Going Out with an Infant

Updated on March 20, 2010
L.L. asks from Medford, MA
17 answers

I just had a second child and was wondering when people go out to do things with their infant... With my 1st son, I waited til he was 4 weeks to go anywhere, like the store, runnig errands. But since I have a 3 1/2 year old it's hard to wait that long. Also, my sister and nephew are visiting soon and I thought we could all go to the Museum of Science, so my son and her son could get out and have some fun--at that point my 2nd son will be 5 weeks old. Is that okay or is that too young? I'd appreciate any advice. Thx

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H.M.

answers from Grand Rapids on

We took my son to a baseball game when he was only two weeks old and he is just fine. Go to the museum and have fun : ).

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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

my sister got her baby's pic taken with santa when he was 2 days old. There's no set limit, just what you're comfortable with. I think if the weather's nice, or you've otherwise compensated for incliment weather, there's no reason to wait.

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R.M.

answers from Nashville on

I went out to a couple stores and such at about 2 weeks. I kept him covered up and didn't let anyone mess with him, but you are right, it is hard to stay in for so long. I think 5 wks is fine. My doctor just told me a "couple" weeks.

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L.B.

answers from Stationed Overseas on

My son is 7 weeks old now and he's been out many many times. I took him shopping at only a few days old. It's not so much about age but when you are comfortable.
If you are nursing then it's important to just make sure you are comfortable nursing covered up or bring a bottle of pumped breast milk with you. If you are doing the formula thing just make sure you bring some along in the diaper bag!
Have fun!!

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C.X.

answers from Dallas on

Perfectly ok, just don't let people touch him. :)

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K.R.

answers from San Diego on

Family trip to the zoo on day 4. She was in her carseat/stroller for all but 30 minutes when I had to nurse her, so it's not like people were touching her or anything.

Getting out of the house was a necessity for my own sanity, especially with a 1.5 yr old in the house also.

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S.D.

answers from Topeka on

Wow that is a long time to stay inside cooped up.Think of it this way you leave with baby from the hospital in any type of weather,go to well visits few days old if your BFing the clinic and to check for jaundice so as long as you keep baby clothed with what the weather is like you'll be fine.If your scared of germs like I was still am with my kids just make sure you don't let others touch him or hold him.You can't avoid all germs.Get up and go out!!

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H.L.

answers from San Francisco on

We took our daughter out when she was just a few days old. Make sure everyone washes their hands before touching her, and enjoy your time w/ your sister & nephew!

Good luck.

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D.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

My kids were only days old when we ventured out with them.

We chose not to learn the gender with either child, so we had to scramble to get things we needed once we knew the gender. Our son was probably 4 or 5 days old for a trip to Target/Walmart and the Carter's store. I also couldn't stand being cooped-up in the house as I have always been full-time professionally and worked until the day before I delivered.

My daughter was 5 weeks old for her first trip to visit my family in DC via plane. At 6 weeks, we took a day trip to the zoo.

I think you'l be fine and will be glad you got out of the house and had some fun.

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C.C.

answers from Dallas on

We had to run to Target on the way home from the hospital because they switched formula in the hospital and I was scared we would run out =] I say pack hand sanitizer...cover the baby up as much as possible to keep people from wanting to touch your sweet baby and go have fun!!

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S.B.

answers from Redding on

Sweetie, my first baby had her first outing at 3 days old when my milk came in and I thought I was going to die if I didn't get a breast pump. She slept through the whole thing and although I was nervous at first, she did so well, I even took her by to see my mom at work. Dad worked out of town so if I needed something from the store, I just bundled her up and we went. My son was a week old when we went to a lunch gathering for my husband's company. He did just fine.

There's a saying: Necessity is the mother of invention.
You just figure out how to do these things.
I say enjoy your sister and nephew and let your baby get accustomed to outings. Your sister will be along to help you out.
Have a wonderful time.

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K.H.

answers from Washington DC on

I went out and about as soon as I felt ready with all of mine (usually in the first few days) , I know during winter it's best not to take them out and about too much , I'm not really sure , I think it will be fine but I'm sure you will get some answers saying no stay at home as long as possible.

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J.C.

answers from Fort Wayne on

Oh my goodness, when I had my babies, I took them out with me right away! I never even thought about whether or not it was okay. I think you're worried about nothing really. When my oldest was 15 months old, I had my second child, and my husband worked 12 hour days, so I had no choice but to take both kids to places like the grocery store and other errands I needed to run. It was stressfult at times, but that was all that I recalled thinking about

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J.V.

answers from Chicago on

We went out in the Dec (with the bitter cold) on day 6.

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J.C.

answers from Rapid City on

I was out and about with my children within days of bringing them home. The only issue you might want to address is to maybe have a little sign made to hang on the carrier that states: "Please wash your hands before you touch mine." or "Please don't pass your sniffles to me." This will prevent things like colds and RSV from becoming an issue like it became with my daughter at 10 weeks, and it will nicely keep you from having to constantly ask people with coughs, etc. to not get too close. I know I probably sound germaphobic, but after dealing with a NICU visit for my daughter the little signs gave me a measure of comfort that I would not bring an illness into the home in addition to those being carried by my own family.

K.I.

answers from Spokane on

I think you will be absolutely fine. I would get one of those packs/wraps/slings and your lil' buddy will totally enjoy snuggling next to mommy all afternoon! You will be able to ensure he is warm enough and comfy cozy and seeing how he will be attached to you, you will be able to regulate what/whom comes in contact with him while your out. Those things are so wickedly wonderful!! Hands free and everything!!

Sounds like it will be a nice fun outing for you all!

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M.C.

answers from Nashville on

I agree with Kate. I went out and about almost immediately with both of mine as well. If you have concerns, you should give your pediatrician a call and get their professional medical take on it. =0) Congratulations on your newest little man!

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