In Public Places With Baby?

At what week or month did you feel comfortable taking your baby out in public? I am terrified that my baby will be crying in public and don't plan on taking her out on errands anytime soon bc I am terrified that she is going to wake up and cry hysterically (she's 8 weeks)

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

Just do it! You'll get over the fear very quickly and most people are understanding of a newborn crying. I mean, don't go to a 5-star restaurant, but stores and family friendly restaurants are fine! The more you go out, the more comfortable you'll both be. Go roam the world again!

In Public Places With Baby?

I took her out every chance i got! I went for walks first to ease myself into it. I wasnt comfortable.driving alone at first but after i faced my fear i realized i had nothing to fear.

Bring bottles and binkies and anything else you use to soothe baby and youll be fine! :)

The more you go out the more she will love being out and hr better you will feel! Now is the easiest time (imo) to go out with her. She sleeps the whole time lol its great!

Good luck! Enjoy it!

In Public Places With Baby?

About 6 weeks. She screamed. I fed her. I now drag her everywhere. She's 5m. She loves it. Keeps her entertained people watching. You can always wear your baby too.

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

I took my baby to Home Depot to buy flowers at 6 days old, to meet my coworkers at happy hour at a Mexican restaurant at 2 weeks old.

Go out now while they're easy. If she cries, feed her! My ds is almost 18 months and I miss the time when it was super easy to take him out!

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

My DD - we were out and about (stores, restaurants, etc) by 6 weeks.

My DS - by 2 weeks

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

We're just starting to head out into the world now (aside from past walks). We were at Marshall's the other day and he started screaming because he was hungry. I felt bad and rushed out of the store. I now know to bring extra bottles just in case.
He's 6w old.

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

about 1 month old; I needed to get out of the house!

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

My DD is almost 1 month old. I went for a walk to the post office the other day, dreading the time that I knew we would spend waiting in line because I had a fear that she would start crying uncontrollably, and I was right! As soon as we got in she started crying.

I just toughed it out and apologized to those behind me. A lady told me not to apologize because she was an infant. That made me feel a little better.

I think I would feel more comfortable if I was bottle feeding or if I had a car, but I just have to get out there and go about my business.

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

pretty early, definitely by 3 weeks. He's a big time crier too, but I just hoped for the best!

In Public Places With Baby?

Took my DD out right away. Covered her carseat & it was fine. Bsbirs like being outside/different places ..new sounds,smells, things & ppl...its good for you also to get out. The weather will soon be nasty so get out now before your cooped up inside.

In Public Places With Baby?

Less than a month. It was winter and there was no way I was being trapped in the house.

The sooner you get comfortable doing it the happier you will be and you'll take them anywhere.

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

I started taking my DS out early on and just being smart about it (like 2wks). Now at 8wks I take him everywhere. I've even mastered nursing in public.

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

6 weeks. We went to see Santa, BBB and Cheesecake Factory for lunch. They were paci addicts then so we just kept popping them back in and they were fine. They stay in the carrier so it's fine. You can always throw a blanket over too.

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

I took both my children out right after we got home from the hospital. I was this way with my first daughter. I was so embarrassed and fearful that she would start uncontrollably screaming. Just take some binkies, toys, bottles with you. A baby carrier also helped me when my second daughter would get antsy in the stroller. It will work out!

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

I would ease in slowly if you are concerned. I started with walks and outings with nursing rooms. Then I joined a moms group where all the babies are under a year. They have helped me realize nursing in restaurants and parks isn't that scary. I have also learned that while having a screaming baby in a public place can mean a lot of looks your way, they tend to be fairly nice as long as you look like you are trying to soothe her instead of ignoring her.

Start with a quick trip to your local BRU or BBB. They tend to be most understanding.

In Public Places With Baby?

we were out in public before 2w

In Public Places With Baby?

we took dd out for errands and to parties/restaurants at 8 weeks
before then i would just take her for walks

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

At 6 weeks, I walked to the supermarket and cvs, I needed to go out.

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

2 weeks for my DS- I needed to get out!

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

My DD cried non stop. I swear she was colic.
We would be in stores and she would be screaming bloody murder.
I'd only go with DH or someone else so one of us could take her out to the car if she got bad.
I know everyone says just do it, but I am sorry, I couldn't deal with screaming like that while trying to shop.
It wasn't fair to the other shoppers and it raised my blood pressure to the point I couldn't get my shopping done.
It got to the point where I'd only go food shopping or on errands when DH was home to watch her- or he would go and I'd stay home.
It's not a popular answer- but it was mIy reality.
I'd rather be trapped in the house, or wait for DH to be home, then deal with that. For me, personally, it wasn't worth it.

Message edited 10/24/2013 9:57:25 AM.

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

two weeks, my DS #1 was at a Superbowl Party.

My DS #2, right away (about two weeks too)

My boys were very easy newborns.

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

Immediately - My boys were April & May babies and I was out w/ them in the car, at the park, walks etc as soon as I came home from the hospital

IMO the earlier you get them out, the more you expose them to from the beginning, nothing is a 'big deal' later on

don't stress about a crying baby - people are MUCH more tolerant of a crying infant than a tantrum throwing 2 or 3 year old

Re: In Public Places With Baby?

The earlier you do it the easier it will be to calm her down. You will know what she wants and her limits.
I think it will be harder as she gets older, plus she won't be used to it.

Re: In Public Places With Baby?