Help! New mum needs advice

[Lolarosemama]

So I’m about to pop and at Christmas our little man will be two and a half months old. I’m going to sound so stupid but as FTM I don’t know what is and isn’t possible with a baby that small.

Like can we still plan in shorter days out that have a shortish drive, or will we literally just need to do local things that aren’t too far from home like walking to a café?

We were also thinking about a couple of nights in a hotel that has enough bits to do in walking distance and room service so dinners aren’t tricky, but again... how feasible is that with a tiny baby in the winter?

Appreciate any kind advice - don’t tear me to shreds for stupid questions, I’ve never done this before!

Thanks! Xxx

I think the honest answer is that you just don't know until you've had baby.

The overwhelming majority of women will have an uncomplicated vaginal birth and be in and out of hospital in 24 hours.

Unfortunately, some women will need a cut or will tear requiring stitches. Some women will need an emergency Caesarean and some babies are born early.

Until you know which category you fall into I really wouldn't plan too much.

I had a section 2 weeks ago and I'm only just starting to leave the house for short walks. I've had a tricky recovery period (which is nowhere near over yet!) and I'm still very sore.

The best advice I can give you is to plan to stay home, snuggled up with your newborn, and if you're recovering well then start to make plans for hotels and walks etc.

Good luck!

You don't sound stupid at all. Just very orgainsed .

I agree with the above. You just don't know how you will feel plus who knows what we can and can't do as a country then. If you're feeling well and we are able, there may be some good last minute deals to be had (reasonably locally) while businesses try to boost their income.

If you're like me and like to have a plan, why not plan for a few scenarios now.

Best wishes to you all at this exciting time!

We were out for full days out after 6 weeks or so (and I'd had a bad birth) with no problem. We only went away for the first time at 4 months but DD was FF so it does complicate matters as you need to take extra stuff with you to sterilise bottles, make formula etc. We never had a problem eating out with her, but it depends on how baby copes with the evening, when they want to sleep, where they like to sleep etc.

I'd probably wait to book anything though with an ever changing covid situation and to see how you're coping in the early days.

I wouldn’t plan anything/anything that can’t be cancelled before 6 weeks but after that it’d most likely be fine. I actually think when they’re younger without set feeding and nap times it’s easier as now my DS is 6 months I’m a bit more tied to his routine

physically at 2.5 months you should be mostly physically recovered

as for staying in a hotel with a baby its mostly the sheer amount of equiptment you need, I recommend your own travel cot as many in hotels are dirty or broken and shared mattresses have been linked to SIDs

Covid changing restrictions are the biggest issues with plans, just not knowing what we will be allowed to do next month but technically you can do pretty much anything... my DS was born in october and we went away that xmas, it wasnt that hard... good luck

I went on a skiing holiday with my 3 month old so yeah, you can do pretty much anything

We found anything over 3h out of the house was a stretch for awhile. But could be in hotel with a trip out morning or afternoon. Depends a bit on how you're all sleeping whether you want to leave the house or not. Self catering is often better than hotel as you have space (and one of you can go for a nap while the other one is in the lounge)

I doubt anywhere will be booked up tho this year, so why not make a shortlist and play it by ear.

Ps if money no object then look at www.luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk and book mid week in term time :)

PPS being snuggled up in the house with a little baby in winter can be lovely as you have an excuse to stay in :)

With both of my two I’ve found that as long as I can keep them in a sleep/change/feed/awake cycle I can do pretty much anything. So I accept that things take longer and just have a relaxed approach and most things are possible. Having said that both are great car sleepers which helps tremendously.