Taking Your Baby to the Park

You look out the window and find bliss with the wonderful weather. It’s as if the sun, the birds and the flowers are all inviting you to enjoy the outdoors. Then you look straight at the eyes of that little, smiling bundle of joy in your arms. This leaves you thinking if taking the baby to the park is a wise idea.

Park Days with Baby: Age Does Matter

The answer, of course, depends on your baby’s age. If he is barely a few weeks old, then no, the park is not an ideal place for your little one. Yes, I understand how much you’d like to introduce him to the wide world outside, but it’s just too soon. You see, your baby’s body is still too fragile. Even the slightest dust or pollen may irritate his skin. Not to mention that parks, no matter how well maintained they are, are the favourite thriving places of different types of small insects. Yikes!

Oh, and did I mention that parks abound with all sorts of germs and bacteria from people who cough or sneeze? Or pets that pee or shed their fur anywhere and everywhere? Or carbon dioxide from motor vehicles? Another yikes! Little one’s body has not yet developed the necessary antibodies to protect him from all of these. Wait till he’s about four months old or when he’s already able to move his head this way and that.

And if you do, make sure that you wrap him up in a Baby Swaddle to keep him warm and comfy as he learns the sounds around him - the chirping of the birds, the rustling of the leaves and the joyous chatter of people around him.

Taking the baby to the park: Safety Should Always Be First

Here are a few things to keep in mind so that your baby stays safe on the park:

• Set your little excursion in the early morning or late afternoon so that he won’t be too exposed to the sun’s powerful rays.
• Just bring the necessary items – baby bottles , a few nappies, some soft baby wipes and a small towel or two. Stuff all of these in a small bag so it won’t hamper your movement while carrying your baby.
• Choose a shady area to prevent your baby from getting too much sunlight. Baby’s sensitive skin might chap when overexposed to sunlight.
• Be wary of strangers. And never, ever leave your baby to any stranger even if your bladder is about to burst. Statistics show that kidnappings happen to 2.7 per 100,000 population. To be on the safe side, ask your hubby, a relative or friend to come with you if you intend to stay longer.
• Dispose food scraps and packages in a Ziploc bag to prevent stray dogs from smelling them and coming near you. Where there are strays, there are fleas and ticks that might cling to your baby’s clothing.

Yes, taking the baby to the park is possible as long as his age and body allows it. It also helps to take the necessary safety measures to ensure that you will enjoy these precious moments with him.

Do you have other tips about taking the baby to the park? Please write them at the comment box below so we can share them with other moms, dads and even grannies. And if you’d like more articles like this, just click here.