Have you made a solo trip out yet?

Trisham1201

DS is 5 weeks old, and I'm not sure I'll ever make it out of the house.   DS cries unless he's in my moby wrap or nursing, and I can't get him to sleep in the car seat.  I've had one short outing to the passport agency and it was an absolute nightmare because DS cried almost the entire time.  I have my 6 week postpartum appointment next week, and I am terrified.  Anyone else feeling this way? Any tips for those that have had successful outings? 

andimegie325

I was terrified of going out by myself because I couldn't be in the back seat with him to make sure he was ok. I'm honestly still a little freaked, but we've managed to have several successful outings, including our anniversary dinner last night! 
For the car seat issue, DS throws a fit until I tuck him in with a blanket. I have a little ½ size minky blanket that I use to basically swaddle him after he's buckled in to the car seat. It keeps him warmer in this chilly weather and it calms him down- I don't know if you've introduced a binky, but if you have I find the "swaddle" and binky combo in the car seat a godsend. I've actually done that for one of the times he was inconsolable, and went for a drive with him, just to clear my head... And I know you won't be able to use the Moby for your PP visit, but I use mine everywhere I go. We've done grocery shopping trips and even at the restaurant with him in the wrap and it works beautifully. No bulky car seat to worry about, and DS snoozes away snuggled next to you the whole time. 

bbrownlee1

I might be on the other end of this. We stopped at the store on the way home from the hospital and then I went to an elementary cheer competition when he was 4 days old (I was a bit panicked about that at times). I have not been as adventurous the whole time though. I think my best advice would be to just go with the flow of it. I kind of just let baby lead the way. If he is hungry and I need to find a place to feed him that's alright. I don't care if people look even if I have a cover. If he is crying and I'm trying to sooth him just go with that too. Just try the best you can to not care what other people are thinking and just take care of little one like you would at home. I know you didn't say you were worried about others but I've noticed personally that, that does tend to be my underlying issue with the stares or whatever in public. 
Your appointment will be a good place to try this too since people there should be expecting babies and babies cry

bbrownlee1

Oh and completely agree with pp about bringing your wrap along!

MMKV

I have found that most of my stress was coming from my anxiety when I would think of bringing her out than actually going out! So I have been making more and more of an effort to take her out for my own sanity now that she is 5 weeks old. What helps is making sure she has eaten and has a clean diaper. Our outings are usually brief, to either a coffee shop or Target during the day when they aren't so crowded. Just make sure you have everything you need in case baby gets hungry or needs a change. And what has helped me the most is seeing other mom's out and about dealing with fussy babies. Embrace your new normal and do your best!

hannahduff3

Yes many times. I can't sit in the house for too long. 

alisongem

@andimegie325 when you use your wrap do you wrap LO outside or once you get inside? Do you wear your jacket still (if it's cold when you live)? I just got a wrap and I can't figure out the best/most convenient way to get her from car seat to wrap. 

jeanbug12

I go out everyday, but I have 2 older kids that I have to get to/from school.  I made my first trip to the grocery store with three kids last week, that was an adventure! 

andimegie325

@alisongem I was actually figuring this out last night with DH. I put the wrap on me at home... I've been wearing a nursing tank, then put the wrap on, then a cardigan, it's been more comfortable than trying to put the wrap over everything ... and when we get to where we're going I'll get in the back seat of the car to take the LO out of his car seat and put him in the wrap while we're still in the car. I have one jacket that fit while I was preggo so I wear that and zip us both up inside. It wasn't super convenient per se, but it kept him warm and not exposed to the 18 degree, windy air. 

chillmama1518

For the ladies reading this thread who haven't gone out with their babies yet, I strongly recommend it! You can do it, and worst case scenario you can go home if sh*t hits the fan. It will make you feel so much more like a normal person. See if your area has any mommy-baby groups (story time at library, baby and mom exercise class, etc) because other new moms are totally understanding if your baby has a meltdown! Get out there while your babe is still super portable

Trisham1201

Thank you so much ladies! I do think a lot of it is anxiety all in my head....the thought of having a screaming baby in public makes me want to curl up in a corner and hide.  All these tips on using the wrap are extremely helpful though, and I know LO loves the wrap so we shall venture out next week! 

danasphillips

I too have been out quite a bit because I have an older child. But DS was a fussy baby and I hated taking him anywhere (turns out he had food allergies that were making him miserable). Definitely take your wrap and know that as long as you aren't at a spa or fancy restaurant that most people are very understanding;) 

l4rk

Trisham1201 said:

Thank you so much ladies! I do think a lot of it is anxiety all in my head....the thought of having a screaming baby in public makes me want to curl up in a corner and hide.  All these tips on using the wrap are extremely helpful though, and I know LO loves the wrap so we shall venture out next week! 

My babe screamed in the grocery store for the entire 5 minutes I was there yesterday picking up bread. Nobody cared. Some people even smiled.

Bunnumber4

Just come shopping with me, my kids will be enough of a circus that no one will even glance your way...seriously though, most people don't care and those that do can go to a different aisle

nackie

I'm so impressed with all of you venturing out!  So far the only times I've even changed out of my pjs was when we had to go to the pediatrician.  Leaving the house just because sounds exhausting!  Maybe when he's not demanding to be fed every hour...

Wicked4589

The day we left the hospital we stopped a few places like the pharmacy and target. The next day we went shopping as I needed nursing bras. We had newborn photos done a few days later so I had to have suitable bras. Then we've taken trips out at least 4 or 5 times a week. I needed to get confident in having him out by myself. 

kmo8986

Yes in fact we flew to NY when dd was 3 weeks.  We are here still my grandmother passed away yesterday so we will be here another week for the funeral.  Not the best circumstances but I sure will be comfortable going out and about with her after being "alone" with her all this time (my family is here just not hubby)