Taking baby out for the first time
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Category: Have A Baby?
Forum Name: First baby? Second or more?
Forum Description: Want help? Need support? Want tips? Men and women share advice and tips in this supportive community
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=29251
Printed Date: 31 October 2025 at 9:38pm
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Topic: Taking baby out for the first time
Posted By: Mamarosa
Subject: Taking baby out for the first time
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 11:29am
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Hi there
My little one is 2 weeks old and we havent left the house together yet. There seems to be a lot of advice around staying inside as long as possible , up to 2 months!! I would go nuts though. So, what do you think? When is it OK to take baby out and about? |
Replies:
Posted By: angel4
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 11:40am
| i was out the day after we got home from hospital. I had cabin fever lol. I put baby in a sling and went for a walk down to the mall - about a 10minute walk from home. He slept the whole time we were out - about 40minutes. I just HAD to get out. I think a quick trip for the first time out is a good idea. Even just a walk around the block or to visit a friend down the road. You can always come home if it all turns to custard. |
Posted By: Bexee
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 11:43am
| I've got a little 8 week old and while leaving the house for the first time was daunting and terrifying, I was so pleased once I'd done it. It was such a confidence boost for me. I think I first took him out on my own at about two weeks. We would have gone nuts had we stayed inside for the past two months. |
Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 11:50am
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I would not wait 2 months. Spencer was seeing the chiro at 2 weeks and I had been out walking with him as well. Same with Kyle, he was out and about right away. Just make sure baby is lovely and warm, slings are awesome for that and make your first trip a short one to help you ease into going out. ------------- 
 
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Posted By: MrsH23
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 11:51am
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Whenever you feel ready to head out of the house is the right time to do it! I personally don't think that it's very realistic to stay home for 2 months!!
I had my son on a Sunday left hospital on Friday and headed out for the first time on the Monday (6 days old) I had my Mum with me to help out (and drive since I wasn't allowed to) ------------- Lisa mummy to Ryan http://www.alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Posted By: FreeSpirit
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 11:53am
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I didn't take baby out that early, but we had a stay in the NICU before we came home. I think you need to make sure the weather is ok, that bubs is dressed well, that you have the nappy bag all packed, and that you are going somewhere baby froendly for the first few times (eg family, or friends who have children and understand). It's ok to take baby out when you are both ready. ------------- http://www.babysfirstsite.com"> 
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Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 12:12pm
| We were in NICU for 4 weeks, but they went out in public on the Sunday after we came out - so 2 days after discharge...which was still before their due date. We went to a cafe for lunch with my mum, and then shopping to get some things we needed. We just made sure they were really warm and had bottles ready for if we needed them. |
Posted By: jano1
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 12:19pm
| I had to go back to the hospital 5 days after my girl was born (so 2 days after I went home). It was pretty daunting but I am glad I got it out of the way. One thing In would recommend is making sure you have fed her beforehand, one less thing to worry about. |
Posted By: sadie
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 12:53pm
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I think with DS, I first took him out when he was about 6 days old. I was going NUTS by then and just had to get out of the house. I fed him, then loaded him into the buggy and we walked down the road for brunch. He slept the whole time.
With DD, i came home from Birthcare on Saturday, and pretty much as soon as we got home we went for a walk down the road to Nature Baby. I had really crampy legs from basically being in bed for 4 days and was desperate for some fresh air. And i wanted to buy her a cot blanket as well! They said she was the youngest baby they had ever had in - oops! She slept in the buggy the whole time and was really rugged up. We were only out for about 20 minutes. I think go out when you feel up to it. It isn't going to do you any good feeling cooped up at home, even a walk around the block would be great. |
Posted By: Bel
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 2:05pm
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I had DD at a wedding at 3 days old (best friends). We only stayed just over an hour (just for the ceremony) and I was knackered after that!! She was well wrapped up and slept the whole time.
I agree that it is all about when you feel comfortable, if you want to get out for some fresh air then go for it - don't plan too much and just go home if you or the baby get tired. Overstimulation can be a big thing for little babies, so take it easy. ------------- Mum to two beautiful kids 
Luke (09.11.2007) Amy (01.04.2009) |
Posted By: lisa85
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 2:31pm
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I was out walking (in winter) with the girls when they were 3 weeks old. I agree with Bel don't over plan it. Just do it. All you need is to make sure you have enough blankets and warm clothes. You'll probably find bubs will sleep through the whole event lol. -------------  
TTC #3 since Jan 2010 - PCOS MC April 2010 |
Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 2:47pm
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i was a big wimp:) but i mostly stayed home till i felt better( emergency c section so couldnt do much for a while.. but we went to the mall down the road and his pram was well covered and then after that we did that walk quite often(very short and i could come home whenever needed...) II used to have him asleep before we went in the beginning lol.. i think I'll be more relaxed this time!:) ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |
Posted By: Tastic
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 3:02pm
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With bailey I had him on the monday and we were out bra shopping come the friday lol
aidan though was different, although he spent 4 months in nicu it was still at least another month before we went anywhere |
Posted By: monikah
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 4:38pm
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i came out of hospital the same day i had my son and had to go to the supermarket the next day so he had to come with me. after that we took him to see DH's work mates at 5 days old and out for tea at 7. i think as long as they are cosy, warm and secure they'll be fine. it normally comes down to what you feel comfortable with. people back in the day had to take bubs to work with them within days af giving birth and those babies are just fine so if your going bonkers go for it :) ------------- 
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Posted By: Henna79
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 4:48pm
| I agree with the others in that go out when you are comfortable to do so. We went out with Alex when he was 3 days old (and he was a month early) went for a walk around the mall with him in a sling. Just make sure bubs is nice and warm and has a hat on. |
Posted By: HoneybunsMa
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 5:11pm
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Definitely when your comfortable. I had DD at my nanas funeral when she was less then 48hrs old, I decided to leave birthcare early as I wanted to go to the service. Yes I was surrounded by people that could help but tbh I didn't want them as she was my comfort when I was grieving. DP kept offering to hold her but I wouldn't let go, straight after that I went to mum and dads where i didn't even see my baby lol baby stealers I tell ya! Then the next 2days mum and dads then I think I stayed home for 3 days then we were out again and at 8days I took her down to the viaduct harbour in winter with her lol. Just rugged her up and cuddled her so she had my body heat. Then yep pretty much out everyday since then lol. She is so adaptable and she sleeps anywhere especially if there is noise. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: NovemberMum
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 5:38pm
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I took my daughter clothes shopping with me (I Didnt know what I was having when pregnant with her) for pink clothes when she was about 5 days old.
my MW encouraged me to get out and take baby for a walk in the buggy each day even if it was only 20-30 minutes ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: hannibal
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 9:38pm
| Hi, I went out about a week after I had bubs (mainly cause I was in hospital after). They are pretty great when little as they will sleep (probably), just keep bubs warm, change of clothes, nappies etc. I found I could go out for 2-3 hours and bubs was quite happy. I always used to fed her at home as I found that a lot easier than packing up bottles etc. Its seems quite daunting but once you have done it you'll be on your way and then try staying at home! |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 9:54pm
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http://www.ohbaby.co.nz/article.aspx?ContentID=2899 - This article might help - OHbaby! Magazine editor Katherine who wrote it really didn't leave the house for weeks after her daughter was born so she knows her stuff... ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Babe
Date Posted: 10 October 2009 at 8:14pm
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LOLOL LOVE the article Emma and Katherine!!!
I went grocery shopping on the way home from the hospital then we were in and out of hospital and the doctors for the next 3 months so didn't really have anytime at home. Just make sure you don't get over-confident and take on too much coz it can get really exhausting!! ETA missed some words lol baby brain sorry! -------------   
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 10 October 2009 at 8:20pm
| We had dd @ the mall about 4-5 days old and out walking after the first week. She would sleep really well as long as we had a dark blanket over the front of the pram. ( stops people trying to touch as well ) |
Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 11 October 2009 at 7:38pm
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I know of two people that took their babies out within 24 hours of being born ------------- 
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