When did you take your newborn out

[Dorynnemo]

I have a 3 week old baby and I am breastfeeding. I have only taken her to see GP or get vaccine at hospital. She caught cold last week from her brother which kept me worried. I don't feel comfortable yet about breastfeeding outside. I haven't managed to take her out to other places yet like restaurant or coffee shop. Since it's flu season and baby doesn't gets first vaccine until 8 weeks, I feel bit anxious about taking her to supermarket etc. At what age did you start taking your baby out and any tips are appreciated.

Day after I got home from hospital with all 3 of mine

I think DH and I took DD out for a walk when she was about 5days old? But I didn't take her out on my own until she was about 2 weeks old because I was so shattered. And I only walked her to the end of the road and back in the buggy - it took longer to get us both dressed!

DS was in Aldi at 3 days old 😅 And DD wanted to show him off to the staff at her preschool, so he was dragged there as well before we went shopping!

First - 6 days old to register him and then the next day for a walk.
Due my second in January, potentially be the very next day depending on when he's born because my DS goes to school and 3 activities a week. DH could just do it all while I stay at home but I think I'll want to be out and I don't like missing out on seeing DS do things

DS was born by EMCS in the early hours of Monday morning. We came home on the Tuesday evening, went to a local café on the Wednesday and to the pub for a much-needed glass of wine on the Thursday!

I expect some of the variation is due to the time of year. My babies were late spring, so no faffing round with snowsuits, no bad weather, no trying to work out how to use a sling in the rain etc.

If it's 4 degrees and hasn't stopped raining for a week, I suspect I'd have been happy to hibernate for longer.

I did the school run the next day. If my baby was going to catch a big, it would be from their siblings. Being at the supermarket is more “risky” once they are a mobile toddler wanting to touch everything like the trolley imo.

We were both in hospital for 5 or 6 days.
DH took paternity leave for when we came home and we had a couple of days out during that time.
Went on holiday (UK) at 7 weeks.

I had a c section and recovery has been rough as it was my second c section. For first week, I was able to barely walk without pain. I have started to feel better after second week. I am hoping to take baby out now to park and Christmas markets etc. thanks for the encouraging responses.

The first few times are hardest, could you go out with someone else? Ideally partner but if not someone who could give you a hand if needed? Then if that goes well you may feel better taking the baby out on your own. Once you've done it a few times you won't worry about it so much

First two. Straight away, absolutely beaming with pride. Adopted.

Third. A few weeks, maybe week six if alone, due to section and fear and PNA.

Fourth, about two months, lock down.

From the start! Although with a winter baby I was discouraged at the number of layers required.

Day 2 we went to TGI Fridays and IKEA. Looking back it was a mistake , I felt exhausted and could have been doing with my bed not walking about ikea. Baby was absolutely fine though.
My opinion is if you are well enough it's good for you both to get out for some fresh air .
I would walk every day with the pram as soon as I was discharged from hospital.

I had a massive PPH. When he was a week old, we took him out for his first walk - just to the park a couple of minutes down the road with my DH and in-laws. I nearly passed out.

After that, I didn’t take him out until he was a month old, though DH took him on a few walks on his own.

I think if it’s fear holding you back, it’s a good idea to push yourself to get out of the house. Once you’ve done it a few times, it gets so much easier. But if you’ve had a rough birth, and you don’t feel physically up to it, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with staying at home until you feel ready.

Day 3 after a section. Had some things to post and then went to the pub!

Baby 1 - about a week old (we were only discharged from hospital on day 5), quick shopping trip to Mothercare (I miss that shop!). Attended my best friends wedding when he was just over 3 weeks old.

Baby 2 - a couple of days old (short trips to playground, cafe, etc).

Baby 3 - a couple of days old (similar, short trips to playground, cafe, school run, etc.). I was doing the school run regularly from 10 days old.

I found there was a balance between needing to get out of the house for my sanity vs needing to stay in to heal (I tore with all 3), recuperate and bond with my newborn. Re getting out, I don't have any tips beyond just, bluntly, "getting on with it" once you feel you want to, assuming you and your baby are feeling healthy and well enough to do so.

Yeah like others, stopped off for lunch on the way home. There was no time when they weren't out somewhere. I would have gone crazy if I hadn't got out of the house. I wouldn't worry too much about supermarkets etc baby will be fine. T

1st it was after about 3 days. Was pushed by mil to go out. Was wrong thing for me and I instantly regretted it.
2nd about 3 days. Was absolutely fine.

DD 2, was born 8pm, I came home at 11 am next day and we picked DD1 up from school at 3.10!
Next day we took. DD1 to school at 8.30.
Never stayed in with any of mine, I prefer to be out getting fresh air!

From day 1

Straight away. Walks in first few days and car trips. You don't need to breastfeed in public. Just feed before you go out or express with an electric pump. The chances are she'll sleep most if the time you are out.

You win.

Just over a week old and it was nerve wracking! Everyone is different x

Take care and be gentle with yourself. Your plan of going to Christmas markets sounds lovely!

OP there a lot of competitive 'I was out earlier than you' responses on here

Do whatever you feel comfortable with. The most important thing for now is you heal, recover and take your time.

There is no rush.

Can't remember with dc1 but dc2 I was in supermarket shopping when he was 2 days old.