What did you do with your 9 week old?

[Pollyg2112]

Hey all first post here!
I'm a first time mum and I have a 9-week old I just wanted to ask what sort of things you did with your 9-week old.

Did you take them to baby groups straight away? And if so where did you go what did you do? How did you make friends?What sort of things did you do do socially with baby? Did you get out everyday?I feel like I should be doing a lot more than going for walks, and feel guilty if I don't get out everyday but not sure if my expectations are too high either, if baby is too young for activities yet..

I would love to hear what your routine was when your LO was 9 weeks,
Thanks xx

Mostly sat on the couch having cuddles.

You don't need to get out every day unless you want to go for a walk.

I never went to any baby groups as not my cup of tea. Try them if you want company.

I didn't do much with any of mine at that age. 9 weeks is far too young for baby groups, they're a waste of time imo. What I did do is go to mum&baby café at my local parish (I don't go to church normally). It was free and a great place to chat to other mums.
Apart from that, I spent my time going on walks, meeting friends and sitting around breastfeeding.
You don't need to do much with a tiny baby, there's no need to feel pressure to offer any special entertainment. It sounds like you're doing just fine!

Walked the dog
Watched box sets
Cuddles/breastfeeding
Walked around the shops (I live near town)
Had coffee or lunch with friends
Had coffee or lunch on my own
Etc etc
Didn't do any baby groups until after 12weeks and even then it was a waste of time as she was more likely to want to sleep or feed.

Fed, changed and let sleep. We were out for shopping, school runs and dog walks but not much else tbh. 10wk onward I'd pop her in her chair to watch me do my gym sessions (home set up). 6mth now and we don't do baby groups, I just don't like them. Now she's getting better at sitting unaided we may do some park, play centre or swimming trips at some point.

Sat at home and watched boxsets. I never did any baby groups, for me they are my idea of hell. Saw friends etc on evenings and weekends,but most weekdays just stayed at home, or walked to tesco for an outing. First few months of mat leave was all about what i wanted to do as knewas baby got older i'd need to start doing activities for them

Up to you- you don't have to go out or groups if you don't fancy it. Especially at this time of year. But I went out for my own sanity, to get some fresh air and exercise. Started going to a few groups early on but for the company and support as didn't have any family/ friends with baby's locally. At this age groups are entirely for the benefit of the parent, the baby doesn't care less!

Your baby is happy once its warm, fed, loved etc.

After that, do whatever makes you happy - stay in and watch TV or go out and try to meet other people.

I enjoyed going out everyday even if it was just to the shops to pick up bread - just to break up the day.

I have 4 children. My eldest got a lot of focus as he was my first. My youngest was dragged around from place to place and often in the background as I dealt with the older ones. They both turned out much the same in the end!

Thanks! I agree about it being about the parent but I stupidly worry that baby will just cry so won't be able to do much socialising and will have to leave! I know o shouldn't let that stop me.. x

This comments have been super helpful, thank you!
I really want to sit in a cafe and have a coffee without fear of me not being able to cope with the situation/or be able to soothe her, if baby has a crying fit.. I know all babies cry ,know one cares etc but hard not to worry xx

I watched box sets mostly lol, I used to bath him most days as he seemed to love the water, had to stop though as he had eczema on his back and baths were making it worse. I used to go and visit both my Nan most weeks as they lived nearby, and saw some friends who worked part time so had time off during the week, same with my mum. I used to go for a walk into town if the weather was nice, then get my husband to pick us up on his way home from the train station, or if it was raining I would drive.
I never went to baby groups really as they never appealed to me, but I find it difficult taking to people I don't know especially when they already know each other.

I've always gone out every day - mostly just for a walk to keep active and get some fresh air but supermarket trips, running errands, going for coffee. With DC1 I was out at baby groups from about 8 weeks, DC2 was later due to Covid but we do 2-3 groups/classes per week.

Don't be worried if baby cries, no one minds a new baby. You'll probably get people coming over for a look and a chat. It's when you get a toddler booting off over a Costa gingerbread that you really get the stares.

I started taking DC1 to baby groups from about six weeks as we'd moved to the area when I was 37 weeks pregnant and knew no one so I was desperate for company and conversation. We'd relocated for DH's work and the new role involved him being out of the house for at least 12 hours a day which wasn't ideal!
DC1 didn't get anything from those groups but I did, even if it was just the leader taking pity on me and coming over at the beginning or end of session and chatting for a few minutes.
It was funny when DC1 started secondary school and realising that person X that she was sat next to had been at the same sensory play session or something as a baby and person Y done baby massage.

My baby is 9 weeks old now too. I go out for walks almost everyday I have to go out anyway as he has a sibling in school. Been going to a baby group since he was 4 weeks old (only when I can). He loves the pram so I make sure we go out. I meet up with friends and go to cafés sometimes just me and baby. In the house I sing, read to him. 7pm is bath time then bedtime.

Don’t worry about the baby crying a bit in public - every single person was once a baby who cried!

Usually at that age, they stop crying if you give them what they want - like milk, a clean nappy etc. So the crying won’t go on too long.

And if you are worried it is too loud, just pop outside the coffee shop for a short time to calm the baby down - leave your coat etc - without any valuables- at the table - so they won’t clear it while you are go e

Hi OP.
Im a 1st time mum to my DD and have the same worries as you. Going out and her crying and me not being able to settle her. DH and I have been out on a few walks which initially were a nightmare as she just screamed in the pram, until we realised she had severe reflux and now shes better on medication.
We havent been to baby class. To be honest, im not the most social person so am a bit unsure so we're doing lots of sensory activities at home.
We will go swimming at some point which i think she will enjoy though.

@Flutterby8
I guess we are all in the same boat us new parents.. that reassuring to know we have all been there! I get so worried about the baby crying not being able to soothe her.. happened today, she was in pram so just had to keep going to get home. She was hungry but didn't feed her there and then as so close to home! So hard to know what to do when you have a screaming baby. We will get there.. I guess persistence is key!
Really is a hard job! Mums are amazing, and dad's too xxx