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Your Baby Week Nine

By , About.com Guide

Updated October 04, 2007

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Taking Your Baby Out

Taking your baby out of the house doesn't have to mean a trip to the mall...

Taking your baby out of the house doesn't have to mean a trip to the mall...

Photo © Justin Horrocks
Many experts recommend that you not take your newborn out much to try and limit her exposure to viruses and other germs. This can help make sure that she didn't get sick at a time when she still had an immature immune system and had not received many of her vaccines yet.

Now that she is in her third month, you can likely be a little more adventurous, and can start taking your baby out in public a little more.

You still don't want your baby to get sick though, so keep the following tips in mind when you do take your baby out:

  • continue to avoid going out in public if your baby was born premature and is likely still at increased risk if he gets a cold or other infection. This is especially important during cold and flu season and until your pediatrician gives you the OK
  • try to avoid people who are obviously sick with a cough or runny nose
  • when possible, go out during off-peak hours (early morning, middle of the week, etc.), when places may be less crowded
  • keep your baby covered up when you go out, in a wrap sling, carrier, or stroller with a blanket, so everyone isn't tempted to try and touch and hold her
  • encourage people to wash their hands before holding your baby
  • avoid crowded places, such as the mall during peak shopping hours, sporting events, parades, etc.
Is it really necessary to be so cautious? After all, your baby's immune system is getting stronger and she likely already got her first set of vaccines last week, right?

Sure, but that isn't going to prevent her from getting a simple cold or other infections. And even though your baby's immune system is likely strong enough to handle these infections now and keep them from getting serious, it is still no fun for your baby to be sick.

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