Is it okay to take a newborn outside?

[Judegirl]

She's 9 days old...gaining weight, eating enough, etc....it's a nice evening....do you think it's okay take her out for a car ride, a walk in her stroller, or in public (i.e. a restaurant)? Or is it too soon?

Thanks!

Jude

[cuca_]

As long as you are not taking her to a very crowded place, I would go ahead and take her out. If you don't want people getting too close to her, simply keep the hood of her stroller/carseat open. I took my DD out to lunch at about ten days, and it was nice to get out of the house. Have fun and congratulations on your new baby!

HTH,

Carmen

[Marisa6826]

Knock yourself out!

Just don't let anybody too close to her - no hand grabbing or breathing on her. A Bjorn with a light blanket over it works well.

I'm amazed you even have the energy to do more than get up and pee ;)

-m

[Rachels]

Yep! Go for it. Just keep her hands under a blanket or something so nobody can grab them. :)

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[egoldber]

We were in Target and Barnes&Noble the day after I was discharged. :)

[toomanystrollers]

Beth - too funny!!

Jude,
Go for it :) Pouches and slings come in handy for keeping a newborn close by and away from prying hands.

[aliceinwonderland]

and everyday since. Staying inside the house makes me crazy...I have to go for at least one stroll a day... We walked for a couple of hours yesterday to Harvard Square and back :) :)

[candybomiller]

Absolutely! Like Beth, we were out shopping the day after I was discharged. We just covered his carrier with a blanket so people couldn't get their germs all over him. Definitely go show your precious bundle off! (at a distance of course) :)

[jd11365]

Yep! Took Kayla EVERYWHERE...even to my classroom (at 3 weeks) to see my 3rd grade class who watched her grow in my ever-increasing belly for 9 months. Just use obvious judgement when strangers approach too closely. Enjoy showing her off!

Jamie
Mommy to Kayla
5-1-03

[tina-t]

Candy, Beth, I am amazed with your energy level! I felt like a zombie for a few months after delivery :)

Jude, if you feel like it, go ahead. But like the other ladies said, use a light blanket over the stroller or use a sling to keep well meaning people away from your baby.

[candybomiller]

I have to admit, I had a great labor and delivery. And I go stir-crazy super easy! I can't handle being cooped up in the house.

[jubilee]

COngrats on your baby! A little sun will be good for her!

[jk3]

We went out right away-a perk of having a spring baby! You've probably already taken her to the pediatrician so she has been out already. We always brought DS into a restaurant in his carseat with the canopy so that limited close exposure. If you feel up to it, take the baby out!

Jenn
DS 6/3/03

[Jen in Chicago]

Go for it! Jude during my maternity leave only was home for an entire day once. We walked and walked. I had my "usual" nursing places. We have a priceless picture of 3 babies (Jude 1 week only) at a bar for lunch (outdoor seating)- Maternity Leave Lunch for Moms. I knew my life had changed when I was nursing my baby at a bar I used to be at until closing, it was a milestone. To get to it we walked over a mile each way. I treasure the picture I have of the 3 boys all lined up.

We traveled from Chicago to Buffalo when Jude was 2 weeks old and I had the green light from the Dr. He told me to get Jude out each day. I did not have him around for the big events, but he was always close by with Grandma and Grandpa.

The Baby Bjorn is GREAT for public settings b/c no one will really try to touch the baby. When walking with a stroller you will have the baby all covered for the sun, so again, people won't touch.