Nothing is more fulfilling for a new parent than new experiences with his or her baby, and an outing to a park or the backyard can be both simple and a wonderful experience, as you enjoy bonding time outside with your baby, fresh air and all. My friend recently had the cutest baby, and for the past six months, she's been worried sick about taking her little one out for walks. With disease outbreaks and flu season hitting hard, she constantly questions the right timing.

We have all tried to reassure her, but it has been a tough decision for her. But as a new parent, you might wonder when it's safe to take your newborn outside. Let's explore the right timing, precautions, and benefits of venturing outdoors with your little one.

When Can You Take Your Newborn Outside?

There are no universal rules about when to take a newborn outside. Healthy, full-term babies can enjoy a walk in the pleasant weather from the very first weeks of life. However, some pediatricians advise against taking your baby to crowded public places, such as malls or theaters, for at least a couple of months, to protect your baby's developing immune system. Premature babies or those with compromised immunity might have to stay indoors longer.

Consult your pediatrician for personalized advice. Quiet, open areas in parks or gardens would be a good starting point for your baby's first visits outside. Using a stroller or baby carrier can make it comfortable for you both. And remember to wash your hands frequently, as well as those handling your baby, and be super cautious if there is a high incidence of respiratory infections like COVID-19, flu, or RSV in your community. This could include limiting the exposure of your baby to people and asking visitors to wear masks when necessary.

How To Protect Your Baby In Different Seasons?

Season and weather both play important roles in determining the right time and place to take your newborn outside. Here's how to approach different seasons with your baby:

Winter

For a baby, cool air is a true breath of fresh air for areas with mild winters. Dress your baby in many layers: a long-sleeved shirt, pants, sweater, and a hat. Try to stay indoors during extremely cold weather for newborns as they are susceptible to hypothermia. If it freezes outside, you should keep the visits short and aim at the 'cozy' list.

Spring

Newborn outings are very well suitable for spring since the season broadly enjoys a warm temperature. Even so, spring weather can be unpredictable and hots up during the day but drops by chilly winds at night. Weather conditions should always be checked beforehand. For instance, a light jacket and a blanket may make your baby cozy while temperatures surge.

Also Read: Is There A Right Way To Bottle Feed Your Baby?

Summer

Hot summer days require special precautions. Avoid venturing out during peak heat hours and opt for early morning or late evening outings when the temperature is cooler. Keep your baby shaded from the sun using a wide-brimmed hat or a stroller canopy. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months, so protective clothing and shade are crucial. Consider consulting a dermatologist for baby-safe sun protection products.

Fall

Fall allows babies to go outside during a colorful and cool atmosphere of weather as summer is transitioning into winter. Baby clothes should be layered as they might feel the fluctuation in temperature; carry a blanket to snuggle up your little ones. The gentle falls can be perfect for your time outdoors with your family.

Why Take Your Newborn Outside?

Stepping outside is not just good for you; it is a boon for the physical and sensory development of your baby. Sunlight helps regulate his sleep-wake cycle, and fresh air helps break down stress, which leads to mood swings and lack of energy. Outdoor time also brings out the senses in your baby-squeaky noises of leaves, warm sunbeams on the skin, and many more. For parents, it is a chance to wind down, stretch out a bit, and connect with nature, spending some quality time bonding with the little tiny baby.

Protecting Your Baby from Seasonal and Environmental Hazards

While outdoor activities are great fun, safety should always come first. Here are some essential tips to reduce risks:

Temperature Control: Babies cannot control their body temperature as well as adults. Monitor for signs of overheating, such as flushed skin or irritability, and signs of being too cold, such as shivering or pale hands and feet. Dress in layers.

Sun Protection: Keep your baby out of direct sunlight. Babies older than six months can use sunscreen, but younger infants should rely on protective clothing and shade.

Insect Avoidance: Avoid insect-prone areas and consult your pediatrician about safe repellents for babies two months or older.

Germ Control: While going out in public, keep your baby away from crowds and prevent strangers from touching your baby. Ask the visitors to wash their hands before they touch your baby.

How to Prepare for Your Baby's First Outing

Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable outing with your newborn. Pack a diaper bag with essentials such as diapers, wipes, feeding supplies, an extra outfit, and weather-appropriate accessories. If you’re planning to breastfeed or bottle-feed outdoors, scout locations with comfortable seating and privacy.

The right location becomes important too. Start with quiet, low-traffic areas in order not to overstimulate your baby. Gradually introduce him or her to busier environments as they grow older and become accustomed to the world around them.

The time your baby spends outdoors needs to be as consistent as possible. Little excursions regularly help your baby to get used to different surroundings and schedule a routine for him or her. Gradually, these little outings can become doorways to further longer adventures and fun family excursions.

Getting your newborn out into the outdoors is a pleasure that brings a great deal of satisfaction to the parent and the baby.

Bring your baby outside at the right time, the right place, and with the right precautions. Consult your pediatrician for a more personalized approach to the whole process. Trust your instincts as you begin this incredible journey with your baby. You never know when that park stroll or a quick visit to a nearby garden will turn out to be a timeless experience as you create an emotional bond with your little angel.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purpose only, do not substitute for medical advise. Consult a healthcare professional for personalised health advice.

Labor Analgesia as a Predictor for Reduced Postpartum Depression Scores: A Retrospective Observational Study. Anesth Analg. 2018

Human labour pain is influenced by the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv6.4 subunit. Cell Reports. 2020

"I miss who I was too," says the Christina Applegate, revealing her emotional conversation with daughter Sadie

She is speaking candidly about how life with multiple sclerosis (MS) has changed not just her, but her relationship with her daughter.

The Dead to Me actress, 53, recently shared an emotional moment from a conversation with her 14-year-old daughter, Sadie, on the Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa podcast. Diagnosed with MS in 2021, Applegate has gradually withdrawn from public life as she navigates the daily physical and emotional toll of the condition.

“I don’t get up in the morning with that,” she said, referring to any sense of personal motivation. “I get up because of her. She’s the reason I’m still here and trying.”

But that strength has been tested in ways that have cut deep—especially as a mother. During their recent conversation, Sadie told her something that Applegate says "was like a knife to the heart."

“She said, ‘I miss who you were before you got sick.’ And I do too,” Applegate said, holding back tears. “I miss that version of me very much.”

The toll of daily life with MS

Applegate has never shied away from speaking about the realities of living with multiple sclerosis.

On Conan O’Brien’s podcast earlier this year, she revealed that she rarely leaves the house anymore. The pain and fatigue have become too overwhelming.

“If people saw what my life was like on the daily, they wouldn’t be able to do it. Because I can sometimes not do it. It’s really, really hard,” she admitted.

And that physical struggle directly impacts her ability to parent. Once an active, involved mom, picking up her daughter from school, dancing with her at home, volunteering in the school library, Applegate now says that version of herself is gone, and her daughter has noticed the change.

“She’s had to see the loss of her mom, in the way that I was a mom with her,” Applegate told PEOPLE in an earlier interview. “She doesn’t see those things anymore. This is a loss for her as well.”

There are days, she added, when the pain is so severe that Sadie simply knows not to ask anything of her. “If she sees that I’m laying on my side, she knows she can’t ask me to do anything. And that breaks me,” Applegate said. “I love doing things for her. I just can’t sometimes. But I try. I try.”

What is multiple sclerosis?

As per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, in this case, the protective sheath (myelin) surrounding nerve fibers.

Without intact myelin, nerve signals slow down or get interrupted, leading to a range of symptoms that vary from person to person. These may include muscle weakness, fatigue, numbness, coordination issues, vision changes, and memory problems.

Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can occur earlier or later. MS does not have a cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. The severity of symptoms also differs, some people experience mild, manageable relapses, while others gradually face increasing disability.

Life with MS: A new normal

One of the most difficult aspects of MS is its unpredictability. Symptoms can flare up unexpectedly and may disappear for long stretches. While the disease doesn’t typically shorten life expectancy, it does require a major adjustment in daily life.

In Applegate’s case, it has meant redefining her identity, not just as an actress, but as a mother and a person. Still, despite the pain and fatigue, her love for her daughter keeps her grounded and trying.

“Sadie is the reason I’m still here. She gives me the strength to keep going,” Applegate said.

A big concern for parents these days is how kids are seemingly swallowed by technology. They no longer plead to go out and play for ‘just five more minutes’. The serotonin and dopamine boost we used to crave while playing outside as kids, does not seem like a big deal any longer. Could this be due to the increase in electronic device usage?

Parents who are worried about their kids screentime are right to be concerned. Many studies have shown the increased screentime slows down brain development. If certain habits can slow down brain development, are there others that can increase brain development?

A new study published in the Environment International journal suggests that living close to green areas, like parks or forests, might lower a child's chance of developing problems like ADHD and autism. This protective effect seems to start even before they are born.

How Green Spaces May Help Before and After Birth

The study found that children were less likely to experience brain development problems if their mothers lived near green spaces before or during pregnancy. The same benefit was seen if the children themselves lived near green spaces when they were infants. These important findings were published in a science journal called Environment International. One of the lead researchers pointed out that having more access to green spaces in cities could truly support healthy brain development in young children and help reduce the number of developmental delays.

Why Green Spaces Might Be Good for Brains

Scientists don't fully understand yet exactly how green spaces might help a baby's brain grow healthily, even while still in the womb. However, they have some ideas. They believe that being around nature can reduce stress and feelings of sadness, encourage people to spend more time with others, and lower exposure to loud noises and very hot or cold temperatures. All of these things could be good for a young child's overall development.

What the Study Discovered

For this research, scientists looked at a lot of information from over 1.8 million mothers and children who were part of the Medicaid program in different states. They used satellite images and the mothers' home addresses to figure out how much green space they lived near. The results were quite interesting:

• Children whose mothers lived near green spaces had a 34% lower risk of intellectual disabilities.
• They also had a 17% lower risk of autism.
• For children who lived near green spaces themselves after they were born, the study found a 19% lower risk of learning disabilities.

The researchers noticed that these protective effects were present at different stages: before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and in early childhood. This suggests that there might be various biological reasons why green spaces are helpful at different times.

Stronger Benefits in City Areas

The study showed that the protective effects of green spaces were even stronger for children living in city areas and for children from Black or Hispanic families. This suggests that green spaces might provide an even greater benefit in places where they are not as common. Increasing access to green spaces in city environments could really support early childhood brain development and help reduce the number of developmental delays.

What We Still Need to Learn

It's important to remember that this study can't prove that living near green spaces directly causes healthier brain development. There could be other factors that also play a role in a child's risk for developmental problems.

Future research will dive deeper into the exact reasons why green spaces might benefit children's brain development. They also want to explore whether different kinds of green spaces—like parks, walking trails, or playing fields—offer different levels of benefit.

A baby’s sex at birth might not be the equal coin toss that we’ve always believed it to be. A new study published by the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, titled, “Is sex at birth a biological coin toss? Insights from a longitudinal and GWAS analysis” challenges this long-held assumption.

The study was published on July 18 in the journal Science Advances, and it found that several factors, including a mother's age, genetics, and the sex of older siblings—may influence whether she’s more likely to have a boy or a girl.

Patterns Behind the Birth of Boys and Girls: How Was The Study Conducted?

The research looked at more than 146,000 pregnancies involving over 58,000 U.S. nurses from the NIH-funded Nurses’ Health Study, covering the years 1956 to 2015. What they found was eye-opening: families with three or more children were more likely to have either all boys or all girls than if the sex of a child was purely random.

“If you’ve had two or three girls and you’re trying for a boy, your odds aren’t 50-50 anymore,” explained Jorge Chavarro, professor of nutrition and epidemiology and the study’s senior author, in a quote to The Washington Post. “You’re more likely to have another girl.”

Also Read: It Might Not Be Diabetes; It Could Be This Common Pill Causing Heart Disease: Study

The Role of Maternal Age and Genetics

One of the biggest surprises was the link between maternal age and the likelihood of giving birth to all children of the same sex. Women who started having children after age 28 had a slightly higher chance of giving birth to only boys or only girls.

Researchers believe this could be due to biological changes that come with age, such as shifts in hormone levels or physical conditions that may affect which sperm survive and fertilize the egg.

Additionally, the study identified two specific genes that appear to be linked with the likelihood of having children of only one sex. While scientists don’t yet know how these genes affect birth sex, their discovery opens the door for further research.

Chavarro noted that future studies should explore whether lifestyle choices, diet, or even exposure to certain environmental chemicals might also play a role.

Are Families Subconsciously Seeking “Gender Balance”?

The study also touches on social patterns. In families with two children, there was a higher chance of one boy and one girl. Researchers believe this may be because couples tend to stop having children once they have one of each sex, possibly due to a preference for a “balanced” family.

This idea is supported by another paper published in the Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics, which jokingly refers to parents who have three boys or three girls as those who “lose the birth lottery.”

When Expectations Don’t Match Reality

The findings also bring up the topic of “gender disappointment”, a real emotional experience for some parents when the sex of their baby isn’t what they hoped for.

A 2023 paper in the BJPsych Bulletin found that in many Western families, this disappointment often stems from a desire to experience raising both sons and daughters.

In everyday life, these expectations can be seen in subtle remarks like “Four boys? Poor you,” or “Still trying for a girl?”, comments that reflect how deeply society views gender roles and balance, reports CBC.

What It Means for Expecting Parents

While the science behind birth sex is clearly more complex than a simple 50-50 chance, experts agree it’s not something to stress over. Rather, it’s a reminder that biology, age, genes, and personal choices all come together in ways we’re only beginning to understand.