The nursery is furnished, the diapers stockpiled and the wait for the big day is on. So much time is spent preparing for the delivery and organizing the nursery for the new baby that parents tend to forget things like the weather and how it can affect not only the comfort of your infant once she arrives home, but also that time between – getting from hospital to home.
Whenever traveling with a newborn, it pays to be prepared for anything. In some areas, weather is unpredictable at various times of the year. By thinking ahead you can keep your new baby safe and comfortable on both his first trip out into the world and once you arrive home.
Spring
"When you bring a baby home in the spring there are fewer things to worry about than in other seasons, as the weather has less impact," says Barbara Dehn, a women's health nurse practitioner from Los Altos, Calif. "[However,] the weather can have some unexpected highs/lows and showers. That's why diaper bags need so many compartments for that extra hat, socks and a blanket to cover the baby with."
The last thing new parents need is to be caught unprepared. Taking home a baby who is too hot or, even worse, too cold, can be an unhappy experience for all.
"I delivered my first (and only) in mid-May," says April O'Herron of Brecksville, Ohio. "When I was admitted, it was warm. When I came out, I was totally unprepared. The weather was cold. [My baby] was screaming [and] we hadn't practiced the car seat latch, which was difficult to engage, and I could barely get my too-lightweight jacket on."
To be better prepared, Jennifer Walker, a registered nurse and co-author of The Moms on Call Guide to Basic Baby Care
(Revell Publishing, 2007) suggests bringing two outfits for your infant. "Include a short-sleeved cotton onesie and long-sleeved cotton onesie with footies and a swaddling blanket and a hat," she says. She also recommends bringing along an umbrella for spring showers.
Summer
In the summer, the sun and its heat are the most concerning and can even be dangerous to newborns.
"Make sure the car seat is equipped with a canopy for sun protection," Walker says. "Baby skin cannot be exposed to the direct sunlight for more than 10 minutes." A sunshade is also helpful in the car, as well as functioning air-conditioning.
"My middle child was born in August, on the day after the temperature dropped from over 100 [degrees Fahrenheit] ... to about 80," says Kathy Teel of Mount Vernon, Mo. "We brought a cool little tiny baby dress to dress our baby in when we took her home, because our car didn't have air-conditioning." Thankfully for the Teels, the weather broke just before their daughter was born, but they were prepared for anything. "We had blankets, but we ended up just strapping her into her little seat with no blankets."
There are other car considerations for summertime, according to childbirth educators from Women & Infants' Hospital of Rhode Island Elizabeth Rosa and Maureen Brown Ginsberg, both registered nurses. "Check fluids in the car to avoid overheating," they say. "If using public transportation have bug netting to cover the stroller." They also recommend carrying water bottles in the car.
Upon arriving home, keeping the baby from becoming overheated is important. "In the summer, we want to be sure to have lots of ways of keeping cool, whether it's a nice cool bath, a fan or air-conditioning," says Dehn, author of Your Personal Guide to Pregnancy (Blue Orchid Press, 2004).
To keep her July baby comfortable, Jessica Rosenberg of Santa Clara, Calif., purchased a room air-conditioning unit. "I [also] researched lightweight swaddling bands, finally purchasing some nice Australian ones," she says.
Dehn does caution against having cold air from an air-conditioner blowing directly on your baby to keep her from becoming chilled.
Fall
Fall weather may be the most unpredictable of all.
"When you bring a baby home in the fall: layers, layers, layers," Dehn says. "Here's a good rule of thumb: Your baby needs one extra layer of clothing more than what you are comfortable in. So if you're wearing a shirt and sweater, your baby needs a T-shirt, another layer and a sweater."
Dehn also believes hats to be essential in the fall and winter. "We lose so much body heat from our heads that a hat keeps Baby nice and snuggly warm," she says.
Winter
In many parts of the country, winter is a dangerous time for traveling. Roads may be icy (or even impassable if your region is subject to heavy snow). Storms may be unpredictable. Thinking ahead can prepare you for just about anything.
"Make sure that the car has antifreeze in it and that you have snow chains," Walker says. An emergency kit in the car, as well as extras of things like food and water, are great ideas at any time, but especially important when charged with getting your new baby home safely.
"Be prepared for winter weather – carry a shovel and extra windshield wiper fluid in the car," Rosa and Ginsberg say. "Check tires for condition and proper inflation [and] keep extra blankets in the car." They also recommend things like a full tank of gas, making sure the car is in good running order and having a fully-charged cell phone, no matter what the season.
Teel prepared for her winter-born daughter by making some serious emergency travel arrangements. "My daughter was born in the middle of an ice storm, and the sheriff's office was making arrangements to have me life-flighted if I went into labor," she says. Though the helicopter ride proved unnecessary, having the plan in place was a smart move.
Once you arrive home in the winter months, your infant may need a few extras to stay comfortable. Keeping the nursery warm is important. "A space heater at home that is not near anything flammable [can be used] if needed," Walker says. She also recommends a cool mist humidifier for Baby's room if the heat is on.
As O'Herron learned, weather isn't the only thing that can trip you up. A tricky car seat can make things difficult in any season or weather condition.
Walker has the solution. "At any time of year, have the car seat installed properly and practice with a stuffed animal so you are familiar with the straps and how they latch," she says.
No matter what the season, preparation is key for a safe and comfortable trip home with your new baby.
