First Time Out

Updated on March 22, 2008
M.Z. asks from Indianapolis, IN
7 answers

i am taking my nine week old to chicago for easter this weekend. it is his first time for this three to four hour trip, and i'm doing it alone. we're going for three days. what should i bring? i feel like i need to bring half my house.Is there anything that I should not worry about bringing? Or something that I should not leave home without? I was going to bring the pak n play to sleep in and the bouncy seat.
Also, it's the first time that we're going to be around a ton of people. Here in Indy we have my in-laws and friends that we work with. This weekend will be my sisters, their kids, both sets of my grandparents, my aunts and uncle and their kids. I'm so worried about "pass the baby". How do I control that? I'm so nervous! Please help!!!

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So What Happened?

Well, it went very smooth. He slept the whole way there and back. It was hard to let him be passed around. I think I did well. I didn't take him back from anyone until he was crying. The pak and play was of course used. We didn't even need the bouncy seat. I am absolutely exhausted. I don't want to do it alone again, but it went well.

More Answers

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S.C.

answers from Fort Wayne on

Pass the baby is inevitable. If you stress out about it, you'll only make yourself crazy. He'll be fine. I'm betting that he won't even care too much who's holding him. When you feel the need for quiet time, just take him into another room. I'm sure people will understand. As far as packing, I always pack way too much! I can't help it! I just want to make sure that I have everything. However, I'm sure if your sisters have children, they probably have things you can borrow. We always take the pack and play when we're going overnight. It's wonderful for naps and nighttime. Have fun!

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K.T.

answers from Cleveland on

You are going to do fine! Since there will be other moms there that have children, ask if you can borrow a stoller and some of their toys to play with so you don't have to pack so much. If your son has any favorite toys or blankets, make sure to bring a few so he has something familiar. A pack and play is wonderful for sleep time.

Just pay attention to your son's mood. We traveled with our daughter at 3 months and the same thing...it was going to be the first time around a lot of people. If she started to seem upset or stressed, I would take her to a bedroom away from everyone else to rock in a chair, read books and get some one-on-one time. She seemed to appreciate it. My dad would also take her upstairs to get out of the crowd at times. Don't be afraid to say that you need some bonding time alone with your son...all mommies do and so do the babies! You'll be with family that understand, but they will definately want to hold the new baby!

One more thing...don't be afraid to ask people to wash their hands before holding him. At first I was nervous to, but everyone was more than willing and understands what it is like to be a new mom!

Good luck and let me know how it turns out!

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M.J.

answers from Cleveland on

M.,
First off, calm yourself, everything will be fine. It sounds like you are on the right track with the bouncey seat/swing and the pac-n-play. Plenty of diapers, wipes, a few toys, Baby's little clothes (with plenty of full change outfits- in case of blow-outs) make sure you pack a thermometer and baby medicine just in case he wakes up with a fever unexpected in the middle of the night. If you breast feed, it's simple. If you use formula, bring plenty + bottled water and bottles for mixing on the fly. Whatever you forget, can be obtained easily. Just remember the basics, whatever you use every day. Don't forget your camera! These moments are precious.
Mostly bring patience and Remember to have fun and enjoy your baby and your family. Being calm is the best way to do it.!
Happy Easter. Have fun.!

MJ

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L.C.

answers from Dayton on

Hand sanitizer and a crazy as this sounds urgical masks. I know it's bananas but if you get there and someone is sick it will be easier to ask them to use the sanitizer and a mask then to not touch the baby - especially if it is a family elder. You can get the masks at a drug store. Also condider rubber gloves if you are going to have to change him in a public restroom that way you are sure not to get any "public" germs on your hands. The biggest worry for me would be germs (obviously) as he is just a wee one.

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M.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi there,

Let your family enjoy the baby! He'll love the attention, if they're not sick, he'll be FINE.
My suggestion, be STRICT with naps. My son kept getting passed around at this age and was so over stimulated that when we got in the car he freaked and cried for an hour, never before and never since has he cried like that.

If he naps, then he'll be cute agian to pass and play with.

He's so young, eh'll probably sleep most of the ride. Pack and play is great so you can safely nap and sleep him at night. A bounce is nice since he's not sitting up yet, but that's it.....

In reality, when I traveled with babies this young, they're help a lot, so you barely even need to entertain him, its good for them to feel the love of the family.

Depending on how he likes cars, he may cry or he may not, my son always loved it but he had his siter back there to feel "accompanied"

Enjoy and have a good time!

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S.B.

answers from Cleveland on

Something to help ease your mind about the "pass the baby"...if you take your camera and as family members hold him, just take a picture of them together. I have done this in the past and then as they get older I have pictures to show my kids of them as a baby with each family memeber. If you don't see them that often then it will help them to learn their family too. Think of it as a challange...see if you can get a pictures of every family member, that is there, with your son.

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T.H.

answers from Terre Haute on

take with you if your family does not have it there already.

pak n play

travel size swing or bouncy seat.

6 to 7 outfits (your family prob. has a washer and dryer in case of blow outs.)

fill diaper bag with diapers and a zip lock baggie of wipes.

If you need more diapers you can get them at a store there.

any meds you might need for fevers and ect.

One large can of powder formula. 2 bottles (if you need liners add those also)

2 baby blankets

and also if you fly you can hold the baby, but don't forget the car seat. :o)

Stick to your normal schedule. This way when you do return to home things will be the same as always. (nap time, feedings, play time.. ect.)

Enjoy and this will be your time to relax also. Many more family members to love on your bundle of joy and time for momma to sit back and take a breather.

Camera!! Take pictures these are moments you will love to tell him when he gets older.

Enjoy your trip and have a safe travel.

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