First Trip Out of the House?

I am not an epidemiologist or whatever (lol). We took our first daughter out at 5 days to a restaurant, then to church at 7 days, and so on. That was in thr month of August. She's now two and has been sick MAYBE 3 times in her life. And not even too bad (thank God).
Our new baby is 3 weeks old. We took him to a restaurant at 7 days. We keep people "out of their faces" so to speak, until they're older.
You are nursing, so your baby has an immune advantage (though not invincible, we know). Good luck. You'll do what's best for your baby and family, I am sure!

It's fine as well as it works with your baby's nursing schedule. There is nowhere to nurse at Target, and they car would probably be too cold this time of year for you to go nurse him/her there, so you'd have to be sure you enough time to go, shop, and come back before the baby needs to nurse again. Make sure you and your husband sanitize your hands before handling your baby - there will be tons of germs on the shopping cart, etc.

I took my son out for a little while when he was a week old. Daddy was scared that I wanted to take him out, but we were fine. Just don't let other people touch you baby. funny though Target was the first place he got to go.

I didn't take my son out of the house, other than a car ride here and there for my own sanity, until he was 6 weeks old. Never to a public place. Especially this time of year. there is too much going around and you never know what people will do. I can't tell you how many times strangers have come up to my son and touched him. I would advise to keep your baby home. Better safe than sorry.

You can keep her either close to you in a baby holder that is or is like the baby bjorn so that people do not touch her or you can keep her in the stroller in the car seat with the canopy up so no one touches her. I recently took my tiny newborn out to the botanical gardens on an unseasonably warm day since I was getting stir crazy in the house. We did need to go indoors to get the food at the cafeteria. She did not want to breast feed at all there and was more interested in sleeping. I nursed her at home just before we left and the car ride and fresh air kept her sleeping (luckily). We tried to make the trip short but it did end with her crying in the car on the way back to the parking lot so I had to nurse her in the car before we left for home. The trip was good for the family though as I had my three year old with me and she was so happy to stroll around with her little sister. I was so happy to get out of the house.

I think it is ok so long as you make sure that people don't touch the baby or get too close. I actually had both my boys (born Mar and April in CO and NM) out early. First one was out sight seeing at a week old with my family and second one was at lunch with me on the way home from the hosptial - 2 days old. Most people respect that the baby is young and won't get close. I just could not stay home for a month or wait for my very busy husband to have time to be home at a time before 9:00 p.m. CONGRATS adn enjoy.

It's a little chilly and germy to be out of the house so soon! Send your husband on this one, especially if it's just a few items. Don't forget that the baby will probably sleep, but you just gave birth! Relax and let others help you. Lot's of people help in the first month, but then the offers taper-off. You will be "out and about" quite a bit next month.

If you are getting cabin fever, then have your husband watch the peanut (or someone) and run a quick errand yourself. My MIL used to come over once a week so that I could hit the grocery store and talk to grown-ups!

If you go, make sure that the baby is warm and eats before you leave the house. Pack plenty of diapers and water for yourself- breastfeeding dehydrates you if you don't keep up with the water!

*Edited: This is from the internet and while I agree you need to get out, this backs up those of us who are telling you to avoid stores. Re: the swine flu: Stay away from people who have the symptoms or a diagnosis of the A-H1N1/09 virus. Avoid large crowds and stay at least two meters (SIX FEET) from anyone with symptoms or who is sneezing or coughing in public.

The swine flu is highly contagious. Close skin to skin contact of any type can pass the virus from one person to the next, like kissing, hugging, holding or shaking hands, etc. You can also get it through more indirect contact like sharing drinks, touching doorknobs, light switches, ink pens, handling money, and touching other places and items that infected people have or may have touched recently (how recently is under some debate, see the related question below about how long viruses live on surfaces. Some reports say 2 hours, some say 2 days or more. (I wish I could highlight the previous two sentences!!)

My original message: While I have never believed in not being able to leave your house for the first 6 weeks, I do think for that time period you need to be "choosy" as to your outings. Personally I think 1 week old is TOO young to go to someplace like Target, especially with all the flus and various illnesses going around. Right now she basically has no immune system and will be working on building one. I think that's where the 6 week recommendation comes in as it gives them some time to have a bit of an immune system. I know what it's like to feel like you are going stir crazy but I would go for a walk around the neighborhood with her before I went to a germy place like a store.

N.,
Our boy went to church his first Sunday (Day 7).
No idea where you live, but temperature is important (keep her warm, but not too warm, not too cool either).
We didn't hesitate to put a blanket over him if he was sleeping, and also didn't hesitate to keep our hands clean (shaking hands, etc).

If you have the bucket car seat, you can take her with you wherever you go.

Better still though, is to get a wrap and wear her. You will be a comfort to her, and you can nurse her wherever, discreetly. She can hear your voice and likely she will just sleep through whatever you do.

Email if you want any other suggestions, my son just woke!
M.

I would wait. Unless it is a trip that you must make. With my daughter, I didn't take her out for a shopping trip until she had her shots at 2 months. I would take her for walks, but would avoid anywhere that could get a little crowded. Plus, this is the time of year that a lot of people are getting sick.

I personally wouldn't do it. She is 1 week old, it's flu season, and target can be pretty crowded. Everyone will want to peek at the baby. Out pediatrician warned us against taking our babies to malls and stores until about 10 weeks, and at that time it was the summer and there was no H1N1 scare. Not trying to be paranoid here, just being very safe, because it is a brand new baby.
That being said, you can still go! Pump before you leave and let your husband stay with the baby for a couple of hours. I'm sure you can use some time to yourself anyway.

I would give her a couple more weeks. With flu and other germs going around you really dont want to risk your little one. I took my daughter out for the first time to the store when she was 4 weeks.

Go for it... it's good to go out. We went to Target when my daughter was 5 days old... it was her first outing also!! You can always nurse in the car if you need too. Just make sure to not let any strangers breathe in her face!! Some lady came up to us and was "oohing and ahhing" over our daughter and she was a little too close for comfort... let strangers look from a bit of a distance!! (just because of the germs going around).

Hi N.,
I can fully understand the other moms who say not to do it. If it wasnt so bad out there with flu season and with swine flu going on now, I would say to go.

The fresh air, no matter how cold, is good for you, and it kills germs. If you do take her out, make sure she is warm, and keep a receiving blanket close to her, so you can cover up her seat when you see someone coming that you think is sick or going to try to get too close - tell them she is sleeping. And make your trip short. Be sure you nurse right before you go, and have something ready to feed again while your out - just in case.

And I do agree with another mom who said to relax and let someone else do what needs to be done. You just had a baby - you should be home, but I do understand how it feels to want to get out for a little bit and breath.

Besides - if it was that bad out there, with a newborn, why do pediatricians want to see them before they are 2 weeks old? - a doctors office is one of the worse places to take a newborn - its full of sick people!!

Hi N.,

I wouldn't take the risk with all of the illness that is out there right now. I think if it's a beautiful day take her out in the stroller for a walk for fresh air but not to any stores. Public places are germ fests and your baby is just to young to risk even getting a simple cold. I am sure you have cabin fever but if you have the option leave the baby home with hubby and do errands alone. Good luck on your new baby.

I use to take my baby to all sorts of places when he was brand new. It is only since he started taking regular naps that I don't like going out because it disrupts his sleeping, which in turn disrupts his eating. I remember that he mostly just slept while in the stores as a newborn and was fairly well behaved - he still is, but he usually wakes up now with all the external stimuli. Being comfortable nursing in the car is also pretty handy when you are breastfeeding.

N.- I would definitely bring her!! For your own sanity, you probably need to get out of the house! Especially with the winter season right around the corner you are going to be inside a whole lot! Get out while it is still decent. Just dress the baby appropriately and wash your hands when you get home! Have fun!!

Well it is really recommended that you wait 8 weeks before taking baby out. That is what the doctor told me. With everything going on out there (swine flu etc...) I would wait. What I used to do was go to the stores first thing in the morning before the stores got busy. This way there isn't too many people around your baby. You can't take the chance of your baby getting sick. If she does then she has to go through a spinal tap and all sorts of tests. I couldn't handle that so we waited. Be very careful. Don't take any chances if you don't have to. Best of Luck and congrats on your little girl!

I know it must be tough to stay in at this time of year with all the holiday shopping that must be done but my advice is to keep her indoors and especially not to go to malls. I had preemies and my pediatrician warned me that stores and malls are chock full of viruses etc. With all the talk about swine flu it may be prudent to wait until her immunity system is a little more mature.

C.

If you feel up to it, go ahead! It might feel good to get out of the house, and you will certainly get some oohs and ahhs on the little one, as well as some Bravos! When my son was four days old we went to Salvation Army (I needed some shorts that fit!) and to a baseball game. Have fun!

I would advise that you keep her home until she is at least 4 weeks old. If you want to so to target go when your husband or someone else can watch the baby or maybe stay in the car with her so you can run into the store. There are so many sick people out and you do not want to expose her to the germs. If you truely want to go to the store and have noone to help you go 1st thing when the store opens during the week and put a blanket over the carrier to sheild her from others. Make sure hand sanitizer becomes your best friend.

No.. its too early.. ur baby can catch any virus or diseases very fast. Its immunity has not even developed. Minimum 1 month is advisable.

Congrad I would take her out you have to go out at some
point but keep her warm and other kids away from her and strange adults no touching. i dont know what the dr would say besides you need to get out too.

Your baby's immunes system is not developed and everyone and their mother is out there coughing and hacking and sneezing all over the place. Not to mention, that all those same people are going to want to go and stair at your newborn. This is cold and flu season, I wouldn't even think about it.

i wouldn't. only because of the weather and being that it is flu season. send your husband or even better, have your husband stay with her while you go to target. you need some fresh air. some time to yourself, you'll get energized and back to your baby girl
good luck

Send your husband. A week old is so fragile and so are you!!
Ambitious but get rest while she does, breastfeed always stay hydrated meaning drink a bottle of water after each feeding (I kept bottles all over the apt) and let your husband do thr longer errands...after a month its easier. She'll be asleep but more comfortable....I know its temptingf but u do need to be mellow this month!!

Hi,
Baby is just building her immunity and adapting to new environment. Considering that it is November and mild whether, easy way to catch some virus. Not to mention swine flue. I do believe that babies need to stay at home at least for 40 days until they are stronger. You might miss a lot but consider going to shop and leave your husband with the baby of simply take turns.

My best to you,

J. C.

Hi N.
Congratulations on the birth of your baby girl.
How exciting!

I had my daughter in January and that first winter is a tough one for these little ones.
My Pediatrician had advised that I NOT take her out to stores, malls etc for that first winter season.
I have to say I am glad that he did give me that advice.
That was the year that the flu shot was not effective for the flu and everyone was getting it.

This year we are dealing with not only seasonal flu but also H1N1 and it is really growing in the numbers of people, especially children, that are becoming infected. I would NOT take the chance if I didn't have to. If you can send your husband, GREAT. If you have others that will sit the ababy for you if you must go out, take them up on it. I know it is hard to adjust to this new life, but believe me...NOTHING will break your heart more than the first time your baby gets sick.
And you will feel really bad that taking her out exposed her to the illness.
Winter is a tough time to have an infant, believe me I know, but you will be glad you took the extra steps to protect her.
If you HAVE to take her out, put her in her carrier seat in your stroller ans use the bottom basket for your items.
Keep the canopies folded in over her so that you will not get a bunch of on-lookers. (People can't resist the urge to peak in on a new born).
Get her in and out of the store ASAP....don't window shop.
Know what you need and get them quickly.
You will be touching things and then having to touch the baby if she fuses.
Keep hand wipes available for you at all times and keep washing your hands.
Have more than one clean pacifier available in case one falls to the floor.
Don't open doors with your hands, use you arm/elbow.
This way your contact with things is limited also.

I know it sounds nutty, and sorry if I sound the Germ-a-phobe....but no one is going to be there with you when you are up all night with a sick and crying baby.
It is a tough lesson to learn and the baby is the one who suffers for it the most.

Again...congratulations on your new baby girl and have a wonderful and Blessed 1st Christmas with her and your family!
God Bless,
P.

As far as there being "nowhere to nurse at Target" - why do you need a specific place? If you wear her in a sling, you can nurse while walking around (practice at home until you get used to it). Also, every Target I've been in has a food/seating area, which is just fine for nursing. Most people probably won't even notice. Good luck and enjoy.

I'd keep her home, especially since flu season is in full swing. You'd be shocked @ how many strangers will try to touch her or put their head in close for a look-see. Either shop online, send your husband, or better yet, have him care for the baby for an hour and a half while you make a quick trip. If you are breast feeding, pump two feedings before you leave so that your husband can bottle feed her if necessary while you are gone (one is extra in case you get accidentally delayed). Bring your pump too for the same reason so that you don't end up w/ painfully full breasts. If this sounds like too much, then take a shorter break closer to home-even a brisk walk if your OB has OK'd such exercise. It will be good for you to have a mild "change of scenery". Best wishes!

Watch out for germs and sick people!!!! You don't want to pick anything up on your hands and touch her so if you are up for it go, but wipe down the cart, bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands. LOL!!!!

Please keep her home. Its flu season. Not unless youu
are driving there. That is OK. Just leave her in the
car with your husbnad. So no worth the chance.

I wouldn't take a week old baby to a place filled with people who are carrying all kinds of germs around like a big store or a mall. It's fine to go out to the park or a restaurant with outdoor seating but I wouldn't take the baby into Target. If you must go, I'd bring hubby along, leave him in the car with baby while you go in to shop, and he can call you back to the car to breastfeed if the baby needs to eat.

No, I would wait too. It's tough to be in the house for so long, I remember. But a nice walk outside (with your baby, or even alone if you can steal a few minutes!) is the best. This time of year places like Target, etc. are LOADED with germs...specially with the flu/H1N1. It's just too risky.

Hi N.,

Congrats on the new baby!

My doc told us to try and keep our baby away from crowded spots until she was 8 weeks old and had her first round of shots. That might be good advice for you, especially since it's high flu and H1N1 season right now and your baby could be at risk. You could try and go when it won't be crowded like when they first open or before they close. Or, you can treat yourself and run out for a bit and leave the baby home with your husband. You could try and feed her just before you leave. I know it's stressful in the very beginning because you don't know when they'll want to eat and such, but I would try to stay away from Target or other crowded places just until she's a bit older.

Good luck!

Go. you need to get out of the house and a trip to the store is a good place to go. my first outing with my little one was to Babies R Us when he was only 1.5 weeks old. He slept the whole time! Go at a time that your husband can go with you to help with the baby and lift any heavy things...and for company. feed the baby before you go and if the baby needs to eat while you are there, then some stores have areas in the restroom for feeding or sit in the car. my baby was fed on several occasions in the car :) good luck!

don't do it, send your husband. I know it is tough and you want to get out of the house, but it is better for your baby to keep her home at least until she is 6 weeks old

**Sigh** I remember the 2 weeks I spent indoors with my first child. Between the endless breastfeeding, the walls closing in on me after being at work one day and abruptly going into labor the next, and my mother in law telling me that I HAD to stay inside with him because he would catch cole-even though it was the second week of August. I went nearly bats.
With my second however, we were on the playground at 3 days old because frankly, I just didn't have time to stay at home with a 2 year in the house.
I never wanted to breastfeed in public with my oldest, but this time around I have gotten pretty good with a coverup. That's the only issue in the first few weeks. Around new york, it takes longer than an hour to go anywhere in the car and back, so this time I have just nursed everywhere, and I do mean everywhere.
Good luck and congratulations! I say go whereever you want and do all the things you think you should. You'll know when you've hit your limit.

DO NOT take the baby out of the house to a public place at only a week old!!! There are so many viruses going around not to mention all of the flus!!! stay home and send your husband. If you need to get out of the house, take her for a walk outside....

I wouldn't take her to target or any other store- especially during flu season. Take her outside for a walk if you need to get out of the house. too many people and germs- too risky at her very young age. congrats

Your baby has your immunity still and this will protect her from getting sick for the first few months. I can't even tell you how many illnesses my baby was exposed to when he was very young (he has an older brother who is school age and I watch his two cousins) I even had strep when he was a month old and he never got it. Also breastfeeding will help her immune system. I say go ahead and go just be sure that you wash your hands after touching the carts and things before picking up the baby. As for breastfeeding, you will learn to feed on the go. I was so self conscious about it but got good at covering up and feeding where ever I am. Congratulations and good luck~!

If it wasn't flu season I would say go out and enjoy!! My son at 3 mths old was diangnosed with RSV and pneumonia (hospitalized for a week). If you want to bundle the baby up, go for a walk. Just make sure she is warm enough.
Best wishes.

Hi N.,

My advice would be to stay away from crowds at that age this time of year with it being normal cold and flu season on top of the H1 virus. I would start with short walks in stroller, it's great for you to get moving as well. OR - if you need a break, pump ahead and ask hubby to babysit so you can go out and have some 'me' time. Good luck.