It depends. The first thing to consider is your baby's ability to eat without you there. A formula-fed baby can be left with another caregiver as soon as you feel comfortable leaving them. If you're breastfeeding, it's important to wait until breastfeeding is well established, which typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks.

From a developmental perspective, a newborn can be physically away from its mother for short periods almost immediately, but there are significant health and biological factors to consider. In 2026, pediatricians generally advise that the first 2 to 4 weeks (the "neonatal period") are critical for establishing a secure attachment and a successful breastfeeding routine, as frequent skin-to-skin contact regulates the baby's heart rate, temperature, and blood sugar. If a mother is breastfeeding, being away for more than 2 to 3 hours can be difficult until a pumping routine is established, usually around 6 weeks. For non-breastfeeding parents, short separations of an hour or two are perfectly safe from the start, provided a trusted caregiver is present. However, because newborns have undeveloped immune systems, it is a grounded peer recommendation to avoid crowded public places without the mother for the first two months. Ultimately, the "right" time depends on the mother's physical recovery, the baby's health, and the family's specific needs, but the biological "tether" is strongest during the first month of life.