Taking twins out in public

JustcallmeGG2

When did you start taking the twins out in public?  

What places are considered good and bad?  I know parks and open spaces are "good" and malls are "bad".   Where can we go to get out?

ninjabridemom

We took them out around 2 weeks for quick things. The mall was actually great b/c of when they were born -- but we'd try not to go in the stores.  But until they were about a month old we didn't do too too much.

scorch

Uh, Walmart?  I just resumed my life, because I had to.

Who told you malls were bad?  I guess I would understand if it were the winter and RSV were epidemic.  But they have to get out as much as you do.  I guess I didn't see the outside world as being scary.  And it's so much easier to do when they are small and light. 

jcath

Honestly - I don't take my girls alot of places.  It's not a germ thing...I just find it difficult. They aren't happy, I'm not happy.  Between my husband and I, having family close by, and our nanny - I usually don't need to.

I say that to say - don't feel like you have to.  If you need to/want to I think the general rule of thumb is to wait 4 to 6 weeks before you take them out in public minus drs appts.  After that you should do what you want - esp in the summer when its less risky for colds/flu/RSV 

AmyJoy728

i think 6 weeks? They say to limit going to enclosed places with lots of people until they get most of their shots. If you need to go out, then go just don't let anyone in their faces. 

violaplayer

Uhm, we went to the WIC office the day we left the hospital. Went to a birthday party for a friend at 1 week old. The sooner you start practicing going out, the easier it is.

reillyroowho

We spent their first 2 weeks in the NICU where everyone was very concerned about germs and making sure that everyone they came in contact was healthy so we went home with that mentality. Also, there was/is a whooping cough epidemic in the state I live in so we were very hesitant about bringing them out in crowded areas. They are 4 months now and I still haven't brought them to the mall yet. We go on lots of walks outside and we have been to the Farmer's Market several times with them in Ergo carriers. Also, we have taken them to friends and family's houses so it's not like we are cooped up at home all day. The weather is amazing right now so until it isn't we'll be at parks and on walks during the day!

huntertwin

We took them out shopping when they were a week old. I don't see why you should wait.

leapgirl8

We didn't take them to restaurants or social gatherings where people might want to hold them for the first month or so. But we've been to the mall, etc. with no problems. People asked questions or commented but nobody tried to touch them or get close. Our doctor's only concern was her own waiting room - she came out and whisked us right back to a room for our 2-week appointment and 1-month weight check, just because she didn't want them around sick kids. 

angelfire02

We had to stop at Target on our way home from the hospital! They were 5 days old we just kept the shades up on their carseats and people didn't get too close.  I started taking them on errands when they were 3 weeks old because I had to get on with my life and get used to taking them out. I have had experience taking young babies out so I wasn't too intimidated, but you have to get in the mindset that it might be really hard the first few times.  Try to plan your trips when the babies are full and you won't have to feed them while out.  Also plan a little extra time for all the people that will stop you and want to comment on how adorable they are so you don't get stressed out with time.   Good luck!

JEliseS

We didn't go out to too many public places until they got their shots at 2 months. Definitely to the park or at least around the block daily or I would have gone completely bonkers. Whenever we took them to the grocery store/Target/etc, prior to 2 months, we'd keep them in their car seats in the DSNG and would usually gently lay a blanket on top. People are CRAZY about twins and I didn't want other people getting too close in the beginning. You'll see though, people feel like it's okay to touch your babies without asking all the time, and when it's two, sometimes it gets more difficult to fend them away politely.

bearfootz

I panicked when they sent us home from the NICU and then said to come back in a day or two for the pediatrician visit.  WHAT? I had developed into a germ phobe with the NICU stay and didn't want my babies around those kids in the waiting room.

I think a lot of it depends on when they arrive and what time of year.  Ours were born at 33 1/2 weeks.  Our dr. told us to keep them home or at least out of crowded places until we made it through RSV season.  Quite honestly, there weren't a lot of places that I wanted to take them when they were little.  I would much rather leave them with my mom to go get groceries, but I was lucky to have some help.  The other factor was that I was laid off at the time so money was tight - didn't have the desire to shop.  And when winter arrived I had no desire to load up the kids and drive around.  I know, I was paranoid but at the time we had a high deductible insurance so we really couldn't afford for them to get sick (and wouldn't want to put them through it).  At that age, I didn't figure they'd really enjoy the outings that much anyways. 

Hmm, maybe I was a bit overprotective, they were probably 7 months before I really started hauling them around with me a lot and before they started going to church with us.

Kb103109

I started taking them out after about 6 weeks.  They were born December 6th so obviously we didn't do outside places.  We would go to the mall, or other stores and walk around to get out of the house.  Since they were about 3 months old I take them everywhere I go.  I think it is good for them to be out and about.  The only thing annoying about taking them out everywhere is that EVERYBODY has to stop me and talk for 5 minutes about how someone they know had twins and their experience.  I started just smiling and I keep walking when people see us and say "oh look twins".  I'm sure people think I am rude but I would be in the store forever if I stopped and talked to everyone. 

robinsokj

I took them to the mall the day tater they left the nicu

mirnb

I started taking them out at about 1 month...i was too tired before that! The more you go the easier it gets! I like to take them to malls because they are climate controlled!

JustcallmeGG2

Thanks everyone!