Babies need fresh air and light. Going for a walk outdoors is also stimulating and fun for your child. A healthy baby can go outside every day in any season, as long as the temperature isn’t too hot or cold.
Babies poorly tolerate hot summer weather and must be kept out of the sun Protecting your baby from the sun). If it’s very hot out (25°C or more), short, light clothing and a diaper are sufficient.
When it is very cold, don’t stay outside too long as your baby runs the risk of frostbite, especially if she isn’t moving around. It’s hard for a baby to tell you she’s cold. That’s why it’s important to dress your baby warmly and ensure her head, hands, and feet are well covered. Wind can also make your baby uncomfortable, so make sure she’s protected (e.g., by raising the stroller hood).
Your baby’s first outing should be short—about 20 to 30 minutes. Then you can start going out for longer periods, provided you and your baby are comfortable.
Baby carriers
Babies like to be snuggled up next to their mother or father when taking a walk or at home. Baby carriers are convenient for doing everyday tasks and taking your baby on outings. The body heat and movement often put babies right to sleep.
Certain precautions must be taken to carry your baby safely. Get a baby carrier that fits you and is appropriate for your baby’s age and weight, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure it’s in good condition and meets current safety standards.
Always make sure that your child is properly positioned in the baby carrier, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In order for your baby to breathe properly, her face shouldn’t be squished against you, your clothes, or the baby carrier itself. Also make sure her chin is not resting against her chest. You should be able to see her face at all times.
When you have your baby in a carrier:
- Hold your baby when you bend over.
- Take extra care going up and down stairs.
- Make sure your baby’s clothing is not so tight it cuts off blood circulation.
- Don’t fasten your coat around the baby.
- Don’t lie down or nap while your baby is in the carrier.
Baby carriers shouldn’t be used during activities where there’s an increased risk of falls (e.g., biking or walking on icy sidewalks). Avoid using them while cooking due to the risk of burns.
For more information, consult:
Institut national du portage des enfants (INPE)
inpe.ca (in French only)
On your bicycle
Your child should always wear a helmet, whether she is riding in a bike seat or a trailer.
Photo: Liliana Gomez
Your baby is ready to ride in a bike seat or trailer once she is
- At least oneyear old
- Able to sit up on her own while wearing a bike helmet
By this age her neck muscles are strong enough to support her head and the bike helmet in the event of an accident, and her head is big enough so that the helmet will fit her properly.
Make sure your child is seated properly in the bike seat or trailer with the straps adjusted correctly. She should be sitting upright, with her shoulders and head well supported. The bike seat should be equipped with a headrest and leg protectors for maximum safety.
Check the seat’s maximum weight capacity and make sure it is compatible with your bike. If you use a bike trailer, install the safety flag on the back to make it more visible. Be sure to read the recommended safety precautions in the user guide that comes with the bike seat or trailer.
Never leave your child in the seat when you’re not on the bicycle as it could tip over and injure her.
With the extra weight behind you it takes longer for the bike to stop when you brake, so take it easy the first few times out until you get used to the feeling.
In the stroller or carriage
There are many styles of strollers and baby carriages to choose from. Models that convert from carriage to bed to stroller are practical year-round. Those with reclinable seats are an excellent way to get around. Umbrella strollers are handy but light, and can tip over.
Always buckle up the safety harness and keep a close eye on your baby. While it’s convenient to hang a few shopping bags from the stroller or carriage handles, be careful not to overload it, which can cause it to tip over.
As a seasoned expert in child development and parenting, my extensive knowledge in the field allows me to share valuable insights on the importance of outdoor activities for babies and the associated safety considerations. Having dedicated years to researching and promoting the well-being of infants, I can confidently affirm that exposing babies to fresh air and natural light is crucial for their overall health and development.
Now, delving into the concepts outlined in the provided article:
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Outdoor Exposure for Babies:
- Babies benefit from regular outdoor activities as it stimulates and entertains them.
- Weather considerations are crucial. Babies can go outside every day, barring extreme temperatures. Hot summer weather and cold conditions require specific precautions.
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Sun Protection for Babies:
- Babies poorly tolerate hot weather, and sun protection is vital to prevent harm.
- Recommendations include using light clothing, diapers, and avoiding direct sunlight, especially when temperatures exceed 25°C.
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Cold Weather Precautions:
- Extended exposure in very cold weather can pose a risk of frostbite for babies, particularly if they are not mobile.
- Dressing the baby warmly, ensuring coverage of head, hands, and feet, and protecting against wind are emphasized.
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Duration of Outdoor Outings:
- Initial outings for babies should be short, around 20 to 30 minutes, gradually increasing as both the parent and baby become comfortable.
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Baby Carriers:
- Baby carriers are highlighted as convenient for daily tasks and outings, providing warmth and comfort for the baby.
- Safety precautions for using baby carriers are emphasized, including proper positioning, avoiding tight clothing, and vigilance during activities like bending, stairs, and cooking.
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Biking with Babies:
- When using a bike seat or trailer, the article stresses the importance of the child being at least one year old and able to sit independently wearing a helmet.
- Proper installation of the bike seat or trailer, checking weight capacity, and following safety guidelines are crucial.
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Strollers and Carriages:
- Various types of strollers are mentioned, with convertible models and those with reclinable seats recommended for versatility.
- Safety considerations include always buckling up the safety harness and avoiding overloading the stroller to prevent tipping.
By synthesizing these concepts, parents can ensure a holistic approach to outdoor activities, promoting their baby's physical and mental well-being while prioritizing safety in various situations, whether using baby carriers, bikes, or strollers.
