I haven't taken Julian out at night, hence we have been decling social invitations all around. When is a good time to start taking him out? Anything I should look out for?

Erica - posted on 11/06/2008

You can't keep your child in a bubble... he needs to know how to be in a social setting. There is no problem with taking your child out and experiencing the outside world. You may have problems with him as he gets older with him adapting to certain situations. Be protective, but not overly protective!

Rebecca - posted on 11/05/2008

Well, I say whatever you are comfortable with is fine for you!!! When they are really little, they can sleep anywhere, so a schedule is no big deal, but as they get older, it is not a good idea to keep them out late on a regular basis....

Valerie - posted on 11/04/2008

I did not take my children out to a night club or anything inappropriate, but our philosophy is that children need to adapt to life. If they go to bed a little later or fall asleep in the car on the way home, the experiences they have with others is really important. If you child is a premie, there are other rules abou their health. If your baby is healthy, please feel free to start small and then graudally start by taking them longer and to different family type experiences.

Laura - posted on 11/02/2008

great advice! I like you was worried and didn't take my oldest out until she was 6 weeks old and then that was very limited. You need to take your child out early as long as it works around the baby's schedule. My second, (a boy) was taken out immediately and if he was sleepy he slept. I made sure to get things done before his longest nap so I could then get stuff done at home. As far as socializing, we took him to our friends house and out to resturants. Just not too late. I had a sling that kept him warm and feeling safe. No problems at all!

Heidi - posted on 11/02/2008

I would start out early. We had a friend who never took her son out and started when he was a toddler, but by then he had no idea how to behave in public so they felt like they couldnt leave the house. We just always took our kids out with us to restaurants and friends houses and they learn to be flexible and learn how they are supposed to behave in different situations.

Kristen - posted on 10/27/2008

I have an 18 month old son and a 6 week old daughter. Both of them started going with me everywhere after my driving privilages were back after my csection. Gavin loves people and does not get overwhelmed by a lot of people and I am sure Kassie will be the same. I think the sooner the better. ;o)

Cathy - posted on 10/27/2008

we took our son out about 3weeks old. But we had people over the first week of course we asked them to wash their hands. Now hes a year and a half and goes everwhere with us

Brittney - posted on 10/27/2008

Hi Izanne. I agree with our first I took her our right away. She loves people, and can interact really well with kids and daycare was so easy for us with her. Now our second one, I ended up being a stay at home mom. I didnt get out of the house right away with her because I was breast feeding, and she is a total different girl. Does not interact well with others. She is very shy, and holds on to me everywhere I go now!

Melissa - posted on 10/27/2008

I agree with Belinda! Take him out right away. Its good stimlation and such a great learning experience for him to experience the world around him. Most parents dont understand that kids are sponges. And from the very minute they are born they are learning and taking things in. You will know from the first time how he does. Trust me, the more interaction he has now with people the easier it will be down the raod when you need to have a sitter or put him into daycare.

Amanda - posted on 10/26/2008

We also took our son out right away. It started with quick trips, but now he is with us everywhere we go. His first outing was actually within 2 1/2 weeks of birth (just to a soft restaurant). Just last night he went with us to my cousin's wedding and he did AWESOME... Loved the music and dancing the whole nine yards...(all at 7 weeks)

Good Luck...

Sara - posted on 10/25/2008

I took my son out right away, but mostly during the day until we got on a schedule. Now he goes nearly everywhere with us. He gets so much attention from everyone it is almost like getting a break.

Belinda - posted on 10/25/2008

I may be a minority...but we started taking our son out immediately. Our doctor said as long as he was dressed warmly and people were washing their hands before holding him...especially if they're sick...it was completely safe. I think it was a good thing because he has always been a total people person. He does not get overstimulated around a lot of people like some babies do.

Jen - posted on 10/21/2008

I know one way we worked around it is having people over to our house for dinner. We were able to be social and have some adult interaction but could still put our daughter to bed on time (or at least close to it).

Judy - posted on 10/10/2008

Hi Izaane, how old is Julian? Are you thinking about taking him out or leaving him with a sitter??

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