Happy mother with baby in carriage
Add this to the list of new mom woes -- for the first eight weeks of your newborn’s life, your pediatrician advises you not to take your newborn to any public place. This includes (but is not limited to): the grocery store, church, restaurants, parties, moms’ mornings outs, and the Baby Gap. If you are a new mom, and you’re like me, I immediately asked, “WHAT? WHY?” (All caps intended for effect.)
Why do pediatricians recommend keeping newborns away from public places for the first eight weeks of a baby’s life? According to Dr. Debra Shepard of Lighthouse Pediatrics, “If your newborn develops a fever or other illness, a full work-up, often including a hospital stay and invasive testing, is required.” Dr. Shepard went on to explain her recommendation that new moms stay at home. “Becoming a mom is overwhelming in and of itself. Adding in an illness makes it even more so. When moms have their second, third, fourth babies (etc.), it is difficult (though still recommended) to keep a newborn at home for eight weeks, thereby limiting exposure. For new moms, though, it can be possible and highly recommended to keep your little one protected from the outside world as they get acclimated to life outside the womb.” Limiting exposure to germs is certainly much easier on your home turf. It is within the realm of possibility to keep your home clean and to limit your newborn’s exposure to harmful germs and bacteria, particularly when you don’t have other children living in your home.
However, as a new mom, staying home for that many weeks on end can lend itself to a stir-crazy disposition. Though I did follow the recommendation of my pediatrician, I opted to seek out some places and spaces where I could walk around with my newborn and interact with others in a limited way without exposing my baby to (very many) germs. Fortunately, in Southwest Florida, we have lots of options. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Walk your neighborhood. If you live in a neighborhood with sidewalks (or one that is relatively quiet), make it a habit of taking a walk each and every day. Getting outside with your newborn for a quick break from the house is so beneficial.
2. Window shop at the Mercato. Take a field trip to the Mercato shopping area on the corner of 41 and Vanderbilt Beach Road. People watch, look in shop windows, and walk around the town center spaces.
3. Take a hike at the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Just after Collier Seminole State Park on East 41, there is a one mile long, wide path that takes visitors into the Everglades. It is a lovely, quiet place to take your newborn, particularly from November through April. During the winter and spring months, there are so many beautiful birds that draw visitors. It is a great way to get out and enjoy Southwest Florida with a newborn. (Caution: do not visit this area during the summers – mosquitos are everywhere!)
4. Eat at a full service, outdoor restaurant. Take your newborn to a restaurant that offers shaded, outdoor eating with full service. That way, you don’t have to go into an enclosed area to order or sit down. Enjoy being outdoors with your newborn, and limit exposure to germs.
5. Take an extended walk (as you are able) at one of several wide, paved paths in Naples. Options include: The Gordon River Greenway, Freedom Park, North Collier Regional Park, Vineyards Boulevard, or Pelican Bay Boulevard. Commit to trying one new route each week with your baby. Each of these options provides mostly shaded walking paths, wide sidewalks, and lots of foot traffic.
As is the case with any information presented in this column, check with your own pediatrician about various recommendations. Each baby (and each new mom) is different and has different needs. Also, make sure your newborn is dressed appropriately – not too hot or too cold. A good rule of thumb is to put your newborn in the amount of layers that would feel good to you, given current conditions. Bring extra layers – such as baby blankets –just in case the weather changes.
Getting out of the house with a newborn is exciting. Take your time, and enjoy introducing your little one to this wonderful world!
Anna Futrell has a bachelor’s in English and Secondary Education from Wheaton College. Anna and her husband, Jim have a daughter, Windley. Anna is passionate about writing, cooking, running, playing the piano, and encouraging other new moms in their journey.