I Want to Take My 1 Year Old Out for Walks in the Morning

R., your right not everyone will agree with you. I have 2 kids and one on the way and I have always had my kids outside. I don't think 15 min is an unbearible amount of time, also it depends on if he has a cold and how the weather is that day. Us your best judgement, if it's not so old that morning stay out for a while the colder it get shorten the exposure. I can't keep my kids in either and from what my parents tell me I was outside all the time as well. Mine even like to play in the rain during the summer, I let them!

I don't think theres anything wrong with it, as long as he's bundled up warm. 10 or 15 minutes isn't going to kill him. We had out kids out at the flea market this past weekend. And that was a couple HOURS, lol. I mean, it was a little chilly, but some warm coats, blankets & hats...they had good time, got LOTS of fresh air, & my lil guy even took a nap in the stroller. Use your own judgement, you know when its not safe. He'll prolly just like the time with you, lol. Good luck!

Some of my fondest childhood memories are Winter ones. Sledding late at night when all you can hear is the crunch of the snow, Girl Scouting, ice skating, cross country skiing, making snow angels, snow forts, snow men, Snowy NYC shopping with my Mom,and my Aunt. I know these thoughts are ahead of what your question pertains to, but I'm sure if you love Winter, the memories that you will create will be as crisp in your childs mind as mine are. My Dad is gone now, some of these special peaceful, beautiful winter wonderland memories that I have with him are extremely special to me. From the child's point of view, There's something special about the extra effort involved to bundle up and, put the effort into going outside with you, or show you something special. A silent night broken wide open, echoing with the laughter of my family sledding is one of my favorites. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to recall them, share them and inspire me to pass them on to my three year old.
P.S. coming inside, stripping off the warm clothes and drying mittens etc.. by the woodstove, and getting something to eat to warm you up are also a part of the snuggly memories!!

R., honey, whatever ANYbody thinks of what you are doing when you bundle up your sweetie and connect with him; it's none of their business! You said, "He just loves being outside..." There's your answer! You're happy, he's happy. As long as he's dressed warmly enough, I can't see a thing wrong with it!

By the way, some of my son's favorite times to go outside is in the more challenging weather! As soon as it starts raining, out he goes to play with the rain! Same with the snow. We've gone outside together in 0-degree weather to see what happens when you take a bucket of water and throw it up in the air. Try it with your son next time it gets that cold! This world was meant for us to experience it in all its wetness and coldness and windiness and snowiness and beauty! I applaud you for doing it!

I applaud you for connecting with him whenever and wherever you can!

Enjoy!!!

P.S. Please try to lose that fear of what others think, especially when it comes to your parenting. Folks are always going to be judgmental about other people's parenting. Nothing we can do about that. Just parent from your heart. You always know in your heart what's right and what's not right.

We live in the Adirondacks. My daughter was born in Nov of 2005 and from the time she was 8 days old we've been outside all day everyday. I do farm work for a living, so she's always out and about with me. She has yet to be sick, not even a cold *knock on wood*.

Add a layer more to your son than you wear yourself, find some good mittens, a hat, and a scarf (you can wrap it losely around his face and keep an eye on it). If he's got adequate layers and other than his face, there's no skin exposed, he should be just fine. Kids don't seem to mind the cold as much as we do. :)

If his outside time is spent in a stroller maybe invest in a rain cover which, if nothing else, will help to keep the brisk wind off of him (and give you peace of mind).

Good luck! Enjoy the outdoors and love having someone so special to love!

Kate

The tragedy would be NOT bringing him out!!! Bundling him up good and exploring the out doors is wonderful experience for both you and him. Even if it's snowing and you have the desire and energy bring him OUT. . . .don't worry about what others think of you. That would rob you and your son of all these memories. M.

i think you should continue to take him out as long as he is totally bundled...the fresh air is great for him. but if its bitter cold i wouldnt go....dont worry about what other moms think! its none of their business

First of all - kudos to you for strong will and persistance! I admire you that you are willing to get up early to take your son for a walk! I think it's perfectly fine, as long as it is not very windy, and freezing wet outside (that tyoe of cold that kind of eats through your cloths!). Bundle him up really warm, put a protective ointment on the exposed body parts (I assume just cheeks and top of the nose) and give him something warm to drink after you get back. I would also suggest the hat that covers ears and cheeks and has a closure under the chin (or even those hats that skiers wear, that you pull through the top of your head and just your yeas are out). Otherwise - you two should be fine and working on improving your good health and immunity!
As I said - I admire you and will try to think of you every time I feel too lazy to take my children outside!!!
Take care and enjoy your walks!

Hi R.!
I'm from NJ, but currently my husband and I and two boys (almost 5 and almost 2) are living in Russia....and it get REALLY cold here in the winter. I take my boys out all winter long (unless it's like -10 outside then it's not possible). But temperatures that are like 30 degrees are fine for the kids as long as they're bundled, otherwise they just won't enjoy it. But I would put some cream on his little cheeks cause they can get chapped easily. Otherwise, go for it. I'm sure he'll always remember those walks...it'll give him a good fresh start in the day and he'll probably be really tired by nap time!!! :) Plus, in our day of obesity...this may give him a good habit...get up and get going!!! Have fun with your little one!

There is nothing wrong with taking your son outside. Even in the winter as the snow flies - go for it! My kids have always loved being outside in all kinds of weather. As long as there is no lightning near or far they can go for it! That is why people make raincoats/boots and down coats and wooly hats & mittens. If my kids don't get out daily, they get very grumpy!

First of all...who cares about what other people think! So long as you are being the best mother you can be.. then that's what is important!!

Second of all, I don't think of what you are thinking of doing is such a bad thing. So long as he's bundled up - all should be fine!!

Have fun!!

It's not crazy at all. I think it's a great idea. You're getting your exercise, your son is getting the fresh air he craves and needs and you're both getting in some time together. Right now the mornings are brisk and perfect for a short walk; as it gets closer to winter you'll have to decide on a daily basis if the weather is suitable for a walk, and for a stretch in January/February you probably won't be able to take him out at all. Don't let the fear of what others will think stop you; there will always be someone who's arrogant enough to think he/she can do a better job of parenting your child than you can no matter what you do. Only you know what's right for your child.

I say go for it!
As long as you feel SAFE walking in yor neighborhood at that hour - the weather shouldn't matter at all. I'd even say walk in the snow, the rain, whatever. AS long as the two of you are dressed appropriately for the weather .....
Isn't this the point of all the fleece, goretex, Bundle-me units for carriages, all-terrain carriages? GET THE KIDS OUTSIDE! Use the time you CAN share together in ways that please you both.

Assuming he's awake at that hour and you don't have to wake him for the adventure....

I have always worked odd hours and have found the pre-dawn hours to be magical - YEAR ROUND! Listening to birdsong, watching the sunrise, stepping into the first snow before it's all muddied and icy.

I think you and your son will create visual and sensory memories togther that most children will never get!

Good LUck.

I think its a great idea. As long as he is dressed for the weather, there is nothing wrong with it. I use to have to take my son to the sitter in the winter months when he was less then one years old, that meant walking quite a bit in the cold weather but I just bundled him up and went. Its good to expose him to different things it might reduce the getting sick factor. Some parents think that the way to keep their kids from getting sick is to shield them from EVERYTHING, but in truth if they don't get exposure to it they won't become immune to it. And they will end up getting sick more often. My son is three and his school will take them outside for playtime even in 30 degree weather, because exercise is good for them. But I would put some kind of lubricant such as vasaline on the cheeks because they do tend to get a little dry.

Go ahead & take him out. It's not that cold. M.

Hi R.-
I also have a 1yr old that loves to be outside.
I think as long he is bundled he is fine.
The fresh air is good for them and they are also learning new things while outside.
So I say bundle & have fun!!

I 'second' some of the other messages re: being diligent about moisturizing/protecting his cheeks - esp. if he tends to eczema, which my little one does. We always put on a thick coat of Eucerin/Aquaphor or Vaseline (or another one I like, Alba's Un-petroleum Jelly) - and it really seems to help.

Have fun and stay warm!

Cold weather isn't bad for a child. So long as they are dressed appropriately, a walk is a good thing. Enjoy it.

No one will think you are crazy. I live near the beach and boardwalk and from 6am on, the moms are out there, coffee and dog leash in one hand and pushing the stroller with the other. Take you baby out if he enjoys it. He'll let you know if he gets too cold.

Have you tried a BundleMe?: http://www.jjcoleusa.com/obm.php; http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...

(My daughter and I were out for most of the day all year long when we lived in NYC, cold or not, without a problem.)

Babies love the outdoors. last winter, I bought one of those blanket things that attach to the stroller. So I would bundle him up, and then zip up the blanket cover. As long as it wasn't windy, we were OK. Last winter the wind was pretty bad for a while, so those days we couldn't go no matter how much he was bundled. Weather permitting, I think it a good idea. Also at nights, if I feel he needs to go out and it's too dark, we go to a slow mall. This time of the year it's hard to find a quiet mall though.

R.,
Go for it!! My oldest daughter and I were ALWAYS out taking walks in the morning when she was an infant and she has always loved it!! The fresh air and change of scenary does them good!! It's good quality time with your son that allows him (and you) to find enjoyment in the things around you. My daughter and I still enjoy our walks together! Anyways, it's not the cold that makes a child sick, it's germs. Hope this helps. Take care, B.

I support you all the way on this one! I love to take my son out for walks whenever I can! He loves to be outside and the fresh air and excercise are really good for you. Just make sure to bundle yourseld and the baby up appropriately before heading out and don't worry about what other people think! They should be out there walking too!

I am 48 years old and have raised 5 kids. I always took my children outside in the cold for walks, playgrounds, etc. Even when the weather was WAY colder than 30 degrees. As long as your child is WELL BUNDLED with layers of clothes it WILL NOT hurt them. Snow suits on top of other clothes work well. Just make sure hands and feet are covered well to avoid frostbite and that you don't allow your child to get wet and you will be fine. Anyone who has a problem with you doing it just needs to "get a life". You go girl! Enjoy your child while they are little because as they get older they tend to go about their merry way and you will regret the times you could have but didn't spend time with them. There is NO LEGITIMATE medical opinion that says taking your child out in the cold when he or she is bundled well is harmfull (unless they are already sick). Hope this helps. Mary

Hi R.,
I have a 1 year old boy also and I never hesitate to take him out for a walk - no matter what the temp. He loves to be outside also and as long as he is bundled up he is fine. I avoid taking him out for walks if it is raining, snowing or very windy. He handles the cold much better than me! You do what feels right to you and what you think is best for your little boy. Nobody is going to think anything of it...and if they do...just don't worry about it! Enjoy your walks!
K.

Hi R.,
I know you have alot of responses here, but I wanted to add my input. Definitely take your little guy out for walks, both my little ones LOVE being outside. I want to suggest a couple of products though: the JJ Cole Bundle Me bag is great, it fits right in your stroller and you don't have to worry about a blanket getting bunched up or slipping off. Also, I use Mustela Hydra-stick on their little cheeks and noses to help prevent chapping (it applies really easily!!). You can also get a weather barrier cover to fit most strollers. All these things combined should ease your mind and just let you enjoy your walks with your baby boy!! Good luck and keeping walking!

Hi R., I think it's great.Just bundle him up with his coat, hat and blanket and I'm sure he will be fine.
I actually saw a mom the other morning walking her child and she had a clear plastic cover over the stroller to keep the wind out.I believe it was a rain cover but seemed to work out real well for this mom.Might be something to look into.
I hope you continue to enjoy your morning walks with your son!

I would do it. Obviously you will bundle him up - my only concern would be his exposed cheeks...I put a thin coating of vaseline on my babies cheeks to protect him from the cold and wind (he's 7 months. I'm a bif fan of chapstick too but haven't used it on the baby yet - by 1 yr though, I probably would. If you're concerned about the any wind, the cover for the carriage is a good idea or I often just pull the canopy down with each turn - depending on the wind. You and your child will know how you're handling it.

I say wrap him up and go!!! As long as he has a coat and warm accessories he will be just fine! My sons love being outside too and I see no harm in letting them be outdoors. Plus right now it maybe only 30 degrees but it's not like it is 30 below! You are only going to be a short time anyway. Do it! You will both enjoy the time with each other! Have a great brisk morning walk!

My children are now older (14, 12, 11), but I have always taken them out in all weather (remember, cold doesn't cause colds, germs do!). We've walked in rain and snow and splashed in puddles and streams of all temperatures. They are the healthiest kids I know! I think the morning walks will be a bonding time he'll always remember. Good luck and enjoy your walks.

I used to walk my nathan at night in the stroller too... I'm also frustrated by the time change situation... I say, GO FOR IT with the bundling up for walks even when it is cold! Especially since you both enjoy it so much! Layers, clothing, and maybe some warm camomille tea when you come in (if you give tea to your child that is). My son is 16 month and used to like the warm tea, but not anymore! A good blanket to cover his feet and a good hat/gloves will help of course. enjoy!

H.

I'm a blunt kinda person. My mother says I have no 'cuth' whatever that is. My children are all nearly grown, but I sure remember stroller days. The only thing I feel from your words is GUILT and disappointment with hubby. It seems kinda crazy to me to need to bundle up and go out at dawn to share some quality time. You know your baby better than anyone. I wonder if he just wants mommy time or you do. I just two minutes ago checked on my 17 year old daughter who is sleeping as it is one a.m. I covered her, kissed her forehead, touched her hair and whispered in her ear, "mommy loves you" as I have nearly every night since she was born, then shut off her light. In her sleep she said, "I love you too, mommy." She doesn't say "Mommy" anymore when she is conscious. Your boy knows you. He feels it. Why don't you avoid cold mornings and relax a bit. It's ok to work and love it and communicate to your son and create moments that he'll remember. Dad doesn't have to do your job for you. He can have his own moments with his son. It's ok. It works out in the end. Hug yourself and know you're doing fine. You don't need to do more or find more time or find more ways. Your son senses every emotion you have. He knows you want to do more. Calm down.

Personally I think it's a great idea! Even down to 25 degrees...if it's not too windy and he's bundled up, the fresh air is healthy. I always allow an extra 15 min or so to get my 15mo old to the car before school because she loves to pick up leaves and acorns in the front yard. Don't let anyone tell you it's a bad thing for him or you.

Please take your son outside in the morning... It is fine...and if he is bundled there is nothing to worry about.

As long as you bundle him up really well, there's nothing wrong with taking him out for walks in the morning. I did it for years.

I would do it, as long as he's not sick, bundle him up and take him out.

Take him out!!! As long as he is bundled up (and I suggest you get a 'Bundle Me' for your stroller-they are fabulous!), there is no danger to him. My son loved being outside even when it was cold. Here's another tip, put the rain cover on your stroller when you take him out in the morning. It will block the wind and he'll be cozy, warm, and dry inside the plastic cover. Enjoy your time w/ him and don't worry about what other people will think.

I would say that 30 degrees is a bit brisk for baby. I did google it up out of curiosity though, and I find...

http://www.drgreene.com/21_55.html

It may not be a very good idea, yet not too terrible. Some risk factors, none of them seemingly life threatening.

If baby does go out with you, protect his soft skin on his face with a good coating of chap stick (that's what I use) on his lips, nostrils, and cheeks.

I know you are mostly interested in the fresh air, but maybe a couple laps in the mall or something would get you the exercise nad trip out instead?

I think it's great that you are willing to get up a little earlier to have this special time with your son. As long as you bundle him up- maybe even get a one piece snowsuit- Land's End sells a great, super comfy fleece one, he should be fine. He'll let you know if he's uncomfortable. Taking a nice brisk walk on a crisp morning will be good exercise for you and he'll love all the late fall scenery. Your neighbors may think you are a great mom who loves spending time with her son or they might think you are a little kooky, but who cares what they think. I bet that little boy thinks you are terrific and that's all that matters! Hope this helps.
N.

Hi! My name is A., I saw your question on walks and also noticed you hada question about formula. Go to freecycle.org and find a group in your area and post. I've given and gotten lots of stuff there. Moms always seem to be looking for free formula, but won't admit it until you offer.

I live in CT so I know your dilema. I also have a 2 yr. old boy. TAKE HIM OUT! It's the best thing you can do for yourself and for him. We started walking from day one. I bundle him up and out we go. It's great, we meet neighbors and their pets, too. Plus the fresh air helps later with a nap, and the illnesses were few and far between last year, so I think being out helped as well. He loves it, especially as he's gotten older. It's good for him to explore. Don't worry about what other people think- you'll drive yourself crazy. Your his Mom, nobody else is. I get looks all of the time, even in the summer when we're out in the evening. They need to run and play and breath fresh air.

I walk all year round, just dress appropriately. Go for it and don't stop!

If you want to read an excellent author on boys: Michael Gurian. I've read several of his books and it's the best thing I could have read, forget the other books.

Good luck and happy walking!

A.

The best thing you can do is take him out for fresh air, even if it is very cold. Only if he is sick keep him in. Otherwise, you are choosing the healthier option of taking him out.

I don't think its crazy at all. My kids love to go out too, they wait at the door for me to open it when im getting dressed. I get so mad at my sister who has a 14 month old and they never take him out. I give you credit for taking him out so early. She would never take him for a walk before walk, which is actually a great idea. It's no good for the kids not to go out. My grandmother actually told me kids get more sick by staying in all time than by going out. Thats why my nephew is always sick! lol Anyway,good luck with your son's father. We're all great moms :)

Last winter my car broke down and I had to take my two children out into the cold to catch buses. There are plenty of people who have to take their children into the winter cold every day whether they like it or not and I'm sure their children don't suffer because of it. Escpecially in places like NYC where people have to walk to catch subways and buses every day.

There was one rude lady last year who went off on me for having my children in the cold but when I asked if she was going to give us a ride home she backed off. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about doing something for your child.

At one...little ones skin is pretty senstive. Give it a try and see if he's fussy or cranky. It might be different for him to breathe in such cold weather, but you could try it. You could always get one of those covers that goes over the stroller with the vents to protect him more from the elements. It won't be long though and you won't be able to go because of all of the snow on the sidewalks.

I think that it is a great idea to take him out, especially if you bundle him up. My son was born in October and I used to take him for walks all the time, but if it was really windy, I would limit the time I was outside with him. Good Luck with everything!