Going on walks with baby

[tudorqueenie]

I have a 7 week old little girl. My husband and I would love to go on longer walks together with her (it would be a great way for us to get some more gentle exercise in, and for her to get more fresh air!), but I'm not sure how long we can take her out for in her pram. We've only done 10 minute walks so far. Any rules on this? How did other people do it? Many thanks in advance :)

I used to take DC1 out for a long walk every morning and afternoon (weather permitting) when she was tiny. It was great for her sleep and made me feel good too. She’d also stay in the pram while we went out for lunch etc. She’s now 2 and has a 3mo baby brother who doesn’t get to enjoy the long pram rides like she did. Life with a toddler just doesn’t allow it so honestly make the most while you can!

Get a sling
Ergobaby Omni is great and fine for newborns.

@tudorqueenie it absolutely isn't a silly question if you don't know the answer!it's a scary world being a new mum and you absolutely don't want to do anything detrimental to your new baby. I totally get it! Go for your walk, don't go too crazy with the clothes and enjoy the fresh air, it really does make a difference to your well being. My baby is 8 months now but I used to wait until the evening to take him out as he was summer born so it had cooled down by then. Ohh and congratulations on the birth of your baby🙂

My little ones would spend all day in a sling or a carrier as we were out straight away, we needed to walk to the shops for the food shopping, we needed to walk to care for other relatives as we help with personal care, we needed to walk the dog daily, my middle baby needed daily midwife appointments for the first 28 days of life so we had to walk to the clinic and back every day rain or shine, that was a pain in the ass, we needed to walk the older ones to school, to clubs, to practice, to tutor. Lots of walking with babies. They seemed to enjoy it.

I hope you get out and about soon and feel better OP.

Honestly @theleafandnotthetree , what is the point in posts like that?

Surely a new Mum can ask for advice on a parenting forum ?
The very point of a forum called Mumsnet is it is a network of Mums (mostly, though we know others are welcome) here to chat and laugh and discuss things, but mostly to help each other out ?

I knew nothing about babies when I had dc1. I also had a lot of sleep deprived brain fog. Why do you assume other people all will know the answers ?
There are very few questions that are stupid questions at this time in a new Mum's life. If it is something you are thinking about, new Mums should feel free to ask anything without risk of being ridiculed.

Thank you @Mumdiva99 for your positive and helpful posts.

@tudorqueenie

It's because it's cold plus still covid times and because I've read way too much information about things that could go wrong :'D so I like to take my time and be sure even if it sounds silly. I know it does. It reassures me to hear the comments. Also - I lost 42% of my blood volume so I didn't want to force it too much which is why I waited with this question for this long, but now I'm feeling very much ready!

You’re not being silly at all, OP. You’re being an anxious first time mum, and that’s entirely understandable. But I would try not to overly research everything (Google is not a very good friend to FTM’s), and if your anxiety worsens, then speak to your GP. A bit of worry is part of parenting, but too much and you can get help.

I really hope you enjoy your lovely first family walk

Thank you so much for all the support and the lovely comments, it's been immensely helpful and I'm very grateful to all of you! :)

I lost 42% of my blood volume

Bloody hell, how are you still alive?

The flip side of this is ... Any time "out" is brilliant achievement. Good for your mental health but not something to beat self up about. Getting out with a baby can be a major planning exercise. Do what you're comfy with doing.

OP if it makes you feel better: first time I took DS out for a walk by myself I would stop and check he was breathing every 5 minutes I did relax. Needless to say that didn't happen with DD!!