Taking Sniffly Newborn Out for Memorial Day

Updated on May 26, 2007
M.D. asks from Dallas, TX
8 answers

Hi!

I am concerned about my husband and I taking my newborn son out for Memorial Day. We've asked the pediatrician if its okay to take him out and she said it is, but I still don't feel confident. Now more than ever I'm a little put off by the idea because my newborn seems to be getting a cold. The pedi says its not a chest cold, just nasal, but thats scary too.

The only reason I want to go somewhere is because I've been cooped up in the house with the baby latched to my breast most of the time or changing a million diapers and feel we could really benefit from even just 1 hr out of the house, especially on a holiday.

If we do venture out, it would only be to a quiet resteraunt for about an hour and come back home.

Should we try to go out for dinner or just stay home that day (especially because of the cold)?

Thanks!

~ M.

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So What Happened?

I'd like to thak everyone for their great advice on taking my newborn son out for Memorial day. Well, we decided to follow through with the idea and had a great time. The dinner we had together was much needed. The baby slept through it and my hubby and I finally had some time to ourselves. Its amazing how precious a little time out can be to new parents!

Thanks again! ;-)

~ Chel

Featured Answers

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T.T.

answers from Dallas on

I know it's scary, but he will be fine!! I was scared to take my 1st son out, but I dragged my 2nd everywhere (gym classes, stores, playdates) at about a week and he did just fine. Just don't let people too close, especially small children, but that is easily remedied with a light blanket thrown over the carrier/stroller. The first time out is always the hardest (on mom that is)!!

You deserve to get out, go, and enjoy!!

1 mom found this helpful

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G.B.

answers from Dallas on

Hi M.!

Get out please!! You need to get out of the house at least for 1 to 2 hours and walk around your block w/your baby in a stroller! It will make a world of difference!

Yes, get out, just make sure to keep your little one covered (if needed) and comfortable. You can always stop and nurse, wherever you are and then continue on your walk or whatever you guys are doing.

This won't be the first time your kids gets sick, believe me so yes get out!

You also sound like you need some emotional & MOMMY support and there are tons of MOMS CLUB Group that are for SAHM's just like yourself!! Go to www.momsclub.org and click on a Texas chapter that is close to you! It is an awesome club to belong to!!

Good Luck!

G. B.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.G.

answers from Dallas on

I have to agree with the others...GO OUT! Even if it's just to Target or a walk around the block or park or something. You will feel so much better. The first 2 weeks after my son was born I had relatives with us (my mother for a week, his parents for the 2nd week). Everyday my husband would take me out for a coke and a walk around Target. It sounds so silly, but it kept me sane. I was NOT used to being home all the time, since I worked until 2 days before he was born. After the company left, we took him out on our boat (slow ride, nothing rough, plenty of shade). He fell asleep as soon as the motor cranked! Seriously, you will feel so much better! Besides, the baby needs to fit into your life, not completely rearrange it. I know that sounds strange, but we didn't stop doing what we liked doing, we just fit him into it, working with his schedule of course!

1 mom found this helpful
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V.M.

answers from Dallas on

Hi M.!

I know how you feel! We didn't take our twins out of the house till about 5 weeks. Do you have someone who could come watch the baby for a hour or two so you can have some time with just your husband? Maybe you could get out and go get a pedi/mani or something like that. I know you probably really want to get out as a family and show off your new baby. We took the twins to both Grandmothers houses for Easter and the boys were just 4 weeks old and when they did something out of the norm for the next 2 days we felt so bad. I hope you get some time to get out of the house because that is very important! Have a safe and fun holiday weekend! Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

1 mom found this helpful
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A.E.

answers from San Antonio on

I think if you're just going to a restaurant then it should be fine. He really won't be outside long at all, just getting from the car to the door and back. Make sure you put socks and a hat on, because that's where the most body heat is lost, and take a warm blanket in case the restaurant is cold. I know how you feel...my son was in the NICU with lung problems so I was very nervous about taking him out, but I did, and he actually seemed to do better. It's amazing what fresh air and sunlight can do for your health.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.

answers from Dallas on

I went to lunch on the way home from the hospital with my 1st honestly!! I have rough pregnancies, and after the baby was born, I felt like I could run a marathon, but we opted for some chinese instead (as I finally had a desire for food!) She stayed in the seat, and it was fine. It is better to go to a place that people will leave your baby alone, rather than with tons of family who want to pass him around, and think that they are alright because they are family....They still have germs, but I find that my family thinks all babies are immune to their germs. So I think a restaurant would be a fun way to go, or maybe a movie. If the weather cooperates, what about a little time at a park with some fresh air? All 3 of my kids are out with me in about a week, and I have had very healthy kids. It is a great time of the year to have a baby, we dont have to worry about RSV etc..so go and have a nice outing! ~A.~

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J.C.

answers from Dallas on

I took my baby out from a few days old. I used lots of antibacterial wipes and didn't let anyone touch her. Also, mine seemed to get a cold early on, I used saline drops and a bulb syringe and it never developed into anything more.

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M.F.

answers from Dallas on

GO OUT! You'll feel awesome once you're out. Plan to leave the house right after feeding him, bring along a blanket and a bottle of formula, and leave him buckled snugly in the infant carrier while you eat. My first was a week old when we went out. It was hard walking around because of the c-section (I waited until 2 weeks with my second ceserean), but it was nice to be out of the house, acting like a normal person.
I don't know if you have the book "What to expect the first year" but it addresses the "cold" you're talking about. Newborns will just have some gunk in their nasal passages, etc. because they spent 9 months sumberged in fluid. It's not likely a cold at all. I think in the book they call it a "snurgle." It's totally normal newborn gunk that will work itself out. You can use the nasal syringe to clear some of it.
Congrats and enjoy your outing!

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