Bad to take baby out?

MrsMegan922 · January 2011

So - I have a busy week and will be out everyday this week with LO. Why does part of me feel guilty about this? There is no reason to have to stay home all the time, is there?

spritz · January 2011

I'm usually an on-the-go person, but I'm staying in with my nb. Our pedi specifically said not to go out for the next 6 weeks because of all the illness this time of year. If you dr didn't say something similar, then I guess it's okay. I would just be careful around sick people.

lebennett · January 2011

Depends partly on the weather in your area. My ped suggested I keep LO "hunkered down" until 1 month just because of the flu season and cold weather in my area. It ranges from 35-45 during the day here and anywhere from 20 and up in the evenings. I only went out during the day when necessary before 1 month. Now at 7 weeks we go just about everywhere! HTH. GL

christinaeve · January 2011

I'm a super active person and have a hard time sitting at home for days on end. It could also help your baby get used to other people as well. As long as you can handle it, you should be fine. You're still spending time with your LO, just in other places.

HappyMommy28 · January 2011

You will be fine and so will baby. Follow some common sense things, like wash your hands, keep baby warm, don't let strangers touch her face or breath on her. There is no way I'd be able to stay inside for 6 weeks. DS is 7 weeks old and we've been out on regular outings since he was 3 weeks old. Would have been sooner but I was recovering from a complicated c section.

hmp1 · January 2011

LO was 3 weeks at Christmas time so we were out with him almost everyday. Mostly at family's houses but also shopping and restaurants.

PunkyBooster · January 2011

I like to do my share of running around, but I am very mindful of naps and knowing DS doesn't get quality sleep while being shuffled around. No issues for exception days though- a 2 hour lunch with a girlfriend and her baby, a few errands here and there.

MrsMegan922 · January 2011

I do live in MN - so it is a cold weather state. Last week was very, very cold - and LO and I didn't go out at all. This week is much warmer.

The pedi didn't say anything about keeping her inside - and of course common sense will go a long way. :-)

Thanks for the reassurance!

yourmom5309 · January 2011

RoseTor:
You will be fine and so will baby. Follow some common sense things, like wash your hands, keep baby warm, don't let strangers touch her face or breath on her. There is no way I'd be able to stay inside for 6 weeks. DS is 7 weeks old and we've been out on regular outings since he was 3 weeks old. Would have been sooner but I was recovering from a complicated c section.

Well said. I was out and about for the five weeks of my maternity leave. I often felt bad, but I think it was because I was paranoid that people were judging me for having a baby out of the house.

izzourclue · January 2011

We've had a hard time getting DD to nap after we've had a few days out and about. You can keep them warm enough and keep them away from other people that might make them sick, but this young, the disruption in their schedule is the worst part for us.

hopkins5 · January 2011

We go out all the time, you just have to use common sense. Wash your hands and carry some sanitizer with you. Don't let strangers get too close and make sure LO is bundled up if it's cold. If you have any sort of sleep/eat schedule yet, try and work around it if you can. If LO is starting to fuss because (s)he is hungry, maybe you'll need to cut a trip short or leave a little later etc. Do whatever you're comfortable with. You know what's best for you and your baby.

AnneEliz79 · January 2011

I love your DD's name!

Don't feel guilty, getting out will keep you sane! The only concerns I have when going out are naps (my stubborn DD is not consistently napping in her car seat any more) and feedings (when I was BFing). Those don't prevent us from doing things, although if possible I try to work around naps/eating.

FirstBabyMomma · January 2011

MrsMegan922:
So - I have a busy week and will be out everyday this week with LO. Why does part of me feel guilty about this? There is no reason to have to stay home all the time, is there?

DH and I made it a point to get out every single day since we got home so we wouldn't go stir crazy. DD hasn't had a cold yet, can sleep in her carseat, and will nurse anywhere. I don't regret taking her out early and often.

Jinsy80 · January 2011

I haven't really been taking DD2 out. It's just been too cold...it was -12 this morning. I was out a lot more when DD1 was born, she was a summer baby.