What were your rules for taking your preemie out places when they came home?

cm42878

Our LO is 4 weeks old and was born at 35w5d, he was in the NICU for 17 days and has been home for 2 weeks today. Since he has been home we have only left the house to go to Drs appts and to meet with a LC. Our dr said we should keep him home as much as possible until he is 6-8 weeks or around 8 pounds.

 My H works nights and sleeps during the day, I have thought of taking him to my parents house the last two days but wasn't brave enough. His pedi said as long as grandma is a smoker and there aren't 50 million snotty nosed cousins running around taking him to grandmas house would be fine.

I have two friends I met online that live in the same town as we do, they both had little boys that were born within a week of my LO. They wanted to have a meetup at one of our houses in two weeks and I can't decide if I should go or not. My baby will be 6 weeks by then. WWYD?

 When did you start taking LO places? What were your rules for taking LO places?

urbanflowerpot

It really depends on the preemie (like everything else) and what particular issues/GA you had them. I think going to Grandma's (as long has she DOESN'T smoke, right, haha) is a-ok, fine! Do it. There are bugs going around, but nothing like the fall/winter where you're going to want to pull back and be more careful.

As for the meet up - personally I'd skip out on that for now. They're NB and aren't going to gain anything from each other (no social interaction) and so it's really just for your sanity (which is important!) but I'd hold off. Were their babies FT or preemies? I forget when DS had his first playdate but he was older and just starting to notice other kids and try to interact (6 mo?). But most of his playdates are with other preemies so we're always extra cautious. On the other hand, because your babies are so little they won't be touching each other or putting shared toys in their mouths so maybe you should just go! I changed my mind, how do you like that

SamJustice

Well, DS was already 2 months when he finally came home. By that time, we'd bring him every and even look for excuses to go out just so we could show him off. I just wasn't too fond of people trying to pick him out of the stroller.

PhillyGal34

My Ds was 8 w 2 d early and in nicu for 26 days. He had no issues other than learning to eat and gaining weight. His lungs were good and he was only on oxygen for a few hours. So we've taken him places with us and he's been around kids but only my niece and nephews who use sanitizer but rarely touch him.  So far he's done great.  When we go in crowded areas he is in a carrier against me so people ant touch him or in the infant carrier with a cover over. Id talk to your pedi.  But ts really what you are comfortable with. 

JennaNAaron

LO was born at 32 weeks.  She's 5 weeks now.   Like a PP said, she too only had trouble eating and gaining weight and not respiratory issues.  The pediatrician said she shouldn't go to any place that's not outside (open, airy, not crowded) until she's 4 months old.  That seems crazy to me personally.  She has an appt tomorrow and I'm going to ask about in home playdates.  She's 6lbs now and steadily gaining.  I hate sitting in the house.  Obviously I don't want her to get sick though. 

wychets

DD was born in the dead of winter (Dec 23rd) so that mad eit easier to stay home. We only went to Doc appts. Some family would come over to visit like my Parents, sister, & Aunt. No kids. I would be okay taking her to your Mom's, but I would not meet upw ith friends with kids at this point. GL!