When would you take a newborn out in public?

[hbee]

I took DD out at about 2 weeks. It took me that long to feel good about going out, myself. I had a c-section. We only took her to limited places that and carried her in the wrap so people couldn't get too close.

[Mrs_B2009]

I think we waited about a week, aside from her doctor's appointment and my appointment to get my staples removed.

[Msheidiann]

First foster son, 2-1/2 weeks, second foster son, 4 days for a wic appointment), third soon to be adopted son was in the NICU until day 20, so I was careful for another few weeks, took him out regularly at 6 weeks.

[bradcher]

My first I was out at 8 or 9 days and my twins around 10 weeks - mainly becausr there were 2 of them and they were 6 weeks early.

[bluedaisyma]

less than 24 hrs usually, maybe a day or 2 if we don't have anything to do. I always wear them, so I am not worried about anyone touching them!

[SamanthaSews]

Besides going to the doctors for weigh checks, & the hospital for blood tests & a visit with an LC in the first week- I felt like I was never home- we had to go out almost everyday of his first week After that we stayed in, unless we went to visit family or had doctors appt.- it was winter so we limited his public exposure pretty much until spring- I'd say about 2 months- but that is very conservative.

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[doulamomma]

I try to wait two weeks, but usually dont make it quite that long. Its less of a concern for baby because I would wear them at that age. But its so easy for a mom that early pp to over do it and become very suseptable to infection and such.

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[Vivhop98]

Originally Posted by crunch!910 I never realized that at any point it was wrong... you birth it in a hospital.... a pretty dirty place, what's the beef about taking your baby out to on errands, see family and friends, etc? DS1 went with us to a wedding at 11 days old. Before that even we'd taken him to my mom's house to visit and we had other friends and family over as well. Of course he also went to pediatrician and WIC appointments. DS2 went out at 5 days old to pediatrician appointment, a chiropractor appointment, and to the grooming shop to meet my coworkers and boss. We then went out again at 6 days old to WIC appointment, and afterword stopped by the veterinary office I had worked at for years (am not returning after maternity leave) for employer and coworkers to see baby. Also, this Saturday DS2 will be 16 days old and my sister is hosting a "Meet the Baby" shower, and there were close to 30 invites sent out. They have a sink, and I think it's common sense to wash your hands before holding baby.. beyond that, I am not at all concerned about taking my 2 week old out. The things that have been keeping me cooped up at home have been 1)cool weather 2)healing from csection 3)trying to recover from mastitis and blanching/milk blisters (anything but a loose fitting nurse tank is NOT going on these poor girls! I'm not sure when I'll be ready for a bra again!) For me, its less about when I think baby is okay for going out (I don't there is any time "too early"??), it ismroe about when *I* am comfortable to go out. With breastfeeding, I like to be more comfortable and well practiced instead of struggling with any latch problems.

If you have a preemie, getting them around people is not the goal, rather to keep them away from people who could make them sick. They do not have a normal healthy immune system like a full term baby. I also keep my full term babies away from large family gatherings. I do not find that most people do have common sense. The people in my family try to grab my babies out of my sling, no joke.

[slimy72]

It kind of depends on the setting. A big open place without a lot of people or great ventilation, no problem. Like Target super early in the morning or late late at night. But I won't go during peak times. I took my baby to the dr at 5 days old because I had to, and several trips to the lactation consultant and nicu feeding specialist but those were the most confined spaces I was willing to go, and it's because I had to. But I wouldn't take him into my work until he was 8 weeks (I am a teacher-schools are horribly germy with tons of kids) And even at 8 weeks I would only go in first thing in the morning before the kids got there. But I did take him to a small family party where I made sure all were healthy at 2 weeks. But I wouldn't take him to church until he was almost three months. Sorry a big room full of stagnant air stuffed with people? No thanks. So I am selective about where and when and what time of year I take my newborn out.

[sisu]

Within the first week with both my babies, I don't do well cooped up in the house.