https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:18:19 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn/page/2#post-2023568 Wed, 14 Jan 2015 13:28:57 +0000 daniellemybelle 2023568@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>They are definitely super portable at that age and if you babywear you can keep them from being passed around.</p> <p>But I was a very anxious FTM and going out stressed me out. So I would wait &amp; see. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn/page/2#post-2022601 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 17:26:42 +0000 littleveesmommy 2022601@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With my first we had her in February and we didn't get out of the house much due to flu season but more so because she had a fever at 22 days old which resulted in a ER then 3-day pediatric isolation stay. Friends and relatives visited often the first few weeks and we had to put an end to that after the health scare. With DD2, who was born in July, we took her to DH's cousins daughter's birthday party at a play gym at 1 week and to a friends daughters birthday party at a banquet hall at 2 weeks - both times I wore her the entire time except for diaper changes and nursing. Surprisingly, no one asked to hold her or got too close - they were mostly shocked that I was out and about so soon! I do have to add that I felt physically ready to be out with DD2 whereas with DD1 I had a c-section and recovery was no fun at all. It's great that you are thinking about it now! I say put yourself down as tentative and see how you feel. :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn/page/2#post-2022557 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 16:58:42 +0000 raintreebee 2022557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Although we went on lots of walks and to restaurants during off hours, we never took him out in crowded places before his 8 week shots. He was born in January, and I was terrified of the flu and pertussis. Also, if a newborn gets a fever, they automatically have to get admitted to the hospital and get a spinal tap. I never let anyone hold him if they didn't wash their hands. Then again, I may be a tad paranoid! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn/page/2#post-2022483 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 16:13:33 +0000 Mrs.Pinecone316 2022483@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My baby isn't hear yet either but the best advise I have gotten from other people is if you are in a bigger group to just have your baby in a wrap around you and people are less likely to ask to hold them or touch them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn/page/2#post-2022474 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 16:10:09 +0000 Eminthevalley 2022474@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it all comes down to personal preference. My twins were born in February and it being high flu season, our pedi recommended keeping them indoors (except for stroller walks) the first 6 weeks. It took me that long to even get a handle on them! I mean, leaving for a doctor's appointment took half the day. I realize twins are different, but allow yourself the time/possibility to feel overwhelmed and hang out at home if you need to. We did have visitors at home, but we limited them. Again, too overwhelming for me and my recovery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn/page/2#post-2022425 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 15:37:54 +0000 meganmp 2022425@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took my 5lb DD to a baby shower at 12 days old in December in Seattle! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn/page/2#post-2022368 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 15:15:28 +0000 Circusbee 2022368@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for starting this thread! My baby is coming in about a month and I'm starting to get invitations or meeting requests for things that are dangerously close to my due date or within a month or so afterward. Basically I've just been telling people that I'll come if I'm able to, but don't count on me just in case. I think generally people are understanding that we just don't know. I reserve the right to not only decide to stay home, but completely forget about other responsibilities for awhile! :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn/page/2#post-2022336 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 15:01:04 +0000 PurplePeony 2022336@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We were pretty skittish, but mainly because I have a condition that prevents me from getting the Tdap shot and she was born in early December. Also, between me having oversupply and her having a tongue tie that wasn't diagnosed and revised until 5 weeks, breastfeeding was pretty challenging at first. It just so happened that feeding became more comfortable right around the time she got her 2-month vaccinations, so that's when we started to get out more. We did go to restaurants now and then when she was tiny, and kept her in the carseat. We tried to go at off times to minimize crowds, though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn/page/2#post-2022243 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:24:05 +0000 sarac 2022243@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@youboots: Yeah, I'm a firm believer in not hiding out if you don't want to. Especially in those early days before exhaustion really sets in! I really don't do the hiding out for months thing - I'd go crazy! I don't think it's important at all if your baby is healthy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022227 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:17:22 +0000 jetsa 2022227@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We took him out at 3 days just didn't allow anyone to pass him around. We had plenty of visitors at home as well. I wasn't too worried about it and I can't stay home for days on end, he did fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022222 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:16:40 +0000 Mae 2022222@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel like it depends on your baby, and how eating and sleeping is going. At 3 weeks old my baby was screaming almost every time she was awake and not eating. And breastfeeding was a huuuge challenge that required two hands, 40 pillows, often my husband's hands too, and complete privacy. Needless to say I was not leaving the house unless completely necessary. </p> <p>But at that age she was also sleeping really well in my moby. So if I was able to breastfeed easier (or if we were just formula feeding) and she was a happier baby at that point, I would've been fine going out I think. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022218 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:12:55 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2022218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We were out and about from the day we came home from the hospital. Keep baby in their carseat carrier with a blanket over it or wear them, and people will keep their distance. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022214 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:10:12 +0000 snickers 2022214@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Completely up to you! I was in hospital until DS was 2 days old, we had a day at home after that and then I started taking him out. Just small trips at first - lunch with my husband then home etc.</p> <p>DS had a bit of jaundice and I got told from medical staff to take him outside every day. I had heard of others on forums etc saying keep them at home as they will be exposed to germs but everyone I know IRL told me to take him out which I did and he was fine! It honestly made me feel so much better getting out the house as well, I just made sure in the first few weeks I went places to meet people, just in case something happened and I couldn't cope with him, which never happened! </p> <p>DS was born in the middle of winter, of course I didn't expose him to pouring rain or very windy circumstances but otherwise he got rugged up and was fine! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022211 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:09:06 +0000 coopsmama 2022211@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@youboots: I really honestly think it will just depend on you and what feels right in the moment, but I did want to say: do NOT worry about offending anyone. You do not have to pass around your newborn. It's totally within your rights to keep them close and enjoy those early days -- even if you do choose to go out early and often. Don't let others guilt trip you! I did, and I very much regret it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022209 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:08:23 +0000 photojane 2022209@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We stayed in for the first 2 weeks, but then went out as normal after that. I was going stir crazy. We went to lunch, dinner, shopping, parties, etc. all before she was even a month old. While we were out in the beginning Sadie was in her carrier asleep 99% of the time. They sleep so much! It made me feel so much better to be able to get ready and go out somewhere. I'll go out earlier next time... two weeks is a long time locked inside with a newbown! </p> <p>If your LO is in a carrier with a cover or if you're wearing him/her, he/she should be plenty warm and protected from germs! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022204 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:07:38 +0000 Veggiemama 2022204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You'll definitely know how you feel once the baby is here and you won't care about hurting others feelings! I think it's smart to not to commit to any plans at this point. </p> <p>It will also depend on when your baby is born, my first was born 12 days after my due date so I definitely would not have attended the play gym. I also had an extended recovery both times so I couldn't drive for 6-8 weeks anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022202 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:06:04 +0000 jhd 2022202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@youboots: I was unwilling to make any commitments until baby was here. Do what makes you comfortable and don't worry about what anyone else says! ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022199 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:05:38 +0000 Mama Bird 2022199@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We went out for errands from the first week on, and took DS to a restaurant for the first time when he was two months. It was really easy, as long as I was ready to have to run off and find a private place to change or feed him. Being around small kids is a different story though... it was ok outdoors even if they were obviously coughing/sneezing, but indoors he caught everything they had (and by then, he was almost one). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022191 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:01:23 +0000 youboots 2022191@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sarac: awesome!!! There are quite a few Oregonians here. I live in wine country so I'm anxious to start going to the tasting rooms as soon as I'm ready to get out of the house. I've noticed this summer how many people are out with their tiny babies at wineries. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022183 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 13:58:21 +0000 snowjewelz 2022183@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It depends on the season too... I don't know if this is still rampant full fledge full season or it's ramping down? </p> <p>I have an almost 6 week old and we haven't gone anywhere besides doctor appts. Dr advised us to keep her in till 2 months. I would bring her out but it's such a big production anyway with us still trying to figure out her "schedule" and I BF so it's technically "easy" to be out with her... </p> <p>I'm just lazy and waiting till she is 2 months to go out. I go out by myself about once a week for 1-2 hours and I enjoy that alone time too! </p> <p>So conclusion is just do what you are comfortable with! My decision is based on flu season + hassle + readiness on my part. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022178 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 13:56:10 +0000 NeekieRose 2022178@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD was born at the end of Oct and we left the house regularly in the first weeks. I took her shopping at less than a week and to a housewarming party at 11 days. My recovery was easy and she was a really easy baby. I loved being able to get out of the house! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022176 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 13:54:29 +0000 sarac 2022176@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm from Oregon too - Portland. With my daughter, we took her home from the hospital and went to the dog park the next day. Museums, restaurants, etc, we did it all. If you have the energy, and you feel like getting out - go for it. This isn't North Dakota - it's not sub zero temps here. But also don't feel bad staying home if you'd prefer that. I go crazy if I get too cooped up, so I had to get out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022155 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 13:43:36 +0000 namaste 2022155@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>She went out to the doctor's at 1 week and she was at church this past weekend at 12 days old. It definitely depends on how comfortable you are. I was worried about her being around so many people but she did fine as she slept for almost all of church and lunch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022149 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 13:42:03 +0000 blackbird 2022149@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't go to a play gym 3 weeks PP, but I"d only been home for 2 weeks and was not mentally into it. We erred on the cautious side after a week in the NICU for breathing issues. We did have people over for DH's birthday when she was 5 weeks old, though, and that was pretty awesome. I would just rsvp as a maybe to everything and play it by ear! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022141 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 13:34:36 +0000 ash427 2022141@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a FTM and wondered the same thing. When baby came we had her out at a restaurant when she was 2 days old (after her first doctor appointment...she slept the entire time...the timing just worked out well!). We ended up taking her out and about a lot in the early weeks and I really enjoyed getting out of the house. I would definitely wait and see how you feel...once baby is here it will be very clear if you are ready or if you would rather wait (and either option is fine!). As for parties, I told people we would wait and see the day of how things were going and no one seemed to mind. You have a newborn and no one expects you to be on time, stay late or even come if its just not working out that day. I found people to be really flexible and just going with the flow really worked the best for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022120 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 13:27:01 +0000 littlejoy 2022120@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@youboots: If it wasn't at your house, I wouldn't have gone. And honestly, I think I was a little uncomfortable with other people (not you) wanting to hold her. I was having some major attachment issues, haha. Like, when she was out of the carrier for more than 5 minutes, I felt physically off. It was a learning moment. Basically, only you and J are appropriate people for my babies to be around before 6 weeks, lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022118 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 13:26:32 +0000 LuLu Mom 2022118@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I went stircrazy, so I had to get out of the house, we took trips to the grocery store, Target, Kohl's, ect. I kept her in the carseat and usually covered, people could look but there was no touching. </p> <p>As for bigger gatherings, we went to the town's Halloween party (born on Oct 1) and I was fine with this, she was 4 weeks old and I had no issue at this point taking her out and about. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022111 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 13:23:57 +0000 youboots 2022111@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlejoy: I was going to ask you about this too. You brought Al over for the Super bowl at 4 weeks. One of the parties is your husbands 30th :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022102 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 13:22:00 +0000 youboots 2022102@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just don't expect we will need to go out much. I'm doing a weekly grocery delivery service and having it all set up in advance with recipies printed for M! I figured we would keep that up for about 6 weeks. If we need something he can go get it. I'm just worried about the social events more than the day to day right now. I don't like to disappoint people. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/leaving-the-house-with-a-newborn#post-2022091 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 13:19:15 +0000 mrswin 2022091@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@youboots: I have been thinking about this a lot too since our first is due in April and I know there are a bunch of family events and things planned in May and June ahead of my bothers wedding in July. So far I have taken the same approach as you and have just told people that I will not be able to let them know until much closer. Another thing to consider is how you will be feeling and if you will be able to drive etc. </p>