How long did you wait before bringing your LO out in public?

M.Amy · July 2009

DH and I were invited to a cookout tomorrow night with friends and we figured it would be a great time to show off DS. However we are worried about DS being exposed to germs and too many people before he is ready.

How long did you wait before exposing your LO to new and multiple people? Is there a medical reason to hold off or am I just being paranoid and protective?

jen_and_scott · July 2009

I used to think it was just paranoia, but its medical too. the protective barrier between brain and body isn't fully sealed until around the 2mo mark.

That said, if you think you cn take LO and not let anyone else hold him, you'd probably be fine. i took dd out at 2w, and no one held her but our pastor.

mommy411 · July 2009

I wouldn't go...People are going to want to pass LO around. NO thanks...I would wait...maybe if it was just family but you don't know what people have..no your a mom now baby comes first.Also things will change.

The medical reason is you dont want LO going into the hospital because he got sick....My opinion sray home. I only took DD out to BRU for 10 min and had selective people over. I didnt want to take chances not worth it!

mavs_mama · July 2009

The day after we left the hospital! We are a very busy family and with 3 other kids our life couldn't stop!! She's been perfectly fine! Like PP said, either don't let people touch/hold him or just make everyone wash their hands!

GL and congrats!

jamie.renee · July 2009

I came home from the hospital the same day she was born. We had to go out the next day. My husband is deployed and I have 2 other kids. We have to eat, still get stuff from the store, take other kids to school etc so my life cannot just stop. I refuse to ask friends to go shopping for me unless it was an emergency and regular trips IMO are not. I did not pass the baby around though. My few friends that I am around often I have no problem letting them hold her but most never even asked, they were just happy seeing her and held her as she got older.

NY-allie · July 2009

We had friends over at 3 days and took him shopping at 5 days. Just be careful and make sure everyone washes their hands before holding him/her.

MrsG.060708 · July 2009

I made a quick trip into Target after DD's appointment at 4 days. We went to a restaurant at some point during the first week or 2. There's no way I was going to be holed up in my home for months.

Ktindall · July 2009

I took DD out 1 week after birth. She was fine and all my friends that wanted to hold her washed hands before. Actually 4 days after birth she was at the grocery store with us.

lisanjay · July 2009

we took DD out at a week. I am glad we did. In the beginning it was only to run quick errands or out to eat. But within a month or so we added in church and the mall. Two months I added in play dates.

There are so many varying viewpoints, even between the medical profession. Some docs say wait until the 2 month vacs some say get them out and exposed so they can start building their immunity. I would do what you are comfortable with. You probably won't stay long, maybe just an hour or two but you can control who holds your baby.

thefarmchick · July 2009

DS is a preemie so our guidelines I'm sure are different but our pedi told us anything outside was fine but not to let anyone hold him for atleast a month other than immediate family. She also said no walmart or mall trips for atleast 2 months.

lindzed · July 2009

I think you would be fine. I have started taking DS out to restaurants/stores/park this week and will probably take him to a friend's baby shower in 2 weeks. Most people are not going to ask to hold him when he is that little. I think its just germs you are concerned with so I would think that a cook-out is probably much cleaner than the grocery store. My DH is also deployed though so it was a little more difficult for me to stay at home and not leave for the 1st 2 months. I checked with my doctor and she said after the 1st week do what I feel comfortable with. I have a huge extended family that have all visited and held the baby. I just ask everyone to wash their hands when they come in and I keep some of the cleaning foam from the hospital in my diaper bag.

jacksjerseygirl · July 2009

We were out and about by day 5 or less - can't remember anymore. We also had to stay in a hotel for the first 2 weeks of his life so that obviously exposed him to germs and it was really best for us to get out and about!

I would NOT play pass the baby - you can take him but LO should stay in car seat/carrier or in yours and Dh's arms. I would just say when you get there that he's a little young to play pass the baby so next time people can hold him. Or, if you feel okay about this then just make sure that everyone washes their hands or uses sanitizer gel first.

hula_lula · July 2009

We took DD#1 to the store at 2 weeks, DD #2 was only about 5 days old. But with #2, she was in the sling the whole time, so no one could touch her or sneeze in her face or anything gross like that.

I would be more paranoid about people wanting to hold him passinghim around, that sort of thing, but to take him- I'd do it

instantlove · July 2009

We had her out the 1st week, but i agree, don't let anyone touch and pass her around, or take hand sanitizer with you for those who don'tunderstand no, like his family did

Want a personalized experience?

How long did you wait before bringing your LO out in public?

Re: How long did you wait before bringing your LO out in public?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards