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I went to Target and the optometrist and then a Bible study potluck with my two day old. We also went out to dinner for my sister's birthday when he was 5 days old. I just kept him bundled and covered and didn't pass him around to anyone. I did about the same with my 2nd child, though I forget the specifics. (I had my 2nd 6 weeks before my sister's wedding where I was the MOH so we had a TON of shopping and showers and whatnot during that period and she came with me to everything.)

I wasn't very paranoid and we took LO 1 out at 3ish weeks to a big pizza place with a play gym. She also went grocery shopping, friend's houses before that. She didn't get sick until she went to daycare at 4 months. She was born in late Dec.

LO 2 went out a lot as a newborn.

i think a lot of it is personal preference and comfort level, and the circumstances. if i were going to a place with a lot of kids or people, i would probably try to avoid having people hold/touch the baby--but that's just me. also, i didn't leave the house for weeks, but that's because i'm a wimp. you're smart to leave it until after the baby comes. you'll have a better idea of where your comfort level is and how your baby is doing.

If you are worried just wear the baby the whole time. We went to a 2 yr old bday party when she wasn't even 3 weeks old. It was at our friend's house, and I just wore her. I didn't want the germs from day care kids on her yet. Everyone understood. The next weekend was Easter and I had no issue with family passing her around. Just kept the kids away from her.

I took DS to a baby shower at 7 weeks. I took him to the grocery store once or twice. Aside from that we mostly stayed home with him with the exception of doc appts. He was a late Nov baby though and we live in MI, so the weather and cold season are extremely prevalent here.

My rule is after the first round of vaxes, I was open for anything.

I think you’re really smart to set expectations now and leave invites open-ended, with the understanding that you’ll have a newborn.

We took LO out to restaurants within the first week (maybe like 2-3 days old, I can’t remember exactly now), and went to a friend’s child’s birthday party when LO was 3 weeks old; but just because I did that doesn’t mean you should too. I just don’t think you’ll know how comfortable you are with a newborn (or even physically how comfortable you will be the month after your LO is born) until they are here. You may feel totally calm and comfortable and cool with toting your LO everywhere from day 1, or you might not. No right or wrong answer - - unless your kid is like 2 years old and you’ve never been away from them or let them out of the house...then maybe it’s time to force yourself out of your comfort zone a little.

@youboots: I had the same rule as @looch: , no going out where people could get their hands on him except to my parents the first 4 weeks, but I had my LO at the height of a bad flu season. I did go out to Target and coffee shops and kept his carseat covered so nobody would touch him. Anyone who coughed wasn't allowed to come over!

@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.

@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.

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!

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.

It depends on the season too... I don't know if this is still rampant full fledge full season or it's ramping down?

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...

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!

So conclusion is just do what you are comfortable with! My decision is based on flu season + hassle + readiness on my part.

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).

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.

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.

@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.

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.

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.