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Parenting

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Original poster

What can you take a baby to?

114 replies

tinyracoon · 21/12/2023 18:16

Ok, genuinely can't believe I'm asking this but.. I'm 36 weeks pregnant and I've just realised I have no idea what you can / can't take a baby to! Don't know many people who've had babies so don't have any second hand experience...

Big caveat, obviously I know it depends on the baby and if they cry all the time, I wouldn't take them places where they would disturb others...

Im thinking like general life places... Hairdresser? Dentist appointment? Pub? Just realised I never seem to see new babies in the supermarket?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Justfinking · 21/12/2023 23:22

MissBuffyAnneSummers · 21/12/2023 21:54

@Justfinking

I also had advice from the midwife that due to their immune system you should be staying at home away from people for the first 2-3 weeks.

Not in the UK you didn't. Either that or you monumentally misunderstood what was being said to you.

It wasn't the UK, there are other countries in the world you know 🙄 I don't get the arguments against it, when it's so obvious it's not a great thing to do. Pretty sad if you can't even set aside a couple of weeks for the comfort of your newborn, but each to their own

brickastley · 21/12/2023 23:23

Ha at the person suggesting not taking a baby out for 6 weeks...

I'm wondering: do they stick with one child, or when the sibling arrives do they keep the first born off school for 6 weeks

DappledThings · 21/12/2023 23:27

Pretty sad if you can't even set aside a couple of weeks for the comfort of your newborn, but each to their own
Or loads don't think our newborns are discomforted by normal situations when they are usually asleep, wrapped up, held close in arms or slings and generally don't have a clue where they are anyway.

My children were fed whenever they wanted, rarely put down unless already fast asleep and as perfectly comfortable doing that out and about as they would be with me sitting on the sofa. Why wouldn't they be?

The lights in supermarkets are just lights. They aren't shining like a torch beam into the baby's eyes.

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00100001 · 21/12/2023 23:37

flowerchild2000 · 21/12/2023 18:35

Wait 6 weeks before taking them out in public. If they get sick their body might be too weak to fight it off. Plenty don't follow this guidance though. The rest is up to you. Your baby has a right to be where you are. If people can't handle baby sounds they don't understand what it is to be human. Always put your and your baby's needs first. I'm a single mother and I took my kids everywhere, never felt left out in any way. Plenty of times I had to leave a movie or a play because my kid couldn't handle sitting still and quiet. Last week I took elder DD to the movies for her birthday, and I kept toddler DD awake all day, no nap and lots of outdoor play, so at the movie at 7pm she fell asleep immediately and slept hard! It was the new Ghibli movie so I was determined to stay and enjoy. You'll figure it out as you go along. Just don't let anyone make you feel like you aren't allowed to exist because it bothers them.

What nonsense. Don't take the out for 6 weeks???
What do you imagine people with older children do? Leave them in the house when they pick the kids up from school? What do you imagine single mothers do who have to leave the house with the baby to do the food shopping?

sunglassesonthetable · 21/12/2023 23:38

Pretty sad if you can't even set aside a couple of weeks for the comfort of your newborn, but each to their own

You have no idea for what reason million apon million women all over the world " can't set aside a couple of weeks " or might not be able to. How sad indeed and how patronising.

Poppins2016 · 21/12/2023 23:43

Flittingaboutagain · 21/12/2023 19:19

Feel so sorry for babies being taken to supermarkets and other incredibly stimulating environments at days old! Babies were meant to be carried round, protected and exposed only to mother nature really! Fourth trimester is so rarely privileged for the sake of the baby in the West.

All environments are stimulating for babies. Just sitting and talking to someone, going for a walk, going in the garden... it's all stimulating. How about the post natal ward with lights and alarms and chatting...? A shop/supermarket really isn't the end of the world.

The fourth trimester is definitely worth paying heed to (it certainly helps to be aware of the principles and make room for bonding, cuddles and quiet time), but there's usually a balance to be found.

Redwinesalt · 21/12/2023 23:45

naemates · 21/12/2023 18:39

Where is the don't take them out before 6 weeks guidance?

Indeed. Makes zero sense if you have another child or are lone parent etc !! My 2nd was at toddler group with us on day 2

Poppins2016 · 21/12/2023 23:57

You can take a baby almost anywhere.

I personally wouldn't take mine to the hairdresser because it would be a disturbance for other customers/a faff if the baby needs to be seen to during a crucial moment (e.g. cutting/colouring/washing... so basically most of the appointment is a risk!). Same with dental treatments/hygienist - it's just not practical to deal with a baby while you're being treated.
Other exceptions would be the theatre or cinema unless it's a designated child-friendly performance/screening.

However I would take baby to GP appointments, dental check ups, the pub, restaurants, the shops/supermarket, nursery/school run, weddings and funerals.

I'd just do whatever you feel comfortable with and pace yourself in the early days... It's OK to take it easy and binge watch TV while you cluster feed/cuddle your baby. It's also OK to make trips out of the house if you want to. There are no rights or wrongs, it's all personal choice.

LinneM · 22/12/2023 00:00

Everywhere except for the hairdressers/nail shop. I just don’t think it’s fair for them to sit in a buggy for so long doing nothing. I also don’t think it’s fair for them to disturb others. People go to the nail shop/hairdressers for a bit of peace!

Echobelly · 22/12/2023 00:51

Tbh you probably won't manage to leave the house much with a baby in the first six weeks as it takes a while to get yourself together for more than a walk around the corner for in that time, even with an easy baby, but once you do get used to packing the baby bag it's great to get out in the day when they're very portable and asleep lot. Galleries, museums etc are good.

I only ever did one film showing for parents with babies and that was great. There's even more things that do baby friendly shows that days.

UnravellingTheWorld · 22/12/2023 10:00

Only on Mumsnet have I ever heard "don't take baby out for 6 weeks" 🙄

Babies go anywhere you go. I personally wouldn't take to hairdressers (wouldn't want them to get covered in tiny hairs) but there's totally nothing wrong with it. I've had my son with me for eye tests and even my smear! At the end of the day, you have to continue to care for your child while you take on life. Most people you meet also have children and they will understand.

brickastley · 22/12/2023 10:33

Tbh you probably won't manage to leave the house much with a baby in the first six weeks as it takes a while to get yourself together for more than a walk around the corner for in that time,

I wouldn't say this is usual

SErunner · 22/12/2023 10:55

Echobelly · 22/12/2023 00:51

I only ever did one film showing for parents with babies and that was great. There's even more things that do baby friendly shows that days.

No judgement of those that don't, but I don't think this is the norm.

Echobelly · 22/12/2023 11:35

Just saying it can be tricky to manage, believe me I wanted us to get out and about, albeit I just realises a big part of that with oldest was that I could drive at the time (and I learned before having a second!) - so maybe ignore me then, might only be the case when you can't drive.

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