Taking a Baby Out and Going Out Alone

I had my son last March and as soon as it was warm enough to get him out in the stroller, I did. I thought fresh air would be good for him at any age as long as he was dressed appropriately. I'm not sure there's a "waiting period" or anything for taking them out as long as they are healthy. He's almost a year now and I've never left him with a sitter except for Grandma and Grandpa, and only 3x with them...but I have friends who've had sitters after only a month or two. I think it depends on the parents, but I think either way is okay.

Generally, you should wait at least 6 weeks before you expose your baby to other people and germs. Babies have very immature immune systmes and they are more prone to illness. You may want to consider the season as well.

I agree with Kristin. It depends on the comfort level of the parents. My son was born in May and we had to take him to the doctor a couple times in the first 2 weeeks. Other than that we only went out in the yard for fresh air for the first couple months. At nine months, we've never left him with a sitter so we can get a night out and don't really mind.

I had my son in October and we went shopping the day after we got home from the hospital. I dont know that there is a proper timing. I think it is what you are comfortable with.

I had jake in june... I would often walk with him up & down the block almost everyday since he was born..! it was beautiful... we took him to the beach.. in the shade on the grass... fresh air is great when it's comfortable. I left when I felt comfortable with the idea & when I was crazy to get out of the house!
just have someone available so that you can go out with your honey as soon as you want to! -lol - you'll probably only leave for an hour or two anyways!

We had our baby in October and we were out and about within a week of her birth. Then after about a week and a half we were running around Stockholm with her bundled up in a sling. As long as you're careful not to let them get cold or exposed to a bunch of people (so that they touch her or that she touches things that others have touched). As for with a babysitter we will be doing that for the first time at about 5 months old. I dont know when i'd be ready to hire a babysitter that i dont know very well.. I think that would be a while.

I don't believe there is an "etiquette" for this anymore. I think it depends on your comfort level. I would probably just try to avoid too much contact. It's hard for people to resist, I'm sure but politely request that they don't kiss your newborn to prevent the spread of germs - especially this time of the year.

It depends on your comfort level if you have family that you trust I could see you leaving the baby for a night to go out.

I took my preemie out the day we got home to go visit family and never kept her sealed up in the house. I'm the type of person that can't handle being stuck inside for days though. The only problem I had was strangers hounding me or and people thought I was pushing a doll around...and I would be like no it's a real baby. I also became a single mom due to domestic violence when my baby was 6 weeks old so I had things I had to do and errands to run and I had no other choice but to bring my baby with. I have just a little bit of family in MN and they are 45min. away.

I think the first time I left her with a sitter was when she was a few months old and with family, the first time I left her with a paid sitter like a teenager she was 4 years old.I have had a much harder time trusting a teenager but I've known our 15 year old neighbor now long enough to trust her.