https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 17 May 2026 09:33:50 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028566 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 08:57:49 +0000 loveisstrange 1028566@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Pretty much immediately. I was in the hospital for like 5 days, so I was ready to out and about by the time they let me leave. I had her out at playdates by 2-3 weeks old. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028562 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 08:56:00 +0000 Pink Champagne 1028562@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>By the time he was 10 days old, LO had been to two weddings. We went out to dinner a ton, went to family get togethers (we had LO right before Passover, we didnt have a choice!). It's good to get used to taking your baby out and about.</p> <p>Summer is the greatest time to have a baby because you don't have to worry so much about cold and flu.</p> <p>Definitely do what you're comfortable with (maybe you can nurse in the car if LO hates the cover?) I think a huge hike (or 5k anything!) at two weeks pp sounds like a terrible idea, so maybe you can just do the park and visit grandma? Your LO is going to sleep the whole time anyway, and it is good for you to get comfortable with getting out and about! It's scary to do that as a new momma, the more you practice the less daunting it will be! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028528 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 08:39:12 +0000 tinyperson 1028528@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm at 8 months and that would be way too much for me - and LO! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028500 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 08:21:40 +0000 mrsjyw 1028500@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't aside from doc appts until 7 weeks. Thta is me with the babe alone, grocery shopping or running errands. I think we had a hand full of times where dh and i all went with the baby and one of us would stay in the car. The reason was because DS was a nov baby in Michigan, it is frigid cold during the winter season and we didn't want to take him out in the weather, and also my mom (korean) discouraged me to do anything for at least the first three weeks for pp discovery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028497 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 08:20:22 +0000 blackbird 1028497@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah, my lady parts still hurt 2 weeks post partum. That is way more than I could have ever done. At about a month PP, i started going out more for lunch, etc. But still, nothing more than 2 hours because I didn't want to carry everything under the sun in order to calm her. </p> <p>That day is way more than I would do with a 4.5 month old. I drove 30 minutes to a friend's house this weekend, hung out there for about 2 hours, then drove 30 minutes home. I was exhausted and E was in a GREAT mood the whole time, not even an unpredictable little bitty thing. </p> <p>They should come visit you and do dinner near your house. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028475 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 08:07:09 +0000 LuLu Mom 1028475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I started going out when she was 2 weeks old (we were in NICU for the first 5 days.) We would walk around stores (I would keep her in the car seat covered with a blanket) but I was getting stir crazy and needed to get out even if it was just for an hour. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028468 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 08:00:25 +0000 BKCaribBaby 1028468@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That is a very long and busy day. Even these days with a 4.5 month old, I would never do that much. I will say at this stage people should be coming to you. Perhaps maybe your mother and grandmother can visit and maybe you all can go out for a walk or lunch? Many times I think that people forget that babies need quiet and rest, even if they are small and portable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028376 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 05:15:14 +0000 ElbieKay 1028376@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Tell your mom she is crazy. Decide if you are comfortable driving the 30 mins for a 1-2 hr visit. Grandma can meet you there too, and if she can't drive then your mom can pick her up. If you're not comfortable with that, then tell her anyone who wants to see the baby has to come to you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028364 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 03:39:12 +0000 Cherrybee 1028364@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Woah! That would have been a bit much for me before the baby, never mind now with a 3 week old! </p> <p>We have been out a few times, visiting family, trips to the supermarket, lunch out and a 1st birthday party but so far just one trip a day and only when me and DH are together. He has gone back to work this week and my anxiety about going out alone is super high. This week Im going to work on that because if I don't I will build it up into a big deal and never leave the house!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028327 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 00:43:33 +0000 MrsLilybugg 1028327@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh that itinerary is definitely too strenuous for 2 weeks pp!! You are still healing, and still learning your LO. I would agree to one "event", like lunch. Personally even walking around a store was exhausting (and even 4 wks pp right now I still tire get sore!), so a hike for me would be out of the question!<br /> some cultures, a new mom isn't allowed strenuous activities for a month or even 40 days ("cuarentena")! It is understood that they are still healing, and.friends/relatives cook, clean, etc </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028256 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 21:51:09 +0000 emg86 1028256@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You should do whatever feels right for you! When my husband went back to work at 3 weeks I felt like I NEEDED to get out of the house at least once a day. That usually meant a trip to Target or lunch with my mom...and that one trip would take like half the day or at least it felt that way, lol! I encouraged our immediate family members who wanted to see her to come by our house cause it was a lot of work to get out of the house, even if it was just to go somewhere else to sit on someone's couch...I felt most comfortable at home with my baby...even at 3.5 months I feel that way when we're out visiting family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028236 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 21:33:23 +0000 Kemma 1028236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Miss A was three or four weeks old when I first took her out on my own and I think she was two weeks when DH and I took her out shopping for the first time?</p> <p>I actually read an article that said that babies who stay home for the first forty days sleep better and are much more settled which kinda makes sense because everything is overstimulating for a newborn! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028197 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 21:10:35 +0000 .twist. 1028197@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Silva: yep! People don't seem to realize that just because the baby isn't running around doesnt mean they aren't tired after a long day of activity, just looking around and being awake is over stimulation! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028179 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 20:58:04 +0000 Silva 1028179@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: Yeah, I agree. One activity a day is a good place to start.</p> <p>My daughter is 4 months and I still get overwhelmed when I have to do more than one thing in a day. She does too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028086 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 19:38:07 +0000 JessKas 1028086@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sapphiresun: that sounds like a super busy day. If it sounds overwhelming now, I'd imagine in real life it would be ridiculous. Baby girl is currently 5 days old and we've gone out everyday since day 2, but on smaller outings. For instance, one day to the dr, pharmacy and mall. Another day on a short walk and to a coffee shop. Don't let other people pressure you into doing too much, that's a good way to crash. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028082 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 19:36:46 +0000 immabeetoo 1028082@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sapphiresun: yikes. i would be skeptical about that much time away now and LO is 8.5 months.</p> <p>I think I might a little extreme but we didnt really get out and about on a regular basis until probably 4 months. I had a rough recovery with complications and surgeries, it was freezing cold in winter, he wouldn't nurse under a cover, and he didn't sleep anywhere but on me in the dark or in his crib (not in the car seat, ergo/moby, or stroller). </p> <p>Do what feels right for you - I think lots of people just forget what having a newborn was like! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028047 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 19:03:13 +0000 .twist. 1028047@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I started pretty quick, but I kind of made a mental compromise of one activity a day. You want to go on a hike? Fine, but that's all I'm doing and then I'm going home. Tomorrow we can go for a visit. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028046 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 18:58:53 +0000 bisous 1028046@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I started getting out more with the baby at around 3-4 weeks. I am adventurous with my LO, but took it one step at a time. I agree with previous posters--Do what you are comfortable with! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1028004 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 18:22:13 +0000 autumn865 1028004@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Awe don't listen to other people's opinions and do what's right for you. I want to say other than doctor visits I really wasn't fully "out and about" how you describe it until maybe 6 weeks and even then it was short interactions. I was so worried about germs and such I was really cautious. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1027964 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 17:50:27 +0000 deerylou 1027964@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We were out and about once we were home from the hospital, and my spinal headaches had subsided. We've stayed pretty active since, trying to at least get out for a nice walk, once a day. LO is four weeks old, and loves going for drives and out on excursions. I do think your mom's itinerary sounds way too intense, though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1027777 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 15:43:25 +0000 Boheme 1027777@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Listen to your gut! There's no right or wrong time. I didn't get out by myself with DS til he was 5 weeks old. Your mom's itinerary sounds like way too much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1027775 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 15:42:52 +0000 lemondrop 1027775@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>She's asking waaaaaaay too much of you. I could go out for small outings with my husband's help, but by myself it was one small grocery trip or errand and I was spent for at least the first couple months.</p> <p>Next time around I'll probably be able to handle more sooner, but with my first, no way! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1027765 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 15:34:23 +0000 sarac 1027765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We took my baby to the dog park the morning after we brought her home from the hospital, and continued on with our life after that. We went shopping, out to eat, walking, etc. Pretty much the same stuff we did before.</p> <p>That felt normal and right TO ME. I would strongly encourage you to listen to your body and to your feelings and do whatever feels normal to you. If you don't feel like you want to leave, forget it. Don't push anything - just go at your own pace. If that means you don't want to walk a 5k, then tell your mother to forget it. This time should be about you and your baby and nothing else. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1027735 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 15:13:00 +0000 ALV91711 1027735@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That schedule for a day sounds like too much. I know at 2 weeks I was still very sore and even just running out for errands took a lot out of me.</p> <p>I didn't start spending longer stretches out of the house until a couple months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1027733 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 15:10:44 +0000 maybebaby 1027733@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sapphiresun: What is reasonable is what YOU want to do. I had a rough recovery and went out to brunch for the first time at 2 weeks. A BLOCK AWAY. I would never have had the energy for the day you are describing and never in a million years would I be up for a HIKE with a newborn! People have ridiculous expectations of new parents. Don't do anything you don't feel comfortable with--and it sounds like the day they have laid out is stressing you out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1027686 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 14:34:32 +0000 oliviaoblivia 1027686@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That outing is crazy! I'm on the more adventurous side and I would definitely not have done all that in one day. We started having longer outings around five weeks. Up until that point I'd only do quick shopping trips and doctors visits. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1027678 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 14:24:24 +0000 LomaLinda 1027678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My baby is 3 months old, and I'm just now getting to the point that I don't feel like I have to plan every detail of our outings, and I feel comfortable and confident going places. I was definitely not out &amp; about with LO at 2 weeks pp, except for doctor visits and such. Even now, we only attempt a full day of activity unless it can't be avoided, because it wears LO out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1027674 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 14:19:10 +0000 katsupgirl 1027674@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That outing sounds way intense! Personally I didn't start getting out and about solo till maybe 5 months. I'm a total chump plus I had a lot of people coming around so I never felt "stuck" in the house. That being said do what's comfortable for you. Babies pick up on your stress and anxiety levels. So don't do anything that will leave you feeling stressed out. </p> <p>Also, since it was winter time I wasn't ready to have her around crowds till she had her shots. </p> <p>We did do car trips to visit relatives and go out to restaurants after 6 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1027666 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 14:12:58 +0000 Bookish 1027666@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I couldn't have handled that at 2 weeks. I was still in too much pain. We started taking her on short trips to the store and relatives houses between 2-3 weeks...and what you are talking about sounds exhausting and scary even at 6 weeks pp! I'm definitely a nervous FTM!! We took her too an outlet mall an hour away yesterday and I was still a wreck... </p> <p>It's definitely a comfort level thing. Like others have said, some were good to rejoin the world at a week, and some, like me, still have issues at 6!! Just do what you are comfortable with, and don't let anyone push you! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-getting-out-and-about-with-baby#post-1027657 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 14:05:40 +0000 sotofamilia 1027657@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That's a pretty intense schedule! I don't think I really started doing a full day like that until he was a couple months old...but even at six months out now, that still sounds like a lot to me! </p>