when did you start going places with the babies?

mpstochlinski8 · January 2012

my boys are just about 3mths old and other than breast feeding support group here and there and doc appts I really don't go out with them. I have a couple of times but its really tough if they start crying, get hungry and Im not in a good place to be able to feed them like the middle of the grocery store...I really want to go to the mall or target with them soon to get some new clothes for them and take them along but I fear it!! lol Im sure it never gets easy but was there an age for you that you thought it was easier as they got older? TIA

mommyof4boys · January 2012

We went to the store the day they came home from the hospital. I forced myself to do things with the boys so I wouldn't be scared to go it alone. My SIL has identical girls that are 3. I remember asking her to go for a walk around a park with me when her girls were around 18 months. It was the first time she took the girls out alone. IMO that's a bit too long.

leviandlandensmom · January 2012

Right away. Most of the time they just slept. There were times when they would wake up and want to eat so I'd go into a dressing room and feed them (they were EBFd.) The longer you wait the harder it's going to be. Just make sure you go right after they've eaten, try and keep it short, and see how it goes. I'm sure they will do great!

cleeksock · January 2012

at about 2 weeks old. Now I take them out everyday. I just make sure to nurse them right before we leave and my trips are no longer than 2 hours.

I have a 3 year old though, and she has to be taken to preschool and activities, and just generally entertained. So maybe that's made me more brave to get out and about?

Mrs. Alice · January 2012

We took them a few places like the zoo and pumpkin patch about a month after they came home. I've taken them grocery shopping a couple times with my mom and it's really hard because we had to hurry and one was always fussy. I was really brave tonight at took them to Target all by myself to pick up a prescription and get a few items. They did great in the DSNG! They are getting to the point now that they enjoy going out and looking around. For a while they HATED the car seats and I think would get over stimulated in public places. I definitely won't go any where that takes very long and try to do things in between feedings.

cookiemonster03 · January 2012

Right away. In the early days we'd load them up right after feeding and head out. We'd bring a couple of pumped bottles with us just in case. They almost always slept through it.

Its actually harder now because if we leave too far from eating and too long before nap they stay awake through the nap, so we need to either leave right after feeding (or do bottles in the car) and plan to be home for nap (this is preferred), or leave right when nap starts and hope they don't wake up when we get to wherever (this is working less and less and will have to be nixed soon).

MagPie08 · January 2012

We went on walks right away; I think I took them to the grocery store by myself at 6 wks old- I was so proud I called and told my mom. From that day forward, we always left the house at least once a day.

I should mention it was the middle of the summer- had it been mid-winter I probably wouldnt have been out and about quite so soon.

jcath · January 2012

I was terrified to take both the girls out and honestly I'm more likely to take one out and leave one with dh but now that they are 4 mos it feels much more doable. I usually wear one in the Baby Bjorn and carry the other in a carseat. Mine are also FF which probably makes it easier b/c I don't have to find a place to nurse.

ashes1010 · January 2012

We started going out right away. Start by taking someone with you. Therefore, if they need to be fed, you have an extra set of hands.

While I was nervous going out alone with them, I did it from early on as well. I forced myself to get comfortable with it. Go to familiar places at off times. That way you can take your time and get used to it. I reminded myself that the worst that could happen is that they both cry, in which case, I can leave. Most people will be very understanding and helpful. I am always getting offers to help. One of my twins had a meltdown in a store once and the people in front of me in the line let me go to the front, without hesitation.

We started doing classes just before they turned 3 months. Since then, we've done several classes. I go on my own with the girls. It was actually way easier in those early months because they weren't moving around. Now that they're mobile, I'm constantly chasing them! It's fun though and again, people are so willing to help me out, if needed. Funny thing is, my twins are often better behaved than other people's one baby. Also, in those early months, they usually sleep when you're out so take advantage!

chica180 · January 2012

I took them to the mall when they were 3 weeks old. I was scared to death, but felt like I needed to just do it. It was fine...they slept most of the time. The hardest part was getting out of the house! I bottle fed, so I think that made things a little easier. Our mall has a Nordstrom, which has a women's lounge. Finding that little gem was a life changer for me! It has nice comfy chairs, a changing station...with a sink next to it! It is so clean and has nice dim lighting. If you have a Nordstrom near you... see if there is a women's lounge. Having a private, clean place to feed and change your babies will make a trip to the mall so much better!

When our babies were 3 months, I focused on getting them on a good schedule. I'm so glad I did! Things run really smoothly. I just need to make sure we're home by their afternoon nap.

Good luck! Being out numbered is hard, but as long as you're prepared...you can do it! Don't forget the binkies!

ColleenS629 · January 2012

I've only really taken them to the doctor, BF support group, and MoM support group. We tried the grocery store twice... they were fine but the other shoppers in the store were not.

erinruns · January 2012

I started going out with them the week they came home from the NICU. Since they were on a good schedule, I always knew when a good time would be for us to be out and about for an hour or so. Once they were awake more, I think they did better out because we'd been doing it so much.

mpstochlinski8 · February 2012

thanks for all the replies Im gonna take them out this weekend

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