Out and about with 1 month old baby

Rebecca - posted on 07/08/2010

Well some good advice I got while I was pregnant was that you are the mom and you do what you believe is right... My son is 23 days old and we have been out to the store multiple times and have gone to a festival. It really depends on what you think is right. As far as it being too hot outside, you have to remember that the baby was inside a 98 degree body for nine months and really likes to be warm. But if you are that worried about the baby being too hot, then you could pack some cooler clothes and a thermometer and check ever so often. Hope this helps.

Brooke - posted on 07/06/2010

we had our daughter out at the shops 4 days after she was born... We took her to the lake etc aswell... we took her out of town. Our life didn't change... and she has only been sick with a cold 2-4 times and she is 18 months old.

Lexi - posted on 07/06/2010

I think it is really all about preparation and your personal comfort level. I took my son out in 90 degree weather and took him in the lake when he was about 3 or 4 weeks old and took him swimming in the lake. He loved it. It was after his umbilical stump was healed of course. Shade is important, you can take one of those little battery operated hand held fans to blow on him with. Sunscreen of course is a must and I think it really helps to sponge baby down periodically with cool water. In my experience it usually needs to be a shorter day at the beach than you would have had kidless. Pay attention to your baby and if he seems like he's in distress, go inside somewhere and cool off or head home. Make sure baby stays hydrated.

I don't think there is anything wrong with a trip to the grocery store, a social event or other errands if you are physically up to it. I do believe that you should minimize the amount of people holding him until he gets his first set of shots tho. My baby loved being out and about in his sling.

Kathy - posted on 07/05/2010

That lady is probably from the time when they kept a mom and baby for a week with a natural birth lol, now a c-section and your home in 3 days

Eve - posted on 07/04/2010

Getting out and about is good for them. My midwife told me that even if I couldn't get out [in the car] to at least sit in the garden for an hour [weather permitting] to get the air and sun round the baby for vitamins [vitamin e and d are sun vitamins] with sunblock etc. My daughter wasn't even 24hrs old when I took her to the store, I had a lady walk up to me and ask how old she was and when I told her she looked shocked and told me I should still be in hospital - you can't just stop living because you have a child!! I do agree about making sure there is shade though if you do go to the lake.

Rachel - posted on 07/04/2010

I waited a full month to really venture out with my daughter. And didn't really feel comfortable out with her till about 3 months. Even then I was always there with sanitizing wipes after people held her hands. And carts always have her cart-seat-cover on it.
But I am so like you, so here's a good piece of advice. Stick to your guns. YOU are the Mom, and know best for your baby. I had to get over what people thought of me as a "new" mom. It really did more to my psyche too. Because all their insignificant comments made me question myself more as well, and that was rediculous. Because when I did what they wanted, I was so stressed out that I never had a good time anyway. And just like you, my husband...means well, but just doesn't understand that the baby can't go places or do things so young. He's simply not as attuned as you are or realized in how important some things are. Don't let him boss you around, but you need to find a way to school him since your the only one to teach him.
As far as the Lake, I wouldn't go. Its simply too hot and sunny. A newborns' skin is soooo fragile. The least little bit can burn them. Case in point, a 3 month old baby in Canada had 3rd degree burns on 80% of his body last month from a beach trip. There "should" be shade but there isn't any guarantee. And no baby needs to be on a Lake, which normally happens as well if your going. The beach and lake are for freedom, fun and relaxation. Tell him to go, blow off some steam and have a nice day. He'll be happier, and you'll be able to keep your baby in comforts of your home. Otherwise, get a sitter and have a nice day with the two of you.
Good luck!

Jenn - posted on 07/03/2010

i was out with my babe at costco i day after i came home with her, and i had a section!! its normal to worry, sometimes the anxiety can go along with baby blues (completely normal...should only last a couple of weeks, if it goes longer or interfers with normal daily functioning, see your dr) no need to worry, sometimes its helpfull for you to go about your life as it was before babe came along, makes you feel better to be out and about with all your friends and families. sometmes breastfeeding can rule your schedule for the first while, but a routine will slowly establish itself, and the tiredness will subside. give yourself time to be comfortable in your new role as mommy, and dont isolate yourself from going out to functions, you need ppl around and youd be surprised how much ppl will help with the babe. in respect to the weather and being at the lake, just use your common sense. if it were me (and you certainly dont need to do what i or anyone else would do! lol) i would make a compromise with my husband to spend a little while there, after all you are still adjusting to parenthood and possibly still healing from a birth/delivery. make an appearence, be aware of temp and make sure you have a safe cool place to relax/feed with baby. even an hour out will help you both feel social without pushing it too far. dont worry too much...just use your common sense and it will all fall into place. but on the other hand, dont isolate yourself with the babe. the earlier you include the baby in your everyday routines, the more easily they will adjust to the schedule you normally follow. thats a big thing when as theyh get older you dont worry about not being able to bring them places or carry out your normal day.

good luck!

Mikka - posted on 07/01/2010

I completely understand your worry.... but yes, you are a worry wart : )

A week after my son was born we were up in the mountains taking my 3yr old sledding. A few days later we spent the day in Seattle at the Science Center... Both times I had him packed in a carrier so that he was close to mama. He could sleep comfortably, and no strangers were touching him or in his face (so he wasnt getting germs from any potentially sick people as it was winter). Going to the store, or other errands, you can do without a problem - just make sure you schedule your errands around her feeding/sleeping schedule.

95% however is a lil bit different. I think you should agree to go, provided that really is adequate shade, but onyl for a couple hours. Your husband should see your effort, but acknowledge that there is no point if baby starts getting uncomfortably hot - everyone will be miserable.

Mandee - posted on 06/30/2010

We live in Europe (my husbands military) and when my daughter was about 1 month old we were out traveling and sightseeing.. which I think was a good thing because it has gotten her use to traveling and being military we have to travel a lot :)

Natasha - posted on 06/29/2010

I took my son out for a walk once a day starting at 10 days old! just dress him for the weather. and he will be just fine. if it is hot just a diaper will do.

Ashley - posted on 06/28/2010

We took our son out when he was a few days old. He is a summer baby so we didnt worry about him getting sick to easily. It just depends on how comfortable you are going places with him. Just make sure you tell strangers not to touch your baby. You can also order signs online for your carseat and stroller that say Do Not Touch The Baby. Also before you go out, make sure whoever you are seeing has not been sick or been around anyone that has been sick and always ask everyone to wash their hands. (I would also hold off on letting little children touch or hold him because they get sick so easily and dont know it.)

Renae - posted on 06/28/2010

It is ok to worry.. and sometimes I do too. My baby is almost 4 weeks old and we had him out when he was just 5 days old... I had to take my mom to the airport. The woman that was working the ticket counter kept telling me that I needed to be at home with the baby and not have him out. Well I thought maybe she was right, but came to the conclusion that I was the parent in this matter and I felt like it was ok for my baby to be out (without a hat on his head). We have had him out several times since then. I live in Chicago and we go to the lake front often. As long as you dress you lil one in something comfortable and stay out of direct sunlight, you should be ok. You are the only one that knows what's best for your child.

Mizanne - posted on 06/27/2010

I took my daughter out at exactly 1 month. I don't see a problem with that, but if it gets too hot use your mom instincts.

Christina - posted on 06/27/2010

My son was born March 13th. I take him everywhere!! No matter the weather, as long as he is wearing apporpriate clothing. If it's really hot just keep your baby out of the sun and in the shade!! If your going to have your baby in the sun don't have your baby in the sun too long. Don't want him/her getting a sun burn!!

Nicki - posted on 06/26/2010

I didn't go anywhere with my daughter till she was 7 weeks, and even then it would be a quick trip for months. They are so little, why would you even want to take them places. So many germs and things are everywhere and they have no immune system. Just my opinion but I would not take your baby outside that little in that heat. My daughter is 8 months old now and i still wouldnt have her outside that long. They get over heated soooo quick!

Brandy - posted on 06/26/2010

I would just keep her in the shade and just dress her in a diaper shirt or t-shirt and breastfeed her as much as she wants (or formula if that's what you re doing). You don't have to stay at home just because you had a baby. If you are comfortable and your baby is comfortable then nothing else matters. Don't worry about the nosy person at the grocery store. It's none of their business what you decide to do with your baby. With my first baby, I was afraid to go anywhere. I thought it would be so hard to prepare and hard on my daughter but with my second, I kind of realized that they don't require much to go out for a couple hours; some diapers, wipes, change of clothes in case of a mess, a blankie to cover if I need to feed him and we're good to go. I can pack that in less than 5 minutes and he is 5 months old and I still haven't even had to feed him at a store because he usually naps for the first little while when we leave and when he wakes up, he is happy and just rides in the cart in his carseat looking at all the stuff around him. Just find out how to make yourself comfortable and don't be afraid to change things in your surroundings to make it more convenient for you. Your a mom and your baby's comfort should come first and others will just have to deal with that.

Kathy - posted on 06/26/2010

we were out and about since we got out of the hospital... well other than after my incision came open, then we were grounded for a while. After that my hubby, baby & I would go for a drive to get a coffee just to get me outta the house and keep me sane. But I wouldn't keep her in just because she's only a month... keep her outta the sun cause she can't use sunscreen yet, keep her hydrated, but our daughter was in a mall at 3 days old, follow YOUR instincts, don't listen to what someone says at a grocery store, follow what you and you only feels best. And if your really unsure if you should or shouldn't do something ask your ped or someone you trust.

Brooke - posted on 06/25/2010

i was out and about as soon as i wasnt hurting from the birth.. i think babies need to be in contact with germs and what not it makes their immune system stronger.. its totally up to you tho if your not comfotable then dont.. its your baby so no one can tell yu what to do..

Renae - posted on 06/25/2010

Yes alot of people will tell you that you are supposed to stay indoors for the first 4 weeks. I think that used to be the recommendation. But I didn't. Especially if you are breast feeding and passing all of your immunities on to your baby. I think that theory comes from our parents time when hardly anyone breast fed so the baby needed a few weeks to build its immune system. There were also much worse things around then that they could catch, most of which is now all but irraticated thanks to immunisations.

I was so excited about being a new mum I was out visiting and shopping and going to mums group. We started baby gym and mum&baby water aerobics as soon as we were allowed to join (6 weeks I think it was).

I just converted 95 degrees to something that makes sense to me (I'm in Australia). That isn't considered really hot here. We all take our babies out in 95 degrees all summer long. We have heat waves were it is 108 or higher (just did another conversion). Now if it was 108 or more, I personally wouldn't go for an afternoon at the park because I cant stand sitting around in the heat when I could be sitting in the cool aircon - but I know people who would, and they would take their baby. So I think, dress her sensibly and inform your husband prior that if the baby gets too hot you may need to leave earlier than he would otherwise like.

Megan - posted on 06/25/2010

With a baby that is 1 month old, I would not take them out in extremely hot weather nor extremely cold unless absolutely needed. 2 months old isn't that big of a difference but at least by then they have the formula in their system to give them somewhat of an immune system to fight things off if for whatever reason they were to catch something. On top of which, 95 degree weather calls for a lot of sun no matter how much shade there is and most doctors dont recommend putting sunscreen on babies until they're 3 months old. It's a judgement call on your part, but I kept my daughter in the house as best I could when she was 1 month old although she was born in January in Cleveland, which is the exact opposite of 95 degrees. Good luck with whatever decision you made/make!

Sarh - posted on 06/25/2010

That is not too early, when you shelter the baby at home is when they become sick so easily when they become older! They need to be exposed to things and people! Fresh air is good for babies! Just leave the baby in just a diaper or just a onesie! My son was 4 days old and we took him to a restaurant. He is now 2 wks and 1 day old, yesterday we went to my sister's birthday party. We have taken him for numerous walks, he has gotten heat rash, but that was because I had him in a "sleep n play" and it was hot out. After that walk I just put him in a onesie, his skin doesn't need to be covered by clothes because, he is in the car seat in the stroller so the shades cover him. If your baby is in just the car seat do not use a huge thick heavy blanket over the car seat to shade the sun, use a receiving blanket. I hope this helps and I hope it does not seem like I am being rude, because I surely am not!

Natalie - posted on 06/25/2010

I also have a one month old and I take him anywhere that has a fairly controlled temperature. Everyone has an opinion and people at the grocery store all seem to think it is thier right to tell you what you are doing wrong. You need to do whatever works best for you. I would just be concerned about having a baby in the heat, otherwise go wherever YOU feel like going!

Belinda - posted on 06/25/2010

Its a personal choice, you know what your baby will tolerate better than anyone else and you are the one who has to deal with it so ignore anyone elses opinion. If you dont get out of the house from time to time you will go mad. If your baby is happy being out i really dont see the problem. But if your anxious about it chances are you baby will pick up on it so just do whatever makes you comfortable

Amy - posted on 06/24/2010

I was out and about with my daughter when she was young. Its kind of a good thing because theyre being exposed to different things and they wont get sick as much either. but it does take away from bonding time :/

Hallie - posted on 06/24/2010

my little one was out and about the day we got out of hospital some times its been hot and other times freezing ...you are the only one that can answer this question ..its what you feel comfortable with

Erica - posted on 06/23/2010

You can function with a baby: doing errands and SOME recreational things. DO NOT let your husband pressure you to take the baby on an outing at this age. It is too hot for such a small one. She can't regulate her own body temperature yet and although you can cool her by fanning or spritzing with water, she may get over heated. She can't go into the water yet, so you can't cool her that way. Plus, being in the heat with a big ol' diaper on will cause her to break out. Being outside is good for babies, but not a whole afternoon in 95 degree weather. Just tell him you'll stay home and he can go. Maybe by the end of the summer she'll be able to go with the fam to the lake for the afternoon. By then she can enjoy the water to stay cool :)

Jessica - posted on 06/23/2010

If you want to take your baby out, you can, at any age. when it comes to the heat, or even the cold, you just have to make sure the baby is wearing something appropriate for the weather. you can even take your baby to the lake....just make sure if the baby is getting to hot (to YOUR standards) that your husband is going to be willing to go home, or atleast let you and the baby go home and him ride with his friends. its very inconsiderate of him to push you out of your comfort zone though, cuz when your a mom, you guy by what feels comfortable to you. if mommy aint comfy neither is baby....kinda like if momma aint happy, aint nobody happy! lol

Brittany - posted on 06/23/2010

My doctor told me that is good to take the babies out because it helps build up there emune system and that the sun helps them get some vitamins. My daughter is a month old and I take her out and she is very healthy. We just got back from taken her to the beach and she got in the pool and everything.

Amanda - posted on 06/23/2010

Whatever happens, it's your child, and you have to do what you feel is right. I think sometimes it can be harder to take baby out in warm weather because people think it's easier. I live in Arizona, and my son is almost 9 months old, but I hate taking him out more now than I ever have, partly because he's mobile, but more so because I am worried that he's cooking in the car/car seat! I have really tried limiting going out with him, especially before sunset. However, when he was younger, and it was cooler, I took him places all of the time. I let other people touch and talk to him if they wanted. He loved to go to the mall!

Allie - posted on 06/23/2010

My son was born on March 4 and i had him out when he was 4 days old, i just made sure people didnt touch him or breathed right on him. Whenever you feel comfortable going out go! I took my 3 1/2 month old son to the lake and he gets in the pool. But if you dont want to then i would stay home. Whatever you feel best doing then do it! Good Luck!!

Sarah - posted on 06/22/2010

With my first I could pick and choose a little bit more when to take him out and when to stay home. We did not stop our normal activities. It did take me a few weeks to feel like going out, but once I was feeling better I enjoyed getting out. Now we have two kids that are in many different sporting activities. When our third one comes I don't think we will be staying home much. I once heard one mom say, "have baby, will travel". I think that becomes very true when the baby is no longer the first born. Life does not stop just because you adding another to the mix. Instead of sitting outside for the whole baseball game we may go into the car with air for part of it. Or instead of sitting out on a cold night at a football game we may sit in the car with the heat on. But we are still traveling and going because this is now our family.

Bottom line is though if you don't feel comfortable going then don't go. Just don't stop your life because there is a new addition.

Nikki - posted on 06/22/2010

We took my son out real early, its the older generation that believes you need to keep them indoors forever........

To be honest the BEST time to take them out is the FIRST SIX MONTHS, because they sleep the most and arent mobile. We went to dinner all the time and our son would sleep through 95% of the time, he loved the stroller life was grand.... then the 6 month mark hit and everything changed, as soon as he became mobile, he hates the stroller, he hates high chairs, I have to be quick no matter what errand I run and now hes one and walking so he wants to walk everywhere and if i do not let him he screams his little face off.... we havent been out to dinner since he was 6 months, the only place we go is the park or to other peoples houses, somewhere he is free to play......... so just dress them appropriately as in they feel the heat just like you do so what u feel comfortable in is the same for them, do not overdress, keep them out of the son and hydrated and everything should be fine

Rachael - posted on 06/22/2010

Don`t worry about bringing him to the store, or even out for a dinner. I spent most of my son`s first month in malls because my apartment doesn`t have ac and it was hot. I don`t think that it is a good idea to bring a baby outside in such hot weather though.

Sarah - posted on 06/22/2010

I agre with Jennifer- when my LO was small, I kept her in the moby wrap when I ran errands. It freed up my hands, kept her happily next to me and kept people from touching and breathing on her. Perfect.
It is really hard to go out with baby sometimes, and you need to set limits on what she can handle adn what you can handle. I say go out a bit, but keep it in moderation. Some babies don't do well in new environments and some are fine- there's only one way to find out! :)

Jennifer - posted on 06/22/2010

my son is 7 months old and i still don't like taking him out when its 90+ degrees :)



make sure there is plenty of shade, as babies under 6 months can't really use sunscreen because of the chemicals.

make sure she is dressed appropriately.

and the biggest thing is make sure she is hydrated, feed/nurse her more often if you are outside for any prolonged period of time.



as for running errands with a little one, my moby wrap was a life saver. grocery shopping is so much easier with a wrap because the baby usually just falls asleep in it, and even as my son got older and was awake more often, he would be awake but quiet and alert whenever he was in the wrap. even now all of my chores around the house get done with my 20lb baby boy attatched to me in a ring sling.

Olivia - posted on 06/22/2010

My daughter is now 5 months. She has not had her shots (because we decided it was the better choice) And she caught a cough I had for one day but because I am breastfeeding her she got my antibody and recovered quickly and it didn't get bad.



Now that you know her now, my fiancee and myself started taking out daughter out and about to meet friends and family after 2 weeks. It was winter then and all we had to do was cover her up. Also I am a bf mom so she has a great immune system. So if you are not bf i wouldn't suggest it because their immune system doesn't start to develop till 6 months.



But if you keep her hydrated and in the shade I wouldn't see anything wrong with it.(sunlight give vitamin D which we need at least 10 in a sunlight a day even from a window)



But YOU are the mom if you feel that it is to hot and it wouldn't be safe then don't do it. A good mom that is attached to her child is NEVER a worry wart, you know whats best.



So just follow your instincts and try and enjoy this time more then anything!!! :D

Sara - posted on 06/22/2010

A lot of health practicioners recommend you stay home when you want, for your own comfort and recouperation. But there's nothing wrong with bringing the baby out. Mine was born in January and we live in northern Indiana... we made sure he was bundled up good and he never caught so much as a cough. Make sure the baby is in something s/he won't get too warm in - and if s/he's chaffing anywhere, or starts to, just make sure s/he's clean and put some corn starch in those spots.

Think about the women who have babies and live in very hot or very cold places of the world - just make sure baby is dressed properly. :)