What to do with baby in Summer?

bbnmama2012 · December 2014

(I hope there isn't already a board. I searched a few pages back and didn't see anything.)
I'm a FTM; so I'm unsure of how long it will be until I can venture out with this little one. I'm just wondering if I could go out for walks, hikes, camping or to the pool with baby this summer or if I should plan to spend my summer at home.

musictchr25 · December 2014

You can do whatever you want with your baby - it's your baby!

For the first few weeks, you may want to limit interaction with too many public places or really germy places, but otherwise, you are able to do anything you feel comfortable doing.

BabyList · December 2014

No pool for the 1st six weeks for you. You have to be cleared by your ob. Obviously keep baby out of the sun. They shouldn't use sunscreen until 6 months. Otherwise, keep baby cool, and it should be ok.

apeschka · December 2014

I think it is a personal preference thing. I had my last kid in feb. and I didn't take him anywhere except the doctor for the first two months and we will be doing the same thing again with this baby. My cousin has a kid in January and two days after she was taking her out in public constantly. If you are really concerned talk to your pediatrician and ask them what they would recommend

bbnmama2012 · December 2014

BabyList said:
No pool for the 1st six weeks for you. You have to be cleared by your ob. Obviously keep baby out of the sun. They shouldn't use sunscreen until 6 months. Otherwise, keep baby cool, and it should be ok.

I had no idea about the pool thing. This baby is a surprise; so I feel really unprepared. I think I should definitely do some reading about postpartum care. Lol

Schnurette · December 2014

I had DD at the very end of April and recovered super fast from my c-section so I was able to take her for walks and go hang out at the park and everything right away, which was nice. When it got really hot I would walk down to the grocery store with her and wander around in the air conditioning.

I usually took a book so that I could read at the park since she was too little to do anything really.

And I can't swim so there was no pool for me but I know a lot of people who took/take their babies to the pool.

lfaithlove · December 2014

I agree that it's a personal choice.

I am a very relaxed mom. With DS (who was born in July) I did pretty much anything and everything I would've done anyway. I took him on his first outing to a public place after two weeks, as per the recommendation, but even before that I took him to my mom's house (which was three minutes away) and we would sit out for short periods of time by the pool, in the shade... Once we got past the brand new stage, we went on walks and hikes and did all the fun summer stuff!

Obviously use common sense, mother's intuition and general safety rules, but don't take a newborn as a death sentence for your summer fun! We had a blast with DS!

mamahawk12 · December 2014

tiffanyhowton said:

No pool for the 1st six weeks for you. You have to be cleared by your ob. Obviously keep baby out of the sun. They shouldn't use sunscreen until 6 months. Otherwise, keep baby cool, and it should be ok.
I had no idea about the pool thing. This baby is a surprise; so I feel really unprepared. I think I should definitely do some reading about postpartum care. Lol

6 weeks for you, but our pedi advised 6 months for baby. Not only because you should hold off on the sunscreen, but unless the pool is super warm (like bathwater) super little babies have a hard time regulating their body temp, plus all those chemicals can be harsh on new skin.

Other than that - keep baby in the shade, avoid super hot days, dress lightly, they'll be fine. Those are the times your mommy instincts will kick in and you'll know what the appropriate situations are and aren't.

chigirl0330 · December 2014

The benefit to a summer baby is there there is a ton of open air and outdoor activities (vs indoor stuffy places) It is a lot easier to avoid germs even at 3 days post partum on a walk. That being said, overheating is pretty easy too so just use your judgement. With this being my third, I am sure we will be at the park within the week with our 2 other kids but it really depends on your recovery and your comfort level. Baby wearing is a great way to keep baby close to you but you get a bit sweaty in the summer with a moby.

Ana0927 · December 2014

I had a winter and summer baby and took my babies out when they were 4/5 days old. I had two c-sections and walking really made me feel better so I would walk everywhere. To the park, Starbucks, target anywhere just to get out of the house because I can't stand being home.

I also went to the pool. Our local pool has a kiddie pool so I would pull up a chair in shade and dip my feet in the water while the baby nursed/slept.

courtyowl427 · December 2014

All the reason's that PP's have mentioned are the reasons I prayed for a summer baby! So we can be outside. Our winters in WNY are brutal and I would go off my rocker if I had to be cooped all winter with a little one. My sister is due in February and I don't enry her at all. She lives in an area with a ton of snow fall and will most likely be alone around the house most of the time. Once the bambino and I get over the newness phase we have places to go and people to see!

tiffbot1985 · December 2014

DS was born July 5 and it was awesome being able to take him out. We can hit anywhere from -40/-50 in the winter so it's a lot less fun finding things to do then.
I was actually a bridesmaid at an outdoor wedding 3 weeks post partum. He slept the whole time except when I needed fo feed him

also went for lots of walks all summer. I definitely took advantage of the weather!

honeybunches101 · December 2014

Some of this will depend on your recovery and the weather. I wasn't concerned about germs too much with my spring baby so I took him out and about to lunch, shopping etc early on. But I had a lot of tearing and took 12 weeks before the doctor cleared me for exercise and for the bleeding to stop, so no pool for me. I had a hard time walking for many weeks.

You also don't want baby to overheat. They can't regulate temperatures like adults can so a hike in 90 degree heat probably won't work. Our pediatrician said no sunscreen/direct sun or pool for baby for 6 months, because of chemicals and the heat regulating thing. But if it's not too hot you can hang out with baby in the shade and take turns swimming. Hiking etc would be fine too as long as you can handle it and it's not too hot. Pretty much anything you want, just use common sense

Sunny B · December 2014

It's funny because the way many are describing not being able to leave the house because of weather conditions when they had a winter baby, is basically what we have here in the summer! I'm guessing the babies will be inside most of the summer. It's just way too hot to bring them around!

dkleid · December 2014

Im a first time mom but I plan on being out and about with the baby. It hasnt gotten to be super hot in MD come early June so i want to be able to go for walks and what not. Plus im in a wedding 2 weeks post my due date (would rather not be told not to expect to not be there because I WILL be there). Baby will be coming everywhere with me. I only get 8 weeks Maternity leave so I want to be able to do as much as possible with the baby before I have to go back to work.

ohiodoxiemama08 · December 2014

I'm so excited to have a summer baby this time around! DD was born the end of January and thus it was cold/middle of flu season. We still took her places but it made it much harder.

This summer I hope to go on tons of walks, to the zoo, boating, etc. Obviously, we have to be concerned with sun exposure and newborns aren't supposed to wear sunscreen--but that's what light blankets and sun shades are for.

KikiCohen · December 2014

My son was born in mid June, but he was a low birth weight preemie so my experience was different. We were in the hospital until the end of June. For the first two months, we only took him to the doctor and to a small family gathering. We had a lot of visitors too. Then we took him on vacation with my ILs for a week after he was two months.

blastocarrier30 · December 2014

missk0411 said:

Some of it depends on how hot your summers are. DD was born in May, and we live in NC. We did some early morning walks outside (like 7:30 am), but sometimes it was too hot for that--with the infant insert in the carseat, it made for a warm, sad baby. I'd be concerned about the same thing on a hike if you have your LO in a carrier. We haven't camped yet, but could have this summer--I didn't want to have to break down camp at midnight if she was screaming and keeping neighboring sites awake. We did do outings to the grocery store or the mall for some indoor walking around.

This is my concern. It is HOT here in NC in the summer, and I usually like to do a lot of outdoor things, but I'm afraid I'm going to miss most of them this year. Outdoor symphony concerts (this year it rained once and was over 90 for two others out of 4--only one had really temperate weather) are probably out. Even if we go to the mountains, it's 80+ degrees easy. Early morning is the only ocassionally cool time.

willowprincess · December 2014

I have had kids born in March, July, and December. I started going out and about with all of them the day after I got home from the hospital. I babywear, so I don't worry about people getting their germs all over baby. I also just dress them appropriately and don't have to worry about them being too cold or hot that way since my body temp helps regulate theirs.

blu-eyedwife · December 2014

I had an October baby, but our weather is pretty consistent year round (I'm currently wearing a tank top and cardigan and my kid is in shorts). With him we started walking the trail by our place at 4 days post partum. We went on vacation to the desert at 3 months and used an A&A blanket to keep the sun off him since we couldn't use sunscreen. And hats. Lots of adorable hats.

Schnurette · December 2014

Ah crap this whole post made me realize that I'm going to have a three year old AND a new born and my stroller only accommodates one of those at a time...which means I have to sell my precious and purchase another stroller that has room for a toddler AND an infant.

Sigh.

It also means convincing DH that we should sell the stroller and buy a new one.

Double Sigh.

bbnmama2012 · December 2014

tashany99 said:
All of this talk about pools, hiking and outdoorsy stuff is giving me the summer itch! This will be me and my baby this summer. Lol

That's why I asked the question. I have an extreme summer itch lately. Winter just started and I'm already over it. Haha. I don't know if I will be able to stay in all summer. I am going to have to get out. I live in the south, so our summers are pretty hot and humid. And if I camp, I'll have to stick an Off keychain repellant on the stroller, but I may be able to make it work. Camping is usually lazy for us anyway. We occasionally go kayaking, but we'll leave those at home this year. I think baby and I can hang out in the shade or go inside the camper for naptime.

walshbunnie · December 2014

Temps were still in the 90's when my son was born and we had him out for a few hours at a time from the day we came home from the hospital. I just dressed him in a onesie and used A&A blankets so he didn't overheat. This summer I plan to claim the cabana real estate by the baby pool and keep baby in the shade while I dip my feet in the pool with my toddler. As soon as I'm cleared to be in the pool I'll be having our sitter stay home with the baby a few afternoons a week so big brother and I can have splash dates. Key is to keep newborns out of direct sunlight and not to let them overheat. Take advantage of those cute hats while they can't rip them off!

erbear84 · December 2014

I'm really excited to take the baby out - in Pittsburgh we can have super hot summers or nice, mild ones. If it's like last summer, we'll be out all the time!

My sister takes her kids to the zoo on the fourth of July and we go every year. If baby's only a week old, we'll skip it, but we'll definitely go another time! Pittsburgh has so many fun outdoor things for families and I'm kind of geeked to actually have my OWN family this summer instead of borrowing my nieces.

taboullio84 · December 2014

The day I got out the hospital with my first.. We went to a fair. He was 2 days old.

bossybluejay · December 2014

OT but...I know a girl who hopped on a plane to Hawaii (8 hour flight from here), 10 days after giving birth, with the newborn, in the middle of flu season. Ballsy....

willowprincess · December 2014

bossybluejay said:

OT but...I know a girl who hopped on a plane to Hawaii (8 hour flight from here), 10 days after giving birth, with the newborn, in the middle of flu season. Ballsy....

I'd do it. Hawaii is freaking awesome!

bossybluejay · December 2014

willowprincess said:

bossybluejay said:

OT but...I know a girl who hopped on a plane to Hawaii (8 hour flight from here), 10 days after giving birth, with the newborn, in the middle of flu season. Ballsy....

I'd do it. Hawaii is freaking awesome!

Not me...especially not in the middle of flu/cold season on that kind of flight. Everyone thought they were completely insane.

a5swanson · December 2014

FTM too. My plan is to do a LOT with the baby in the summer. We have a cottage in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and I want to spend as much time up there as possible. She can sleep in her pack-n-play, right?

Maybe that's a lofty goal, but I think I can do it!

willowprincess · December 2014

bossybluejay said:

willowprincess said:

bossybluejay said:

OT but...I know a girl who hopped on a plane to Hawaii (8 hour flight from here), 10 days after giving birth, with the newborn, in the middle of flu season. Ballsy....

I'd do it. Hawaii is freaking awesome!

Not me...especially not in the middle of flu/cold season on that kind of flight. Everyone thought they were completely insane.

Eh, to each their own. I'm sure people have side-eyed me for plenty, but I have happy and healthy kids.

leenziepops · December 2014

I'm on the opposite end and I'm worried about the winter cold for my baby. I'm not too concerned about keeping Baby warm because I intend to keep LO close to me for my body warmth as much as possible. Just worried about visitors and their colds. Not sure how much I can manage that. Cold & flu season in June is usually quite bad over here.

carolyngrace · December 2014

I loved going with my sister and her June baby all over when he was born... After the first month or so we were hitting the pool, beach, you name it. I hope I'm up for doing the same.

suzysurparis · December 2014

I'm so excited to have a June baby. There are a bunch of walking trails around my house that I plan on taking the stroller down. I'd like to use some of the maternity leave to get back into shape with good walking. Plus I've got a bunch of forest around me, so even in heat waves our neighborhood stays cool. The only worry is air pollution if it doesnt rain for a few weeks (we've had a couple the past few years). I also heard on here that I can get into a bunch of museums in town faster and easier with a baby, so maybe I'll get cultured.

Emilywooddesign · December 2014

No pooool?? 6 weeks??? Do you guys know why that is? We have a salt water pool, I wonder if that makes any difference at all.

dirtymartini · December 2014

I plan on being out and about as much as possible. My parents live on a lake in Michigan where it usually is beautiful and not blistering hot in the summer. They have a beach and pontoon boat. I'd love to spend a few weeks there over the summer. Around here (we live in the Chicago burbs) I hope to take the baby on walks/to parks/etc. as soon as I can after delivery.

pcr228 · December 2014

caseycruz02 said:
We're going to Yosemite the second week in August so baby will be 6 weeks. My husband was like are you sure? with a baby ? We've been planning it for a while. I told him absolutely. I recovered very quickly from my c-section with DS and walking helped me as well. I told him I can walk with the baby and then nap under the trees. I love being outdoors and camping. I took DS out after 1 week. My grandma had a fit about it but woman have been having babys for forever and we're still here.

We are planning on Yosemite in September too and a quick test Tahoe camping trip around early August! I think it will be great to get out plus it's cooler there so don't have to worry about the heat and sun as much!

Emilywooddesign · December 2014

@wormgerm‌ of course! Gross

Bednarova · December 2014

erbear84 said:
I'm really excited to take the baby out - in Pittsburgh we can have super hot summers or nice, mild ones. If it's like last summer, we'll be out all the time!

My sister takes her kids to the zoo on the fourth of July and we go every year. If baby's only a week old, we'll skip it, but we'll definitely go another time! Pittsburgh has so many fun outdoor things for families and I'm kind of geeked to actually have my OWN family this summer instead of borrowing my nieces.

We're 15min from the PGH zoo. DS1 loves it. I think we went 5x this year, and we moved here in late June. my plan is to strap the newbie into a carrier and follow DS around next summer!

mamahawk12 · December 2014

Emilywooddesign said:

No pooool?? 6 weeks??? Do you guys know why that is? We have a salt water pool, I wonder if that makes any difference at all.

Because it can take up to 6 weeks for your cervix to fully close. You need to be cleared by a doctor. Open water could expose your uterus to bacteria/infection. So that goes for pools (doesn't matter what kind), lakes, the ocean, etc.

KonaCoffeeBean · December 2014

I'm definitely in the out and about camp. I have no interest in hunkering down with a newborn.

finchfeeder80 · December 2014

I want to get the most out of my six weeks possible! I love Richmond in July and have a great neighborhood for walking. I want my pickle to love the outdoors as much as I do!

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