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Is it OK to take a two-month-old baby out in fresh air and cool weather (14 C, 57 F) if properly warmed by adequate clothing? How long can the baby be outside?

Anne Daunted GoFundMonica
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dad
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    Yes it is. http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-21537988 – Stephie Dec 27 '15 at 22:42
  • Absolutely. We took our kids outside a few weeks after birth. As long as you dress them appropriately for the weather it will be fine. Fresh air does us all good :) – Jbird Dec 29 '15 at 17:19
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    14 c is normal day time summer temperature here in Finland :) It's also normal for a baby to sleep outside if it is less than -30c. – iiro Jan 01 '16 at 19:24

1 Answers1

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There is no inherent risk for even a newborn just from being outside, compared to being in a building, so yes, it is ok. As a matter of fact, exposing a small child to diverse environments (within reason) probably stimulates a healthy development.

That said, if there are specific risks associated with being outside, you should be aware of them and take appropriate precautions. Possible risks that come to mind are:

  • exposure to cold (make sure the child is adequately clothed)
  • overheating (same)
  • sunstroke (same again, plus keep the child in the shade)
  • very loud noises
  • things that scare the child (depends on child)
  • danger from motor traffic
  • danger from animals (pet dogs or wild animals)

If you take precautions as necessary for your specific environments, I don't think there's anything to worry about.

Finally:

As a parent, remember that your wellbeing is also important. Not important enough to endanger your child, of course, but if a breath of fresh air helps you feel good, by all means take your child outside.

sleske
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