We first took LO out (for something other than a doctor's visit) at around 2 weeks. We just went to Target across the street from our house and then home. Since then he has been on a couple of grocery trips, a couple of dinners out, church, and a little bit of shopping close to the house, but he only left the house twice a week maximum. The in-laws are in town visiting and they are not the type to sit still very long. They want to go out and about with LO everywhere. Yesterday we went and did a little shopping close to home, and went to Lowe's to pick up some paint for the house, and then he got cranky and we came home. They want to go to IKEA today, and they wanted to go to lunch beforehand too but I said only one place because it's soooo hot outside and getting him in and out of the car in this heat makes me nervous (it's 110). Then I told them we should keep him home for the next couple of days to give him a break. I just get so nervous going all over the place with him...the heat, the germs...
Am I being crazy? How often does your LO go out and where do you go?
Re: How often do you take LO out?
I'd say we go out at least 5 days a week, but it's usually small trips. I try to avoid going on more than one 'outing' a day, because I find it overstimulates LO and even if he's OK during it, he tends to be fussier in the evening.
If we had a really busy or really fussy day, I usually try to make the next day calmer.
I know you have a preemie, and although DS is not a preemie he has always been (and still is) on the small side. People think he is a preemie, but he was born at 39 weeks. I feel like people look at us like we are crazy having such a tiny baby out shopping and what not (they never believe he is a month old).
This is kind of how I feel. We were always very active people before he arrived, and I want him to be okay going out and being busy. I do use hand sanitizer, etc. when we are out before I touch him. The heat issue is hard because of where we live (PHX). We have temps over 100 for 5 or 6 months out of the year. I guess he has to get used to it since he lives here, but while he is so small I get nervous.
I've started taking DD out more often but at first we stayed close to home -- I'm in Memphis and the weather has been dangerously hot here. Her first week and a half we were in the process of moving (and we'll be moving again this weekend) so she was out and about the majority of the day.
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I take my kids out every day and have since my 10 week old was 5 days old. Keep in mind that I also have a 2.5 year old. We go for walks all the time, to the park, Target, grocery store, zoo,etc. Just make sure you use the regular precautions with germs (like no playing pass the baby with obviously sick people,etc) and make sure you LO is dressed appropriately for the weather. However, if you aren't comfortable taking your LO out all the time, don't let anyone pressure you into doing so.
This, but I have a 1 yr old. She needs to be out and I need her to for my sanity.
I take DD2 with me when I want/need to, and leave DD1 with DH (he's been on vacation). Unfortunately we live in the boonies and there's nowhere to go 'cept walmart and the grocery store. It's 1 1/2 hours to the nearest Target :
If we lived in the city I'd take her out a lot more. I used to take DD out all the time, and just nurse in the parking lot before going in the store.
A couple times per week at least. She goes where I go. I have/want to do stuff or I'd be out of my mind!
She also spends a lot of time with me outside as long as it's not too hot.
This, even though one or two days a week it might only be going for a walk with the dog. He can sleep anywhere, and he is happy/sleeps in both the car and the stroller. DH just finished a week of nightshifts, so LO and I went out everyday for a bit to give us a break from tiptoeing around the house while he slept.
I'm not really a shopper, so LO and I have been staying home for the most part because of the Florida heat. I take her for walks around our neighborhood or the park in her stroller or a baby carrier in the evenings, but other than that, it's too hot to do outdoors activities and that's what I'd be doing if we could go anywhere.
DH and I take turns with errands, like grocery shopping, b/c we can get it over with much quicker rather than bringing DD with us.
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During my maternity leave, we went somewhere almost every day. I am NOT a SAH person, and it's been too hot to just sit outside. I would go turn the car on and get it cooled off, and then head out. I always made sure to park in the shade and kept the door of the van open to help cool it off before headed home. I also keep him in just a onsie and socks (because stores/restaurants are almost always cold), no blanket, pants, etc...
Now he's at daycare, and I try to stop before picking him up... but only because he doesn't like his carseat. If we need to go to the store, DH and I go together so one of us can wear him in the wrap (or just carry him depending on how quick the trip is).
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Baby is 5 weeks old and I go out pretty much every day for errands or to work a few hours. As far as germs, I only let the kids at DD's preschool touch baby's feet, as they are easily washed. Adults can hold her if they've washed, and ambient germs.....well, you can't do much about them, anyway!
If your LO gets cranky/fussy/sweaty while out and about, then I'd reduce the outings. Other than that, I do my usual routine and bring her along.
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We stay home as much as possible. I'm really paranoid about germs. I do have a 3 year old though so we can't stay home all the time. Luckily we have a lot of family close by to help entertain my older son and take him places so I can stay home with the baby. We have gone to family functions and out to lunch and dinner a few times. I haven't had to take him to the grocery store or any other big stores yet. I wait until DH is home to go shopping. I'm waiting until he has his 2 month vaccinations to take him out more.
Every day. We go for a walk in the morning in the moby to get a coffee or to the store, then usually a walk in the evening as well. I'm in Seattle and the temps are mild, though. It would be really hard if it was hot b/c LO only wants to be in the car if someone is sitting next to her and letting her suck on their finger. I'm not afraid of germs, but even here LO will start to overheat sometimes.
DH also has some time off right now so we've been camping in our camper van since she was 3 weeks old. We both go stir crazy if we're not doing something.
I try to limit LO's outings right now. We usually go somewhere twice a week. If we spend a long time away from home she seems to be cranky for the rest of the day/night. We made the mistake of being at a dinner party too long with her (didn't get home until around 9:00 p.m.) so she didn't sleep so well that night. I think it's important to take them out but not to over do it.