When is it ok to go on outings?

poobear2015 · January 2012

When is it considered ok to take the baby out for the first time (other than from hospital to home or dr office). DH and I are constantly on the move, we like to eat out every monday for stress relief from work - so I guess what I mean is, when is it safe that we can take her out to restaurants and stores? I feel like I read this already somewhere, but for the life of me, can't find it.

greeneyed_bride · January 2012

I think it depends on the kind of outing. My pediatrician said not to take the baby to church for at least a month, because of course everyone will want to touch or hold the baby. If you're out somewhere where people won't be in the baby's face, it's probably ok to do it sooner.

pinkshades05 · January 2012

I would think you could go out as soon as you feel comfortable. Of course you want to take it easy, but if you feel up to it--why not?

StangJK13 · January 2012

With DD, our first outing was at one week. We just made sure we went somewhere that did not have DD in contact with anyone but us. She stayed in her infant carrier or in my arms to eat only. I would think a restaurant would be fine because LO could stay in the infant carrier. It really helped my sanity to get out of the house and get fresh air and a change of scenery. My sister (a nurse) told me not to take baby out that soon - but I am the mom and know what's best for me and my baby. Just do what you feel comfortable with.

kristin172429 · January 2012

Most of what I have read has said to wait about a month during cold and flu season before going to highly populated areas like a mall, etc. Babies just don't have the same immunity. If you can go somewhere like a small restaurant and you know people won't be touching and holding the baby, you could probably do it sooner. Talk to your pediatrician once your LO arrives, too.

ryry1977 · January 2012

With DS we went out to eat a lot that first week home from the hospital. We also went to stores (Target and such) and to grandparents house. We are always on the move too. With DD we will probably do the same:)

goldenleaves · January 2012

It depends on your comfort level. I was stir-crazy and could not stand just being at home. We took DS out to the mall when he was around 3 weeks old. He just stayed in his stroller/carseat and it was no big deal at all! I think I actually took him out to eat sooner than that.

You'll probably get really varied responses, it's a personal choice.

Lisa9926 · January 2012

You are having your baby at the height of flu season, so you need to be cautious. At least 4 weeks before going anywhere and it should be places without a ton of people. I would wait at least 8 before you go to a place with a ton of people like a crowded restaurant.

Lena122 · January 2012

We took DS out to BRU when he was 3 days old. Since then we've taken him grocery shopping a few times and to various other places. Most of the time I carry him in the moby wrap. His face is covered and I think most people don't even notice I'm wearing him.

As long as you're not letting people touch him and you're not in close quarters I think LO is fine. After all, you're likely letting visitors hold him in the hospital. Germ wise that's probably worse than walking through a store with people near by.

FirstSchatz · January 2012

Lena122:
We took DS out to BRU when he was 3 days old. Since then we've taken him grocery shopping a few times and to various other places. Most of the time I carry him in the moby wrap. His face is covered and I think most people don't even notice I'm wearing him.
As long as you're not letting people touch him and you're not in close quarters I think LO is fine. After all, you're likely letting visitors hold him in the hospital. Germ wise that's probably worse than walking through a store with people near by.

This.

I'm a FTM, but I don't think there is much harm in going out to eat, or grocery shopping. As the quote I've included says, passing little one around to visitors at the hospital and home afterwards is probably worse than going to a public place. I'm sure hubby and I will be taking our little bean out within the first week, as long as it's not bitterly cold! I would probably be more concerned about him catching a chill than being sneezed on at the grocery store!

Shmogan09 · January 2012

I personally think it is silly to restrict yourself on a timetable someone else has given you. I also firmly believe that this causes postpartum depression for some people. Whenever you feel comfortable taking LO out go for it! We took DS to Giants opening day when he was 3 weeks old... we got criticized for it but I really didn't care.

aubreyan · January 2012

We went to dinner when DS was 3 days old. I let friends hold him, etc. Breastmilk has amazing anti-bodies and he didn't get a runny nose til he was like 9 months old. I wouldn't worry about the baby, you on the other hand might not feel up to going out. Maybe get some to go food!

footnotegirl · January 2012

When you feel comfortable doing it.

I had a friend bring her 1 week old baby to a big holiday party, all went well, people who were sick were smart/kind/reasonable enough to stay away. The baby slept through most of the party.

I think I'll be basing my movement more on how I feel and how much I feel I need to recuperate before going out. Really quite honestly, the baby will be exposed to a lot more sickness in the first two or three days at the hospital than it will going out to a mall or a restaurant or something where no one is going to be getting very close.

jju_stb_jju · January 2012

with my son, everyone was telling me "oh you gotta stay home for 40 days" (yes i know, old wives tale!) and i was like, heck no, i would go crazy just being at home all day and all night, because like you, we too like to go out to eat as well and are always on the go!!! so we stayed home a whole week before finally going out to eat on a weekend!! and since then have always been out!! i just make sure wherever we go, i usually keep his carrier covered, that way nobody can just come and touch him. and i keep hand sanitizer with me at all times as well!

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