Leaving the House With a Baby

The AAP recommends limiting a young baby's exposure to crowds, other children, and anyone with a cold. Quiet walks and open-air outings are the easier first trips.

The AAP suggests gently reminding friends and family not to kiss the baby or get too close, especially if they are coughing or could be sick.

Soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, is the AAP's standard for keeping germs away from young babies.

The AAP notes that travel, including time in crowded airports, raises a newborn's chances of catching something, and suggests delaying travel for a few weeks whenever possible.

The AAP notes that changing every three to four hours, or any time the diaper is soiled, helps prevent most diaper rashes.

The AAP points out you can refill a travel-size pack from a large refill pack at home and skip the extra cost.

Newborns eat often — breastfed babies about every 2 hours, formula-fed about every 2 to 3 hours — so assume you'll feed while you're out.

The bag doubles as a spot for the dirty outfit on the way home.

The AAP recommends a hat with a brim all the way around to shield the face, ears, and back of the neck.

It works as shade, warmth, or a clean surface in a pinch.

The AAP recommends all infants ride rear facing from their first ride home from the hospital, and stay rear facing as long as possible — until they reach the seat's height or weight limit.

The straps pass the test when you can't pinch any slack at the shoulders and the clip sits at the center of the chest, even with the armpits.

The AAP warns that an inflating airbag hits the back of a rear-facing seat, right against the baby's head.

The AAP says bulky layers keep the straps from tightening properly and compress in a crash. Buckle first in thin snug layers, then tuck a blanket or coat over the harness.

The AAP is clear that it is not safe to leave a young child alone in a car for any length of time; in just 10 minutes a car can heat up 20 degrees.

The AAP suggests this habit so checking the back seat happens automatically every time you park.

The AAP says to keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight — find shade under a tree, an umbrella, or the stroller canopy.

The AAP recommends lightweight long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect skin that burns quickly.

For babies under 6 months, the AAP says to use sunscreen on small areas like the face when protective clothing and shade are not available.

The AAP notes babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct and indirect sunlight because of the risk of heat stroke.

A good rule of thumb from the AAP: dress the baby in one more layer of clothing than you are wearing to be comfortable in the same environment.

The AAP says several thin layers keep babies dry and warm, and reminds parents about warm boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.

Newborns eat about every 2 to 3 hours — breastfed babies often 10 to 12 times in 24 hours — so a fresh feed gives you the longest calm stretch.

The AAP advises limiting sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.

You're resetting the clock — the AAP notes diapers need changing about every three to four hours, or any time they're soiled.

A quick loop around the block builds confidence — you can always go longer next time.

A good-enough moment out the door beats an ideal plan that never happens.