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AIBU?

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Original poster

2 hour walk with 6 month baby

120 replies

forageintheforest · 04/12/2022 19:57

My niece is staying with us from a hotter country. She takes the baby out everyday for a 2hour walk . All well, good for her and gets the baby some fresh air. However the temperature is due to be very cold this week, maximum 2 degrees some days. I say 2 hours is too long at this temperature. What does MN say?

OP posts:
Rockingcloggs · 04/12/2022 20:46

I'd say the longer the better providing baby is well wrapped up. What is it that you're concerned about?

MotherofaToad · 04/12/2022 20:47

I took DD out for long walks in all weather. She would get all wrapped up and fall asleep within seconds. I've got a photo of her sleeping in her pram and there's an inch of snow on the rain cover. She wasn't bothered.

Herejustforthisone · 04/12/2022 20:48

What on earth has it got to do with you?

And in what world is two hours of exercise and fresh air bad for a mother and her baby?

Snoken · 04/12/2022 20:49

It's of course fine. I grew up in northern Scandinavia and we all napped outside as babies, at least up until it got to about -15 degrees. 2 degrees is fine. Just make sure the baby's hands, feet and head are covered properly along with the rest of the body.

InTheFutilityRoomEatingBiscuits · 04/12/2022 20:50

I would and have done 8-10 hour outdoor days out and long day hikes in remote places with babies from just weeks old. I can’t remotely understand a problem with this. They were well looked after, same as they would be anywhere.

Cantbebotheredwithausername · 04/12/2022 20:51

I'm from Scandinavia, and I have a 14 months old DS. I've had him nap outdoors in all kinds of weather all through last winter. 2-3 hours at a time. As long as the baby is appropriately wrapped up, it's fine. It's not recommended if the temperature drops below -10 C, though, as young babies may develop breating problems at very low temperatures.

missymousey · 04/12/2022 20:56

Two degrees is really not that cold!

Nanalisa60 · 04/12/2022 20:57

As long as its wrapped up all cosy it will be fine. In fact I read it’s actually quite good for them Norwegians and other Nordic countries do it all the time.

azimuth299 · 04/12/2022 20:57

Babies aren't renowned for suffering in silence - I'm sure they will let your niece know if they're uncomfortable! Two hours should be fine if they're both dressed for the weather.

Scotty12 · 04/12/2022 21:01

Definitely fine, provided the baby is appropriately wrapped up.

vivaespanaole · 04/12/2022 21:02

I was always left to sleep outside in my
pram in the garden even in winter and my friends in scandinavia left their babies asleep outside cafes whilst we ate or and outside on their balconies at home.

Its fine

SereneSemolina · 04/12/2022 21:02

One of the biggest joys of being on mat leave was exploring new places and going for really long dog walks with the baby in the sling. I loved just packing a picnic and heading out straight from the school run and knowing I didn't have to be back til the older ones needed collecting.

The dog and I would love a few days like that now! I genuinely don't really remember worrying about the baby, I used to breastfeed in the sling while walking and we had a babywearing coat, or a variety of leg warmers and hats etc. I honestly think I'd be more worried in the blazing sun than in the winter.

HideTheCroissants · 04/12/2022 21:02

I took mine out for that long and longer! They’re grown up now and still live going out on long walks!

SugarNspices · 04/12/2022 21:07

Of course as long as her mum is wrapping her up to suit the weather. Its not your baby? so mind your own business

catmum88 · 04/12/2022 21:10

Am I missing something….what does this have to do with you?

Venetiaparties · 04/12/2022 21:11

A snow suit with a light blanket and the baby will enjoy the walks. A light blanket over the top and the option of mittens of course. Niece should check the temperature of the baby regularly.

It will be about 0 most days I imagine, so ensure the baby is toasty and warm and they will enjoy it

JudgeJ · 04/12/2022 21:12

My late Mum would tell the tale of me in my big pram in the garden in the snow, I say big pram because it gave lots of protection!

Cherryjaffacakes · 04/12/2022 21:21

Absolutely fine to be out and about- when I was on maternity leave with my kids as soon as they could hold their head up they went in the rucksack carrier.
Wrapping up properly is a must though. Merino wool under layers are much better than synthetic ones- babies sweat in synthetic layers then cool down. Also, if you are putting them in a sling then don't use a footed snowsuit. The way they sit can pull the toes of the snowsuit tight on their feet. My kids used to wear trousers, socks then a pair of Dh's woolly walking boot socks as legwarmers.

If its your niece taking your baby out then enjoy the peace and quiet.

LaughingCat · 04/12/2022 21:21

What says MN? Erm…pretty resounding ‘don’t be daft’ it appears 😂. I, too, think it’s fine to take a baby out for a couple of hours a day. Unless she’s not wrapping them up, let her go for it!

CarefreeMe · 04/12/2022 21:25

If it’s her baby then she can decide what is ok for her baby - unless she’s taking it out in just a nappy then it’s not your business.

However, if it’s your baby and you’re uncomfortable with your baby being out for 2 hours then tell her.

321user123 · 04/12/2022 21:26

There’s plenty of countries where temperatures are as low as -15C on a good day and life goes on.

As long as baby is dressed for weather all is good.

DuplicateUserName · 04/12/2022 21:35

Strange thread to post and run.

Soakitup37 · 04/12/2022 21:40

This is my current life with a 5 month old. Wrapped and very cosy in the pram. We’ve actually all got a cold atm but the walks and fresh air is actually doing us both good. No plans to stop for the winter with the exception of heavy rain - but that would be the case in summer too.

butterfliedtwo · 04/12/2022 21:42

Babies sleep outside in Scandinavian countries. As long as the baby is wrapped up properly, what is the problem?

MajorCarolDanvers · 04/12/2022 21:43

Excellent for both mum and baby.

And not your business