Going Out in Public

colemangal85 · February 2013

Since my LO was preemie and since he was unable to get the RSV shots - we were told over and over not to take our LO anywhere in public. Well after 5 months of not going anywhere but the doctors and grandmas - I'm slowly taking him out in the public and I'll admit - I have a fear of being that person with the yelling baby.

I have taken him out a few time and for the most part, he's pretty good but if I stop moving - watch out - fussy time! Anyone else have this fear? Or have this happen to you? How do you deal? I can't be trapped in home by fear!

Also, I think my biggest problem is not really having anyone to go with us - I live out of state from my family and I'm uncomfortable with the in-laws and I don't really have any friends around here.

I just wanted to see if I was the only one.

twinklefairy · February 2013

no i remember it well. im on baby no2 and my 1st is 3yrs now. if u saw a baby crying with its mummy would u think anything of it?? people are used to seeing it. its normal. and u get used to it. when it happens just stop wherever u are and deal with it. its no biggy really. you will be a pro sooner than you think trust me x

JulesDiane · February 2013

You just need to start doing it and you will get more and more comfortable doing it. You will figure out might calm your fussy baby and the ideal times to go out. Whether they nap through the outing or are awake, fed, and happy. We had the RSV shots but the last one will be wearing off in the beginning of March and they said it would still be the tail end of the RsV season. They suggested staying out of public places like the grocery store, Walmart, day cares, etc once the shot wears off through the end of the season. I highly recommend getting a carrier Mei Tai or Ergo to keep the baby close to you and comfortable to try to limit their exposure to germs. Good luck! You know your baby better than anyone and you will be just fine!

dmhrn13 · February 2013

Yes! My LO is almost 4 months old & I've been taking her out since about 2 months but am still afraid she's going to totally crack up while I'm out. I am way more comfortable than I used to be though.

My advice is just start small. Maybe start going out with your partner, even if its for like 30 minutes. Then try it alone, then a little longer, etc. Try things at first where you can just leave him in the car seat, like Target for example, so you can put the whole seat in the cart plus you're pushing the cart around.

Also, try him in the stroller. Just going out for a walk was like a huge production at first, but now its much easier. When you build confidence the baby will too, but also, you'll care less about a melt down! Good luck.

vborja25 · February 2013

I took LO out for the first time on Tuesday to the mall. I've taken her out to the doctor or family's house before but this was the first time in a public place. It was great! She was awake for the first 30 min looking everywhere an then, fell asleep. We were there for two hours. I was sooooo afraid. I thought she was going to scream and cry but the total opposite happened. I am now going to take her to the mall once a week. And I keep telling myself; if she's not up to it and starts screaming, We can just call it a day, leave and start again another time.

funsies · February 2013

I am always the mom with the screaming baby. I promise, you get over it pretty quickly and you learn how to calm them down pretty fast. My lO goes from loving being out and about to being overstimulated really quickly. So I usually bring a stroller and an Ergo and switch her from one to the other depending on whether she wants to be looking around or just snuggling with mommy. Seems to work well for us.

LittleFish1 · February 2013

Lurker from Dec BMB ... it is a huge challenge to get out with a baby. A lot easier when you have someone to meet up with and not knowing many people in your area does make it more challenging ... I agree that it is a lot nicer to have another grown up with you ... I recently joined a neighborhood playgroup and have been meeting other moms by participating in a few of their activities. Look to see if there is a MOPS group near you, for mothers of infants and preschoolers. The libraries have story times, and Gymboree had infant play groups .... but I worry about older kids leaving behind their germs there so have not joined that.

In terms of the baby being fussy when out, if baby is hungry and you're looking for BFing locations, some malls have family bathrooms with space, baby stores have great changing and feeding rooms which is an easier place to go in the beginning and there will be other moms there for you to talk with. The changing rooms in clothing stores is another place you can take the baby to nurse.

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