has a fever, cough and other symptoms, then you should stay home until complete recovery. After eliminating all signs of illness, do without walking for a few more days. After this, the newborn can be taken outside with a gradual increase in time, as described above.
What do doctors say?
How long should you walk with your newborn in winter, according to neonatologists and experienced pediatricians? Doctors say that walks are very beneficial for the baby and contribute to its proper development. After going outside, the baby's appetite increases, his mood improves, and his sleep normalizes. During exposure to the sun, vitamin D is actively produced, which helps to fully absorb calcium. This substance also prevents the occurrence of rickets.
Doctors advise starting walks with your newborn baby immediately after discharge from the maternity hospital (provided that there are no restrictions and the baby feels well). If the temperature outside is above zero, then in just a few days you can increase your stay with your baby in the fresh air to two hours. Divide this time into several parts or take one big walk.
Experts recommend keeping an eye on more than just your baby while walking. A nursing mother also needs special attention. In winter, it is worth hiding your chest very well. Otherwise, you may catch a cold. If mastitis has developed, then it is better for mom and baby to stay at home. After the woman has fully recovered, she can continue walking as usual.
