When to take baby to public places?

Jennifer - posted on 06/09/2009

With mine I took them out when I needed to go somewhere. I had to take my second daughter back to the hospital 3 days after she was born for lab work and they made me register in the ER. I had to sit next to all of these sick people and was a nervous wreck. She never got sick. My doctor never told me to keep them in at all. The only thing I had to deal with was people wanting to touch the baby. Most people kept their distance and would talk to me but not touch. A couple of times while I was at the store looking at something someone came up and started touching his feet. I had to say something. One thing I have learned over the years with my nursing education and having four kids is that it is much worse to shield babies from everything and sterilize everything. They must be exposed to certain things in order for their immune system to build up resistance. From birth to about six months of age a baby's immunity comes from it's mother. Something that they acquired in utero. This protects them from many things until their's kicks in. I sterilized bottles and pacifiers in the very beginning, but I did that with all of them. I think the biggest concern would be if the baby was a preemie. Their bodies aren't able to withstand alot because they were unable to finish the process in the womb. Honestly, if you have more than one child and that other child goes to school or daycare, the baby is more likely to get sick from those germs than from the grocery store. If you wear the baby in front of you with a sling you are less likely to have strangers bother you and it will make you more comfortable because the baby is protected inside.

Lisa - posted on 06/09/2009

Take them out whenever you feel ready! To be honest, the best way to keep them healthy is to expose them to the world!

Abby - posted on 06/09/2009

our first trip out was the day after my son was born, i had really bad back and pelvis problems so couldnt sit round for long so we took him into town everyday, as it was really close to home! x

Kerri - posted on 06/09/2009

my son is only 3 weeks old now. but i took him to a movie theater and we have been on the go pretty much since we came home. and he had his 2 week check up last week and the dr said he is perfectly healthy. so i dont see anythng wrong with taking them out!!

Kala - posted on 06/09/2009

I had to take my daughter out about 2 days after she was born only because we werent expecting her to be as tiny as she was whe she was born and she needed premie clothes and diapers... she did just fine and it felt great to get out... i just made sure that grandma or daddy was protecting her at all times from those people that like to touch new babies!!!!!

Kristin - posted on 06/09/2009

I really think its up to you. I'm one of those people that needs to keep moving so after I had my son who is now 17 months I felt really good for just having a baby. Me and my husband actually brought him to Target when he was only 3 days old.. But that is just me. You need to know your own body and baby. So just do what you feel is right. Restaurants I might wait.

Lindsay - posted on 06/09/2009

I had both kids out at restaurants within 2 weeks. They were fine!

Rosey - posted on 06/09/2009

I would wait at least a month. it is good to take them to the park or somewhere outside for a little walk when the weather is nice for some fresh air. but for indoor public places, i would definitely wait a month.

Alison - posted on 06/09/2009

Congratulations! Take hime out whenever you are ready. He will love to get out and see new places and people.

Alegre - posted on 06/09/2009

It really just depends on what you are comfortable with. I mean we were at the Dr.s for their checks ups on Monday, both of my children were born on Saturdays, and I took my son to Bible study, the day I got out of the hospital. Both my children are healthy, and I didn't even have them vaccinated. The world is just scared every little thing and its not necessary. Have fun, do the things you used to, just modified a little.

Tamara - posted on 06/09/2009

Shoot, I took mine out in public at less than 2 weeks 'cause I was going stir crazy and wanted some lunch that I didn't have to cook

Danielle - posted on 06/09/2009

I took both my kids out within a week of them being born. I was just careful to not let anyone touch them (you will be surprised how many people do this without asking!). Both of my kids have been healthy so I guess it didn't hurt them!

Tara - posted on 06/09/2009

If he is healthy there is no need to keep him in. I used to put the baby scratch mittens on my sons when they were infants to keep people from touching their hands. When friends would ask to hold them I would have them wash their hands first. (My boys were both preemies and winter babies though so I was a little more protective with them) Enjoy your time out!

Shennandoah - posted on 06/09/2009

I took my daughter out when she was a week old. She was and is perfectly fine. I just didnt let anyone get in her face or touch her. Plus we would only be out for short periods of time. Just long enough for me to feel like I was still apart of the human race! Go for it!

User - posted on 06/09/2009

I agree - just go when places are less busy. My daughter went to church (over 800 people) when she was 2 weeks old. We just arrived slightly late and left directly after to limit people breathing on her.

Xena - posted on 06/09/2009

there is no reason why you shouldnt take youre baby out as soon as you like as long as you go prepared, its good for them to gain new experiances of sights and smells and sounds, and dont stress if he cries anyone whos had anything to do with kids know its what they do. Have a nice day out!

Natasha - posted on 06/09/2009

I was taking both my sons out grocery shopping and to restaurants before they were a month old. I don't see a problem with it at all. i Hate being stuck in the house too. We live on a farm and we only have one vehicle so i definitely can relate to the cabin fever. When we go for groceries the whole family goes just so i can get out of the house once and a while.

Emily - posted on 06/09/2009

I use to bring my son everywhere from when he was a newborn, he has never had anything more then a cold and is now a happy health 9 month old baby! I guess it depends on what your pediatrician recommends.

Crystal - posted on 06/09/2009

I took my son out to the grocery store during the day when there are less people when he was a little over a month old and we were in restaurants by the time he was 2 months old