Leaving the house with newborn

ptelfra

how early on is everything thinking of leaving the house, shopping, etc with newborn? If that makes sense, like at how many weeks? Is two weeks too early to go out for a walk let's say, shopping or out for lunch? I'm a FTM so I don't know if them being outside of the house so little and fragile isn't good or if it isn't a big deal at all. Sorry I do not know how to explain what I'm trying to ask.

2gr8pits

I mall walked when my son was 5 days old. He also saw Santa that trip. We always took him out although some don't take a newborn out for a few months.

Saratiff

I'm going to see how comfortable. If I feel like going for a walk then I will. If I need to go to the store and feel up to it then sure. Germs are everywhere. It is what is. It won't be flu season, the weather should still be nice. I say why hold myself hostage.

Bailey1823A

STM and my DD was born end of July. We were out at target when she was 3 days old cause I needed something. We were outside daily too.

Starynightsky24

I took DS to target at 3 weeks old. Idk how people can stay inside for so long without going crazy.

I'm guessing DD will go out sooner since I'll also be entertaining DS this time.

benmel31

I was shopping at Kohls with my MIL and DD at 5 days old.

On my own, it was about 2 weeks before I went out because I hadn't been cleared to drive after my section.  Since it was February, we were not taking walks.

Seed0824

I plan to go outside after a few days but am going to try and hold off on malls and supermarkets as long as I can since vaccines aren't done for a few months.

mhaas28

My son starts preschool around the time baby is born, so baby has to come with me to preschool drop off. Soon after birth. I am sure we will have to grocery shop and it will be easier with just baby then baby and brother. LOL

LSquared3960

We went out to dinner for the first time at around 2 weeks, but it was the middle of winter and the weather was nasty. I plan on going out earlier than that this time around...I hated feeling stuck inside the house. 

hclzmm14

I took my baby out at a few days old for lunch. They are so easy at that point, you should definitely take advantage! Germs shouldn't be much of a problem if it isn't flu season and your baby will probably sleep the whole time. Baby wearing for walks or shopping is always great too.

amylianne

We went to the grocery store on the way home from the hospital, and sat or walked outside quite a bit. We also took him to a friend's pre-wedding event at a week old. Babies tend to have their days and nights confused for a few weeks, and for us, DS has Collic, so we didn't get out to do things for a little while other than that.

Lalala2326

I waited a while with my daughter but I had a c-section, and she was born in December. This time i plan on getting out as soon as I feel up to it (c-section again). Its not flu season, so its a little less scary. I'll babywear and make sure no one is coughing on or touching him/her, but my daughter has gymnastics lessons each week, and we usually go to the library for storytime and then go shopping each week in addition to her other normal playgroups. I'd like to get back into normal routine for my mine and my toddler's sake as soon as possible. A friend just had her baby in March with a toddler about my daughter's age, and she has been out and about quite a bit. She said its definitely a little stressful, but she's managing pretty well with babywearing.

jlbeaudry

I had the same thought. I am planning on breastfeeding and I am a MOH in a wedding two weeks after my due date. I want hubby to bring baby so I can breastfeed. But I am worried about ppl touching my baby when it may be 1-2 wks old. Maybe I will just go to the ceremony and then ditch.

Wering

My husband and I stopped at WalMart with my daughter on the way home from the hospital. What can I say, I hadn't been home in a few days and we needed milk! 

Most people are respectful about not touching your child. Some aren't - and I have been flat out rude to them after I politely asked them to stay back and they did not. Similar to the belly. Most won't touch, but there are some people who just have no boundaries. 

Take the baby out. It'll be good for you AND baby. If you're uncomfortable going somewhere crowded, don't go there (though I did - and will). But get out of the house! You'll go stir crazy. 

KMBC2552

I will be going for walks and short shopping trips almost immediately. I have two boys at home and they are not fans of staying in the house. 

I generally wear the baby so I have never had anyone try to touch them. 

The biggest thing is, do what you feel comfortable with and listen to your body.

love4yourlocks

For sure within the first couple of weeks. It will still be really hot here so we will probably go for morning or night walks and to the park with my toddler.

jesselayne8

Took DD out at 5 days old in December because she had no NB clothes. I wore her and no one tried to touch her. I took DS out to lunch at 5 days old after his newborn photo shoot. He stayed in the car seat with a light blanket over it so I don't think anyone even saw him. I will be out with #3 as soon as I feel up to it.

victoriaaa1

Doctors recommend you try and keep baby in for about a month while your baby's immune system is getting used to all the germs and what not already about him/her and once they've had there shots .

jesselayne8

victoriaaa1 said:

Doctors recommend you try and keep baby in for about a month while your baby's immune system is getting used to all the germs and what not already about him/her and once they've had there shots .

They don't get shots until 2 months. Enjoy your hibernation.

cosplaymom

My pediatrician actually recommended to be careful for two months; the first month is the most delicate though.

Taking the baby to Target is different than taking them to church or daycare or anywhere they will be around a lot of people who want to touch and hold the baby. I think we waited about 2 months before bringing our daughter to church. But I took her to Target earlier. Just be careful about washing hands while out and keep her carrier mostly closed to prevent people touching who haven't been washing up.

e1223

My due date is 8/20, and our State Fair (which I live less than a mile from) starts on 8/27... I am very likely going to go, but it's all outside and I'll keep the baby in a moby/Ergo carrier the entire time. It's a big deal for my other kids so I at least want to go with them for a few hours, even if I am mostly just sitting on a bench nursing a baby. I am more concerned about walking around myself too much right after birth (and having excessive bleeding which happened after #2) than any risk to the baby.

Edited to add - this is #3 for me and with both of my first kids I think I was out of the house within a week. I know with #2 it was even less than that. I really don't think it matters at all and is not something I'm remotely concerned about.

ann_jeremiah

This is baby #3, I have no reservations leaving the house with baby whenever I need/want to. 

Lalala2326

e1223 said:

My due date is 8/20, and our State Fair (which I live less than a mile from) starts on 8/27... I am very likely going to go, but it's all outside and I'll keep the baby in a moby/Ergo carrier the entire time. It's a big deal for my other kids so I at least want to go with them for a few hours, even if I am mostly just sitting on a bench nursing a baby. I am more concerned about walking around myself too much right after birth (and having excessive bleeding which happened after #2) than any risk to the baby.

Edited to add - this is #3 for me and with both of my first kids I think I was out of the house within a week. I know with #2 it was even less than that. I really don't think it matters at all and is not something I'm remotely concerned about.

The fair is actually one place I won't go with a newborn. For some reason around here within a few days of the fair starting there is ALWAYS a huge outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease. Enough of a correlation that my daughter's pedi was even telling me about it... Too many little kids all in one place touching the same rides/games/etc... My husband may bring my daughter to it (along with a bottle of hand sanitizer...), but I'm not bringing a newborn there just cause of such predictable issues around here.

e1223

Well now you have to say what state you're in! I've never heard of this, and we go several times each year. Even if we stayed away, like I said we are SO close to the fairgrounds that it'd probably make it's way to us somehow (through kids at daycare, friends) anyway

bpwife&mama

victoriaaa1 said:

Doctors recommend you try and keep baby in for about a month while your baby's immune system is getting used to all the germs and what not already about him/her and once they've had there shots .

Nope. Took DS out early after he was born And was fine.

Lovemyboys0312

I have one starting kindergarten and one starting preschool 2 days before I'm due. This baby will be out and about the day after we get home. With 2 other kiddos in school, this little guy is going to be exposed to germs one way or another. And if you wear baby or cover the carrier with a blanket, people don't usually get to close.

Gooblin

Depends on the baby and your birth! My first I felt ready the next day(I was also 19) I did to much to soon and was put on bed rest for 3 weeks! My second 5 days after birth I was great went shopping, church everything and was fine. My third... Dear lord in heaven, I was off my game for 3 months! I didn't even want to do anything I was so tired and everytime I did I would start bleeding randomly. Def just listen to your body! Don't make plans but go with whatever you feel up too. Having expectations always kills me so I try to just go with the flow then I'm never disappointed. :P

PixelPosy

Those are great questions for your pediatrician. DD was jaundice so we saw our pedi when she was just 5 days old to check up on it, but I think if all is well, most want to see babies at 2 weeks? When DD was born RSV was really bad and putting lots of kids right back in the hospital, so our pedi had some great advice on how to keep her safe. 

You can definitely get out of the house for short walks/trips if you're feeling up to it. But remember you're recovering too, so you don't want to do too much too fast. Your OB will guide you there too. Plus as a FTM getting out of the house feels like a really big deal, I think I packed the entire nursery for a short trip to the doctor. 

Best advice I have, you do not have to be nice and let strangers ogle your baby. Some people just can't help themselves from wanting to touch and kiss your little bundle, and it is perfectly fine to tell them no. Let your mama bear instincts rule. 

rkmmore

fourth child here so life must go on , as long as bubs and I are healthy and dressed to the weather we will be carry on as normal as soon as discharged from hospital, it will be winter here so will have wind/rain cover on the stroller and no random people will be allowed to peek inside 

Lalala2326

e1223 said:

Well now you have to say what state you're in! I've never heard of this, and we go several times each year. Even if we stayed away, like I said we are SO close to the fairgrounds that it'd probably make it's way to us somehow (through kids at daycare, friends) anyway

We are in Oklahoma. I'm not sure what it is, but fair week and the week after are just know for hand, foot and mouth around here. :P

WDDCH

Honestly probably something to feel out for yourself, if you feel up to it. A couple walks around the block will do you a LOT of good postpartum, mentally and emotionally, but walking can increase bleeding the first couple of weeks so you still need to take it easy. There's no rush so a nice leisurely stroll will boost endorphins (happy hormones) and baby should be just fine so long as the sun is out of his or her eyes. I will wear baby and hold a receiving blanket over her head if we're not in the shade.

Babies also can't have sunblock so you don't want to stay out too long, try to stick to shadier areas. Early morning or dusk will be a lot less sun exposure.

daniellepanda

I had a c/s last time, and plan to again this time. We went to target the day after we came home which was at 5 days old. It was the end of January, but we live in Southern California so weather is not really an issue here. I cannot sit in the house for days I would go crazy. I don't plan to stay inside for long after this one either. Unless I have a really bad recovery from the c/s (last time was easy for me).

lelesmom

As soon as I was discharged only one day after having her we took her to a restaurant and a few days later took her to the grocery store.. I never acted like a germaphobe FTM even though I probably should have!

sjra1028

Anytime if you're up to it early enough! I'm having a c-section, so I probably won't feel like walking around too long for a couple of weeks. My son had a slight case of jaundice when he was born and I was advised to get him in a little sunshine everyday so I tried to at least take him outside.

heath3er

With my first we went out early, I had a csection and hated being couped up, I would meet a friend and we would walk the mall. Baby was in his carrier and stiller and no one came up to us. I also like the signs you can buy about germs, and not touching your baby they have now. I think it all depends where you live. Luckily it's not flu season, and I always had extra antibacterial supplies Incase the crazy old lady touched him.

jorstad1

We checked out of hospital at 36 hours went home showered packed a diaper bag and drove 45 min to get to 2 family Xmas
I just said the little kids couldn't touch her
That was Xmas day
New Year's Day we were at IKEA shopping and sleeping over at in laws for another Xmas celebration

She is now 11 and never missed a day of school do to illness

Gasbarro2011

Lalala2326 said:

e1223 said:

Well now you have to say what state you're in! I've never heard of this, and we go several times each year. Even if we stayed away, like I said we are SO close to the fairgrounds that it'd probably make it's way to us somehow (through kids at daycare, friends) anyway

We are in Oklahoma. I'm not sure what it is, but fair week and the week after are just know for hand, foot and mouth around here. :P

I haven't hear about that hitting the OK state fair.  I was planning on going at least once with the baby in the stroller and covered up.  I never miss the fair.  I guess I'll play it by ear and talk to our pediatritian this year.

gulimz

Do whatever makes you and the babe comfortable I've seen like 5 day olds out and about.
I personally will not be taking my little one out {except backyard for some sun} for 40 days because it's a very very old tradition in "the old country" where I'm from.... But, I also have a MIL that lives next door and mom that lives 2 blocks away so I can leave the babe with either of them while I go out to shop, run errands, lunch whatever.....

schup156

With my daughter we were out for walks and at the store the day we went home from the hospital.  Within the first week we had gone out to eat a few times with family that came to visit and were out on the boat fishing.  I think it depends on how you and baby are feeling/doing and what you feel comfortable with.  I know that this time around with an active 3 year-old we won't be staying in the house for long either, which is good because I'd go nuts after just a few days I'm sure.  I went crazy just being stuck in the hospital after delivery!

Thrashn

If you're worried about germs, put little mittens or socks on baby's hands so that grabby strangers don't have skin to skin contact. If you're breastfeeding they'll get all the good antibodies from you. I think when you feel ready to leave (once you're recovered) is a good time to stretch the legs on a nice outing.

ptelfra

Thanks everyone for the feedback!