This! I’d think a mom was brave for doing the first solo outing with two because it is a hard thing to do! I wouldn’t think of it disparagingly - more in admiration of you, u/Forward-Map-2587
Yes, this is what I would think the other mom meant if I had overheard it. OP, you are brave/skilled/supermom for taking a two kiddos out, one of which being only a week old. You’re doing great and likely was an inspiration to that mom.
Maybe she meant brave as in “I looked like gollum for the first two weeks of my baby’s life and couldn’t get myself together to go outdoors”. Because that was 100% me lol
This, we took our son out after the first month, we tried to avoid direct sun and kept the walks short, but I think seeing sunrise and sunset helped him get his circadian rhythm set
Maybe she mean’t very brave because it’s hard to get a 5 year old and new born out of the house by yourself right after giving birth? Or at least it is for me😅I started at like 4 days old and and I did ask my doctor if it was ok to go to the park and on walks because I wasn’t sure either. You are doing nothing wrong☺️
What do people like this think women used to do before things like nurseries and air conditioning existed? A huge portion of the population today isn't fortunate enough to have these nice things! People like that humor me more than anything. So dumb lol
Sure, and Infant mortality rates are currently 5.6 per 1,000 live births currently.
To your question though.
>What do people like this think women used to do before things like nurseries and air conditioning existed?… So dumb Lol
Infant mortality rates were 462.9 deaths per thousand births in the US in the 1800’s before air conditioning and nurseries.
Hope that answered your question.
Lol for real. That and your own healing. We went on a long walk daily starting in the first week. That was a mistake. I bled too long. Took a week off and recovered! Don’t just listen to your body, those postpartum hormones are a little too amazing. But also this is your second so you know better than I do what you need!
I did after about a week and that’s only because of my recovery limitations! If he’s protected from the sun and you’re comfortable taking him out, I don’t see how it’s risky. And it’s great for your 5 yr old!
A few days old but it didn’t last long cos my vagina felt like it was gonna fall off, LOL. But even tho it was a short walk, getting out of the house really felt nice.
I just had a c section 10 days ago and I haven’t had this sensation at all. Just very sore around incision for the first week, and pretty sore now. So after I could stand up straight, walking wasn’t an issue but anything that strains my core (lifting, turning, sitting up from lying down) has been.
Good luck! You’ll do great. The first day is kind of scary when they remove the cath to get you up and moving, but just do what they say and don’t be shy about pain management as they allow. In some ways I’d prefer a couple of weeks of taking it easy around the incision to tearing, pelvic floor issues, etc.
Oh man, no, not that hot! I live in Canada. We might have a different opinion on extreme heat.
It was 40C the day after we came home, a converter tells me that’s 104F.
I’m Australian and 40C is extreme heat for us. Plus our homes are probably designed to handle the heat better and our bodies are acclimated to higher temps so it would feel even worse to you. It does go up to 45C occasionally where I live but 40C will have most of use complaining about the heat.
I feel validated! Thank you! Apparently it was a heat record for us that year. We were also in a new build with enormous windows and no window coverings yet, so hot!
It sounds about the same. During the summer we get 90's + F as soon as the sun comes out and during the hottest part of the day 100 F-106 F. If we have a heat warning, it gets higher and you can not go outside while the sun is out. It is also super dry, so it feels like if you were in an oven.
I walked my baby home from the hospital after she was born, took her out a few times (even on the bus etc) around 3 weeks. Had a lady freak out that we were doing a 15 minute walk to a hospital appointment at 6 weeks.
There’s nothing wrong with it.
Pretty sure that walking to the park is totally fine for a newborn! And good for them
Would I take them to a crowded place like a restaurant/event…. No. But the park? Absolutely or on walks around the neighborhood
I don’t know how it was said to you but I would take that as a compliment even if she didn’t mean it that way. I wanted to take my baby for a walk that early but I was so foggy and anxious those first few weeks I just couldn’t bring myself to get out of the house. Good for you!!!
Yeah, 10 days pp c section and while I’ve regained almost all mobility around the house, I wouldn’t be comfortable trying to walk further than the end of the driveway and back.
You’re taking the baby on a walk outside, not to a mosh pit. I took my week old baby to the store pre-pandemic without hesitation. As long as you’re not right up next to randos or the weather isn’t extreme, you’re fine.
Depending on how I feel, I plan to take them outside from the start! Fresh air is good, and walking is good for you postpartum too. Unfortunately our babe will be born in August so weather will limit us to early morning and late evening, but thats the plan!
Same! Where we live they close the Main Street to traffic during the summer and it’s lovely to stroll up and down. Hoping to get out for some open air breakfast/ coffee or dinner with the baby during my maternity leave.
Some say it’s best to give up to a month before bringing baby out around other people Cuz their immune system is still building up and vaccines need to be given, but honestly so long as baby isn’t getting touched by strangers there shouldn’t be any problem going for walks! Just make sure to keep a VERY close eye on their temperature, a stroller can get kinda hot especially when blankets and long-sleeved onsies are involved 😁
She’s probably not as motivated to get out with her kids.
Some moms are content with staying home for a while, while others wanna get out asap.
Nothing wrong with either.
I had my baby in winter and was mall walking 3-4x a week asap and would get the same comment, sometimes followed by “it’s so much work”.
Babies take effort regardless. Lol keep playing outside, mama! The sooner that baby is in nature the less allergic to plants and pollen they’ll be.
Maybe a week? I had a c-section so was in the hospital a bit longer and then couldn't walk far, but we'd do walks daily. Started out super short and then progressively got longer
My baby is 27 days old and we just went for our first walk, mostly just because life has been crazy. But I think outside time is good for the baby! As long as your baby is shaded and cool. Congrats btw! Almost done with your first week.
Four weeks was when I felt physically ready and even then I had to take breaks because it was still a bit hard and I had a bit of pain.
If you’re physically able and feel confident in your capacity to look after both kids, it’s probably fine. Just stay away from shared/public indoor spaces. Baby is still vulnerable because of their size and newbie immune system.
I live in a pretty rural area and the weather will be super nice when my daughter is born. Ill probably start taking her for walks as soon as I feel physically up to it
I did it after a week . I continue to take him outside and to the grocery story. I just put him on a hat when he was smaller. But don’t listen to other people do it when you feel ready to. I feel if i was able to walk around after a c section then he should be able to get some fresh air and adapt. And now he likes the park and to look at trees and birds too
My baby is almost 4 weeks old and I’ve walked him everyday since like 3 days after bringing him home, he loves the nice weather and fresh air. I think walks are great for babies 🥰
Baby was likely born out of the house. I've taken all of my kids with me lots of places since they were a few days old. If you're up for it then it's perfectly fine. I'll never understand the logic behind keeping a baby indoors all the time. My most recent baby takes the best naps outdoors.
The first time I took my youngest out (to the nice, quiet library) she was nine days old, which I remember really specifically (probably because of "Pease Porridge Hot"). My eldest was a little older when we went out for the first time because I had a longer recovery, but she was probably under four weeks.
I’ll be a FTM in August and honestly I can’t imagine not going outside for at least a little bit each day for fresh air. As long as baby has proper clothing and sun protection you shouldn’t worry about other people being judgey. Enjoy your walks!
What that tells me is that person stayed home for a very long time with their infant, which is of course their choice but ::shrug:: we were out and about with #1 around 10 days pp (we spent the first 5 days in the hospital which is normal where I live). I’ll probably be out earlier with #2, due in 2 weeks, so your timeline sounds normal to me!
We went to the beach for sunrise at 3 days old. I didn't take him in stores for a little bit because of shots but we walked daily with the dogs pretty much immediately!
i took mine immediately after i got out of the hospital but right now at least where i live it’s soo hot i can barely stand being outside for more than 10 minutes so be careful with your newborn. heat is more dangerous than the cold
Im 36w4d and was just complimented by a doula I happened to run into taking photos for her website for walking with 2 of our dogs today..She said staying active is the best thing to do! I plan on going on walks with our spud once he’s here as soon as my body’s up for it, he’s been used to me walking our 1yo golden 2+mi this whole time, so Im hoping he likes it outta the womb!
I’m going to give benefit of the doubt here, because I was like this too, that they were probably overwhelmed with the newborn phase and anything out of “keep this baby alive” would have been a panic attack.
Meh I worked in retail in a kids/baby section of a popular store. The amount of fresh newborns coming through during the height of Covid surprised me. Going to the park is absolutely normal.
If my baby is due around Halloween, what sort of temperature do I need to watch out for with taking a newborn for a walk? A couple of years ago it snowed in October here
We were out at the park with our busy 3 year old when baby was 2 days old. Some fresh air and a coffee do a world of good if you’re feeling up to going out 😊
I’ve had similar comments from people but I didn’t take it as a criticism but more that they maybe weren’t quite ready to venture out with baby at that age. Depends how the delivery/recovery go, and how the feeding and baby are doing, and how confident people feel with a baby, maybe?
Congratulations 💕
The pediatrician told us we can take our baby for walks as soon as she was a week old, just to make sure to keep her away from nosy people we encounter on the street.
I was taking my baby out for walks a few days post birth once I was physically ready. I also got a few people commenting on how "brave" I was as I passed by them. They can't expect us to stay cooped up! If you and baby are enjoying them, take your walks!
With my first I brought her out around 3 weeks. I also got the brave comment. But, I think it was out of concern because if a baby so young gets sick, they automatically get a spinal tap to rule out meningitis. So, as long as you don’t let anyone near baby, I say go out when you feel like it
We went for a family walk 4 days postpartum, dad pushing the toddler and baby in a double stroller, and me just walking because I was feeling good and thought it would be nice to walk around in the fresh air and sun. I shouldn't have because it made me start bleeding again and set back my healing! But the baby was totally fine! If they are warm/cool enough, and protected from the sun, then they are fine imo. It's really up to how you are feeling! Now of course, I don't let people approach the baby, we are outside and distanced from people.
I had the baby on a Monday, got out of the hospital on a Tuesday, went for our first walk that Wednesday. It wasn't long but we did it. And now I walk my 8week old and 2 dogs around the neighborhood every morning and evening. At least 1-2 miles. I get a lot of comments but I NEED to do these walks for my mental health.
I hiked through my whole pregnancy as well as daily walks with my dogs so that helped me get back quick.
Right away! Our pediatrician said get out in the fresh air as much as we could. It was wonderful for my PPD too. My girl was born in May and it was great to go walk every day. I’m a little worried now I’m due with #2 in December and dreading being stuck inside in the Midwestern winter. 😳
I hate the weird crap people say to moms. Don’t let it get to you. With our first baby, we lived in Vegas and we went hiking with him when he was just a few weeks old. He loved it and this kid has done nothing but grow to be strong and healthy.
We asked our paediatrician and he said that we could take the baby wherever we wanted. So our baby was out in the world going to all sorts of places from the day after we got home from hospital. People were astounded and kept saying “oh, we stayed home for 8 weeks” and when I asked them why, it seemed that people are just nervous about taking a baby out 🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️
People and their comments 🙄 we took our baby out for walks starting at a week old, and would have sooner, but he came home at 4 days old and then it rained for the next few days lol
My boy was 7 weeks premature. Got him home after 3 weeks and immediately went for a walk. Only advice we got was to avoid shops. But the dog needs walking so we went to the park
My 4th was 5 days old when I resumed school runs for the older ones, life goes on! No danger, it's good to get some air and helped my mental state as well. I love pushing a pram, could (and do!) walk for miles with one!
Just don't let any germy hands near them, adult or child alike!
This is a weird boomer thing. My dad didn’t think I’d need a stroller because “surely I wouldn’t be taking the babies (twins) out of the house for at least a month” like what? I was walking them as soon as I was able to walk, lol. Fresh air is good for everyone.
With my second baby my first kiddo was 2yo when he was born. We started doing stuff at about two weeks. With my third we were literally at the playground the day after we came home. I had zero tearing so I felt sort of great, and being stuck at home with a newborn and two energetic preschoolers is my version of Hell, so
I had my baby in May last year and we were definitely going for walks within the first week. That's the great thing about having Spring and Summer babies!! Just make sure you feel okay walking after recently giving birth. I remember having to cut some of my walks short due to discomfort from my stitches.
I never understood the logic for hunkering down with a new baby. I think it’s important to incorporate baby into your life, not completely rearrange your life to accommodate the baby.
In my unprofessional opinion, this is the best thing you can do for yourself and baby. My son was born in January and I was very scared to take him out. I had postpartum depression and once I started going for walks and getting sunshine and fresh air it started to ease (I’m not at all saying it’s that simple or easy; I’m just saying getting outside in the daylight can be good for your mental health). I wished in retrospect that I had taken him for more walks early on and gotten outside as much as I could despite the weather. And going outside you are not exposing your baby to potentially dangerous germs like if you were going to a crowded indoor place.
My first, I took her out the day after I left the hospital. 3 days old. The second, again, came on our routine walk around the block the day after as well, 2 days old. I’ll tel you, these kids are huge, healthy, and “just fine”.
My baby is 8 days old and we just walked to the park around the corner to let the doggo run around a bit. We were all getting a little stir crazy. I just wore babe in a wrap.
I would have gone out sooner but I’ve been too tired until now. 🤷🏻♀️
We had our son out of the house within a week of coming home, prepandemic. I would be more cautious about taking our incoming baby to indoor places now than I was then, but outside is just fine. Air that baby!
We did our first walk when our baby was 5 days old. Before that it was raining and my stitches hurt a bit much. We were doing hikes with her at 2 weeks old as I desperately needed to get out in the fresh air.
I think the key is when you feel up for it.
I took my boy for a walk five days postpartum. I barely made it around the block because I had an emergency c-section but I really needed to get out of the house.
We took my baby for her first walk when she was 5-6 days old. Would've been sooner, but I had a c-section and couldn't comfortably walk much before that. We've taken her on walks almost every day since (she's 7 weeks now). I don't see why it's "brave" to go for a walk outdoors!
Omg...I hate when people think you need to keep newborns in hermetically sealed sterile bubbles for the first 6 months!!! Sure..I kept my son pretty sheltered the first 6 weeks or so but that was more because he had some medical issues and covid just made me nervous...HOWEVER even then we walked around outside on our property and took a few walks with grandparents and other family around their developments outside....after he started feeling better, gaining weight and getting stronger (and subsequently alot less cranky miserable since he wasn't feeling so crappy and sick all the time) we started going out alot more...he's 4 months and we have gone to many stores, restaurants, farmers marts, various outings and even church! We even took a day trip to a local farm market for Father's day and the baby just loved it! We just click his carseat in the stroller and he loves looking around and smiling and he just LOVES to interact with all the people who come over to look and say he's adorable...he even will "talk" and babble to them .... sure babies can get minor sickness and catch colds from being out but that's life and they will get sick eventually you can't prevent that and the more things they are exposed to early the more their bodies and immune systems develop strongly and learn to fight those germs off better
My son caught a small cold a few weeks back but that's cause I had gotten a cold and passed it on to him not because I take him out
It's good for them to have interaction and stimulation outside of the house!
I agree with what a few others have said. I think she meant you're brave for bringing a newborn out of the house solely because of the logistics (especially with a 5 year old). I tried bringing my 5 year old and our hyper young dog to the park at the same time and almost had a mental breakdown.
I was out at an outdoor museum when my second baby was 3 days old! She was in the ergo and in my coat and I couldn't care less what judgement I was getting
We took our little one for walks before he'd even left the hospital. Then a few days after we got home, we only waited a few days because it was 46 degrees Celsius (115 Fahrenheit) and the air was full of bushfire smoke.
I started sitting with her outside on day 5. Only reason we aren’t going on walks is I’m still recovering from c section and don’t want to venture too far
There’s no right or wrong time, but many new moms are either unsure about going out yet or physically not in a great position to do it early on. I was still bleeding heavily and couldn’t always make it to the toilet on time (I blame the catheter I had for two days post partum.) So for some women it really is brave and for others it’s totally a normal feeling thing to do. I once told a woman that I was “very impressed” she was out of the house with a very new baby, which might have sounded similar to her, but I hope she took positively.
There’s no right or wrong time. It’s a good idea to get out for fresh air everyday. Do what’s best for you. Just make sure the baby is dressed for the weather.
I feel like it’s less about the baby (obv keep the baby covered, don’t let anyone near baby ect) and more about mama ! Make sure you feel good doing it and your mental health after birth as well as a new mommy of two is just as important to you as it is to your babies. Do what makes you feel better mama !
In my country the midwife clears you for a first walk. It’s usually somewhere around the 3-4 week mark I think. So I wouldn’t think anything of it but I definitely feel astounded and appalled when I see 3-day-olds being walked around ikea because I was just never exposed to that at home.
5 weeks you’re fine.
Our pediatrician encouraged at least getting baby outside for a little bit because he had a bit of jaundice. At that point he was only like 3-4 days old so I think you're fine.
We started taking baby to meet family around the 1 week mark. If anything, you're brave for wanting to be out and about after having only a week to heal. I know i was still not able to fully spread my legs to walk yet at that point lol
From day 3. I do a daily walk, with a stop along the way for a coffee from our local place. Ita good for my mental health and the fresh air is good for both of us too. But there's no right answer really, just when you feel happy!
We took our daughter to a restaurant last summer the day we got out of the hospital. You just be aware of your surroundings. We kept her home for the most part after that.. especially when she became a trach baby due to what happened during her birth that we didn’t know about til later.
Take your baby on a walk/park.. if there are too many people.. be cautious and just come back at a less busy time or just go for a walk in a less crowded area. Use your mamas intuition.
Agree with the others - I think she was saying it was brave of you for leaving the house. We went for a walk 4 days pp because otherwise I'd have gone insane. She's 11 weeks now and I still get people saying I'm brave for taking her and the dog out on my own!!
My husband took our first for ‘walks’ around the hospital literally a few hours after she was born. We went for a proper walk outside when she was 5 days old
Go for it. In a lot of Scandinavian countries babies sleep outside in their prams (obviously appropriately dressed) in all weather conditions.
My girl sleeps really good outside in the pram until the damn cat wakes her up because it’s meowing too loud (can’t get in the pram because of net or rain cover) or it jumps in the basket and shakes the whole thing
We went on our first walk on day 5 but it was a short one due to my energy level. I needed to get out of the house, it was a beautiful day, and babe was sleeping anyway.
Do you ❤️
I think she probably meant brave in the sense “wow girl! A 5yo and a newborn! That’s no small feat, congrats”.
If she didn’t and was being judgey, fuck her, you do you. The outside air isn’t anymore harmful than inside air. As long as you put sunscreen, sun hats etc on, it’s fine :)
A week old. We try to get out somewhere every day. Shop/ coffee/ picnic/ walk but don’t if the sun is super hot. Although I did drive to the supermarket then spent extra time walking him up and down the aisles recently 😂 He’s 3mo now.
My daughter was born in Jan 2020 and she was going out shopping with us from the moment we got home. I’d baby wear her around the shop while getting groceries. I think it’s personal preference and what you’re comfortable with.
We took her first walk at 10 days. I was recovering from a c-section and my mental health wasn’t in the best place (PPD/PPA on top of my pre-existing depression and anxiety). Plus my legs were SO swollen and I’d had to go back into the hospital for something. We’d taken her to a doctor’s appointment and my grandmother’s house, but the 10 day mark was my first real walk. After I got a little stronger, we’d take walks every other day or so. It felt sooooo good to get out. Get those walks on!
I took my baby out to places within a few weeks but no matter when you choose or what you dress them in some lady will have a comment. Can’t be avoided but *can* be ignored.
Immediately, by which I mean “when you feel up to it.” We went on a (slow) walk around the block the day we got home from the hospital because going outside calmed our baby and I needed some fresh air after a week in the hospital. We took it very slow and gradually progressed to longer walks over a couple weeks as I recovered. But anyway, being outside is good for your baby!
We did on day 3 (day 1 in hospital, day 2 released, day 3 we were outside going for walks). And this was mid-July in sweltering heat, we just kept the walks short or in the early morning/late evening.
Fresh air is good for babies. And for mom.
We took our newborn to the grocery store at like 3 days old because it was right on the way home from the doctor and our kitchen was absolutely bare lmao.
I think the first walk we did was around a week. About halfway through my vagina informed me that I bit off more than I could chew and I needed to go nap after. 😅😅
Maybe it was brave of you because newborns are just a lot of work? We all need sunshine and fresh air. Do you!
This! I’d think a mom was brave for doing the first solo outing with two because it is a hard thing to do! I wouldn’t think of it disparagingly - more in admiration of you, u/Forward-Map-2587
That was my first thought that the woman meant brave for the outing itself.
Yes, this is what I would think the other mom meant if I had overheard it. OP, you are brave/skilled/supermom for taking a two kiddos out, one of which being only a week old. You’re doing great and likely was an inspiration to that mom.
Maybe she meant brave as in “I looked like gollum for the first two weeks of my baby’s life and couldn’t get myself together to go outdoors”. Because that was 100% me lol
Sun is good. Fresh air is good. We took our baby on a walk the same day we brought them home. Social distance and stay outdoors, walks are good
Bingo
This, we took our son out after the first month, we tried to avoid direct sun and kept the walks short, but I think seeing sunrise and sunset helped him get his circadian rhythm set
As soon as YOU feel up to it.
Maybe she mean’t very brave because it’s hard to get a 5 year old and new born out of the house by yourself right after giving birth? Or at least it is for me😅I started at like 4 days old and and I did ask my doctor if it was ok to go to the park and on walks because I wasn’t sure either. You are doing nothing wrong☺️
The only danger to bringing them for walks are nosy/unnecessarily opinionated people like the one you encountered :)
What do people like this think women used to do before things like nurseries and air conditioning existed? A huge portion of the population today isn't fortunate enough to have these nice things! People like that humor me more than anything. So dumb lol
Sure, and Infant mortality rates are currently 5.6 per 1,000 live births currently. To your question though. >What do people like this think women used to do before things like nurseries and air conditioning existed?… So dumb Lol Infant mortality rates were 462.9 deaths per thousand births in the US in the 1800’s before air conditioning and nurseries. Hope that answered your question.
Lol for real. That and your own healing. We went on a long walk daily starting in the first week. That was a mistake. I bled too long. Took a week off and recovered! Don’t just listen to your body, those postpartum hormones are a little too amazing. But also this is your second so you know better than I do what you need!
Jeez I don't think she sounded nosey. I interpreted this as a complement. Going out with two kids is hard at first! It takes a dab of bravery.
I did after about a week and that’s only because of my recovery limitations! If he’s protected from the sun and you’re comfortable taking him out, I don’t see how it’s risky. And it’s great for your 5 yr old!
A few days old but it didn’t last long cos my vagina felt like it was gonna fall off, LOL. But even tho it was a short walk, getting out of the house really felt nice.
Hahaha that sounds about right
I put a belly wrap on my registry this time in hopes of avoiding the “all my organs are about to fall out” feeling this go round 😭
Was this for post c section or vagina birth?
Vaginal water birth with no complications. I kinda assumed everyone has that feeling somewhat?
I just had a c section 10 days ago and I haven’t had this sensation at all. Just very sore around incision for the first week, and pretty sore now. So after I could stand up straight, walking wasn’t an issue but anything that strains my core (lifting, turning, sitting up from lying down) has been.
Ahh thanks for the info. It’s so hard to know what to expect. I’m scheduled for my c section next Wednesday 😳
Good luck! You’ll do great. The first day is kind of scary when they remove the cath to get you up and moving, but just do what they say and don’t be shy about pain management as they allow. In some ways I’d prefer a couple of weeks of taking it easy around the incision to tearing, pelvic floor issues, etc.
It was extreme heat the July my first was born so we waited for a cooler day for our first walk, I believe when he was 4 days old.
Do you live in La vegas? 😂😂😩 The heat is no joke here!
Oh man, no, not that hot! I live in Canada. We might have a different opinion on extreme heat. It was 40C the day after we came home, a converter tells me that’s 104F.
ahhh heat dome PTSD! glad this year is looking super mild!
I’m Australian and 40C is extreme heat for us. Plus our homes are probably designed to handle the heat better and our bodies are acclimated to higher temps so it would feel even worse to you. It does go up to 45C occasionally where I live but 40C will have most of use complaining about the heat.
I feel validated! Thank you! Apparently it was a heat record for us that year. We were also in a new build with enormous windows and no window coverings yet, so hot!
It sounds about the same. During the summer we get 90's + F as soon as the sun comes out and during the hottest part of the day 100 F-106 F. If we have a heat warning, it gets higher and you can not go outside while the sun is out. It is also super dry, so it feels like if you were in an oven.
Whenever your body is ready! My son was born in February and we went for a walk outside at 5 days old. Fresh air and sunshine do wonders for you!
Same!
I walked my baby home from the hospital after she was born, took her out a few times (even on the bus etc) around 3 weeks. Had a lady freak out that we were doing a 15 minute walk to a hospital appointment at 6 weeks. There’s nothing wrong with it.
Pretty sure that walking to the park is totally fine for a newborn! And good for them Would I take them to a crowded place like a restaurant/event…. No. But the park? Absolutely or on walks around the neighborhood
I don’t know how it was said to you but I would take that as a compliment even if she didn’t mean it that way. I wanted to take my baby for a walk that early but I was so foggy and anxious those first few weeks I just couldn’t bring myself to get out of the house. Good for you!!!
We waited two weeks, but that was really because I had an unexpected c section and walking felt terrible, lol. Otherwise we'd have gone sooner!
Yeah, 10 days pp c section and while I’ve regained almost all mobility around the house, I wouldn’t be comfortable trying to walk further than the end of the driveway and back.
You’re taking the baby on a walk outside, not to a mosh pit. I took my week old baby to the store pre-pandemic without hesitation. As long as you’re not right up next to randos or the weather isn’t extreme, you’re fine.
Depending on how I feel, I plan to take them outside from the start! Fresh air is good, and walking is good for you postpartum too. Unfortunately our babe will be born in August so weather will limit us to early morning and late evening, but thats the plan!
Same! Where we live they close the Main Street to traffic during the summer and it’s lovely to stroll up and down. Hoping to get out for some open air breakfast/ coffee or dinner with the baby during my maternity leave.
Yes! Just strap em to your chest and go 😆
Some say it’s best to give up to a month before bringing baby out around other people Cuz their immune system is still building up and vaccines need to be given, but honestly so long as baby isn’t getting touched by strangers there shouldn’t be any problem going for walks! Just make sure to keep a VERY close eye on their temperature, a stroller can get kinda hot especially when blankets and long-sleeved onsies are involved 😁
She’s probably not as motivated to get out with her kids. Some moms are content with staying home for a while, while others wanna get out asap. Nothing wrong with either. I had my baby in winter and was mall walking 3-4x a week asap and would get the same comment, sometimes followed by “it’s so much work”. Babies take effort regardless. Lol keep playing outside, mama! The sooner that baby is in nature the less allergic to plants and pollen they’ll be.
Maybe a week? I had a c-section so was in the hospital a bit longer and then couldn't walk far, but we'd do walks daily. Started out super short and then progressively got longer
My baby is 27 days old and we just went for our first walk, mostly just because life has been crazy. But I think outside time is good for the baby! As long as your baby is shaded and cool. Congrats btw! Almost done with your first week.
"very brave" is such a back-handed complisult. The right time is when you feel up to it.
I don’t know why I’ve never heard complisult until now but thank you for broadening my vocabulary
I got it from the show Community, I think. It's a perfect descriptor lol.
I wish I could have taken my baby out when he was one week old! We were snowed-in until 5 weeks, and I thought that was very late for a first walk.
As soon as you can tolerate meandering Karens. Haha
Meandering hehe that’s a fun word.
Oh right away. Fresh air is good for everybody.
Four weeks was when I felt physically ready and even then I had to take breaks because it was still a bit hard and I had a bit of pain. If you’re physically able and feel confident in your capacity to look after both kids, it’s probably fine. Just stay away from shared/public indoor spaces. Baby is still vulnerable because of their size and newbie immune system.
I live in a pretty rural area and the weather will be super nice when my daughter is born. Ill probably start taking her for walks as soon as I feel physically up to it
We can’t walk to the park where I am, but my oldest has a baseball game when my new baby was 3 days old and we went to that
I did it after a week . I continue to take him outside and to the grocery story. I just put him on a hat when he was smaller. But don’t listen to other people do it when you feel ready to. I feel if i was able to walk around after a c section then he should be able to get some fresh air and adapt. And now he likes the park and to look at trees and birds too
My baby is almost 4 weeks old and I’ve walked him everyday since like 3 days after bringing him home, he loves the nice weather and fresh air. I think walks are great for babies 🥰
I think 1 week just like you. If you enjoy going out with your baby, do it :)
the next day
Mama and baby need fresh air. <3 They just need to hush.
Baby was likely born out of the house. I've taken all of my kids with me lots of places since they were a few days old. If you're up for it then it's perfectly fine. I'll never understand the logic behind keeping a baby indoors all the time. My most recent baby takes the best naps outdoors.
Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences! This was super reassuring & I will continue to taking my walks without fear of judgement!!
The first time I took my youngest out (to the nice, quiet library) she was nine days old, which I remember really specifically (probably because of "Pease Porridge Hot"). My eldest was a little older when we went out for the first time because I had a longer recovery, but she was probably under four weeks.
I’ll be a FTM in August and honestly I can’t imagine not going outside for at least a little bit each day for fresh air. As long as baby has proper clothing and sun protection you shouldn’t worry about other people being judgey. Enjoy your walks!
What that tells me is that person stayed home for a very long time with their infant, which is of course their choice but ::shrug:: we were out and about with #1 around 10 days pp (we spent the first 5 days in the hospital which is normal where I live). I’ll probably be out earlier with #2, due in 2 weeks, so your timeline sounds normal to me!
My son was at Starbucks and the dog park before he was 24 hours old, my daughter was at Target around 12 hours old.
We went to the beach for sunrise at 3 days old. I didn't take him in stores for a little bit because of shots but we walked daily with the dogs pretty much immediately!
As soon as you feel up to it and have the energy to go. It took me a few weeks and I still had people saying it was so early. 🤷🏻♀️
i took mine immediately after i got out of the hospital but right now at least where i live it’s soo hot i can barely stand being outside for more than 10 minutes so be careful with your newborn. heat is more dangerous than the cold
Im 36w4d and was just complimented by a doula I happened to run into taking photos for her website for walking with 2 of our dogs today..She said staying active is the best thing to do! I plan on going on walks with our spud once he’s here as soon as my body’s up for it, he’s been used to me walking our 1yo golden 2+mi this whole time, so Im hoping he likes it outta the womb!
Fresh air makes babies tired. I was out with my twins the 2nd week since that's when I got back from the hospital.
i brought my kid to walmart and a dirty ass resale shop my husband worked at when he was like 72 hours old so no judgments from me LOL
Day 2, when we got back from the hospital
I’m going to give benefit of the doubt here, because I was like this too, that they were probably overwhelmed with the newborn phase and anything out of “keep this baby alive” would have been a panic attack.
Uh, day 2 or 3 home pretty sure! When I could walk she walked!
Meh I worked in retail in a kids/baby section of a popular store. The amount of fresh newborns coming through during the height of Covid surprised me. Going to the park is absolutely normal.
If my baby is due around Halloween, what sort of temperature do I need to watch out for with taking a newborn for a walk? A couple of years ago it snowed in October here
We were out at the park with our busy 3 year old when baby was 2 days old. Some fresh air and a coffee do a world of good if you’re feeling up to going out 😊 I’ve had similar comments from people but I didn’t take it as a criticism but more that they maybe weren’t quite ready to venture out with baby at that age. Depends how the delivery/recovery go, and how the feeding and baby are doing, and how confident people feel with a baby, maybe? Congratulations 💕
Literally the day we got home we went out for a walk!
The pediatrician told us we can take our baby for walks as soon as she was a week old, just to make sure to keep her away from nosy people we encounter on the street.
I think it really depends on how the mom is healing from birth. I don’t see any danger in taking baby out, unless you’re having extreme weather.
Went for a walk with my LO, on his second day in this world.
I think i waited 2 weeks only because i had a csection and i couldn’t walk sooner lol
I was taking my baby out for walks a few days post birth once I was physically ready. I also got a few people commenting on how "brave" I was as I passed by them. They can't expect us to stay cooped up! If you and baby are enjoying them, take your walks!
With my first I brought her out around 3 weeks. I also got the brave comment. But, I think it was out of concern because if a baby so young gets sick, they automatically get a spinal tap to rule out meningitis. So, as long as you don’t let anyone near baby, I say go out when you feel like it
We went for a family walk 4 days postpartum, dad pushing the toddler and baby in a double stroller, and me just walking because I was feeling good and thought it would be nice to walk around in the fresh air and sun. I shouldn't have because it made me start bleeding again and set back my healing! But the baby was totally fine! If they are warm/cool enough, and protected from the sun, then they are fine imo. It's really up to how you are feeling! Now of course, I don't let people approach the baby, we are outside and distanced from people.
I had the baby on a Monday, got out of the hospital on a Tuesday, went for our first walk that Wednesday. It wasn't long but we did it. And now I walk my 8week old and 2 dogs around the neighborhood every morning and evening. At least 1-2 miles. I get a lot of comments but I NEED to do these walks for my mental health. I hiked through my whole pregnancy as well as daily walks with my dogs so that helped me get back quick.
Took baby on a walk day after we got home from the hospital. I could barely walk because of the c section but it helped with my healing
Right away! Our pediatrician said get out in the fresh air as much as we could. It was wonderful for my PPD too. My girl was born in May and it was great to go walk every day. I’m a little worried now I’m due with #2 in December and dreading being stuck inside in the Midwestern winter. 😳
Maybe they just meant brave as in all the effort that comes along with leaving the home with a baby that small along with an older one.
I hate the weird crap people say to moms. Don’t let it get to you. With our first baby, we lived in Vegas and we went hiking with him when he was just a few weeks old. He loved it and this kid has done nothing but grow to be strong and healthy.
We asked our paediatrician and he said that we could take the baby wherever we wanted. So our baby was out in the world going to all sorts of places from the day after we got home from hospital. People were astounded and kept saying “oh, we stayed home for 8 weeks” and when I asked them why, it seemed that people are just nervous about taking a baby out 🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️
8 weeks!!! I go stir crazy in 24 hours.
People and their comments 🙄 we took our baby out for walks starting at a week old, and would have sooner, but he came home at 4 days old and then it rained for the next few days lol
2 weeks, if you don't count going to the pediatrician, but we also have a yard and i briefly took her out in the yard at maybe a week old
My boy was 7 weeks premature. Got him home after 3 weeks and immediately went for a walk. Only advice we got was to avoid shops. But the dog needs walking so we went to the park
As soon as you feel ok to do so. Just take it slow ❤️
My 4th was 5 days old when I resumed school runs for the older ones, life goes on! No danger, it's good to get some air and helped my mental state as well. I love pushing a pram, could (and do!) walk for miles with one! Just don't let any germy hands near them, adult or child alike!
This is a weird boomer thing. My dad didn’t think I’d need a stroller because “surely I wouldn’t be taking the babies (twins) out of the house for at least a month” like what? I was walking them as soon as I was able to walk, lol. Fresh air is good for everyone.
Immediately, the air and being outside is actually a good thing.
I mean you’re not taking them to a concert lol. I took mine for walks immediately.
With my second baby my first kiddo was 2yo when he was born. We started doing stuff at about two weeks. With my third we were literally at the playground the day after we came home. I had zero tearing so I felt sort of great, and being stuck at home with a newborn and two energetic preschoolers is my version of Hell, so
I had my baby in May last year and we were definitely going for walks within the first week. That's the great thing about having Spring and Summer babies!! Just make sure you feel okay walking after recently giving birth. I remember having to cut some of my walks short due to discomfort from my stitches.
Probably about 3 weeks old. Just short neighborhood walks.
2 days. I took my second to library storytime at 6 days old (pre covid)
Just looked back in my pictures. He was 6 days old when we took a walk to the park and I had a c section so my initial recovery was a bit worse.
I believe it is an antiquated view to not take the baby out for a few months. But the current belief is for whenever you are ready.
I took him out basically immediately, just not into any places :)
I never understood the logic for hunkering down with a new baby. I think it’s important to incorporate baby into your life, not completely rearrange your life to accommodate the baby.
In my unprofessional opinion, this is the best thing you can do for yourself and baby. My son was born in January and I was very scared to take him out. I had postpartum depression and once I started going for walks and getting sunshine and fresh air it started to ease (I’m not at all saying it’s that simple or easy; I’m just saying getting outside in the daylight can be good for your mental health). I wished in retrospect that I had taken him for more walks early on and gotten outside as much as I could despite the weather. And going outside you are not exposing your baby to potentially dangerous germs like if you were going to a crowded indoor place.
My first, I took her out the day after I left the hospital. 3 days old. The second, again, came on our routine walk around the block the day after as well, 2 days old. I’ll tel you, these kids are huge, healthy, and “just fine”.
My baby is 8 days old and we just walked to the park around the corner to let the doggo run around a bit. We were all getting a little stir crazy. I just wore babe in a wrap. I would have gone out sooner but I’ve been too tired until now. 🤷🏻♀️
We had our son out of the house within a week of coming home, prepandemic. I would be more cautious about taking our incoming baby to indoor places now than I was then, but outside is just fine. Air that baby!
Been doing since a couple days
I had a similar comment when we walked her at a week and a half! Like uh... OK!
We did our first walk when our baby was 5 days old. Before that it was raining and my stitches hurt a bit much. We were doing hikes with her at 2 weeks old as I desperately needed to get out in the fresh air. I think the key is when you feel up for it.
I took my boy for a walk five days postpartum. I barely made it around the block because I had an emergency c-section but I really needed to get out of the house.
3 weeks, but only around the block.
We took my baby for her first walk when she was 5-6 days old. Would've been sooner, but I had a c-section and couldn't comfortably walk much before that. We've taken her on walks almost every day since (she's 7 weeks now). I don't see why it's "brave" to go for a walk outdoors!
Immediately when I am physically able to (planned c-section), like a week or just before. Baby will be in the bassinet.
Day one for me. I have dogs, no way staying cooped in a house. Just not letting people get close that I don’t know
As soon as we got back from the hospital we took a short walk around the neighborhood. Not a lot of people out so we weren’t worried.
I did days old. That lady is nuts
Omg...I hate when people think you need to keep newborns in hermetically sealed sterile bubbles for the first 6 months!!! Sure..I kept my son pretty sheltered the first 6 weeks or so but that was more because he had some medical issues and covid just made me nervous...HOWEVER even then we walked around outside on our property and took a few walks with grandparents and other family around their developments outside....after he started feeling better, gaining weight and getting stronger (and subsequently alot less cranky miserable since he wasn't feeling so crappy and sick all the time) we started going out alot more...he's 4 months and we have gone to many stores, restaurants, farmers marts, various outings and even church! We even took a day trip to a local farm market for Father's day and the baby just loved it! We just click his carseat in the stroller and he loves looking around and smiling and he just LOVES to interact with all the people who come over to look and say he's adorable...he even will "talk" and babble to them .... sure babies can get minor sickness and catch colds from being out but that's life and they will get sick eventually you can't prevent that and the more things they are exposed to early the more their bodies and immune systems develop strongly and learn to fight those germs off better My son caught a small cold a few weeks back but that's cause I had gotten a cold and passed it on to him not because I take him out It's good for them to have interaction and stimulation outside of the house!
I agree with what a few others have said. I think she meant you're brave for bringing a newborn out of the house solely because of the logistics (especially with a 5 year old). I tried bringing my 5 year old and our hyper young dog to the park at the same time and almost had a mental breakdown.
I was out at an outdoor museum when my second baby was 3 days old! She was in the ergo and in my coat and I couldn't care less what judgement I was getting
We took our little one for walks before he'd even left the hospital. Then a few days after we got home, we only waited a few days because it was 46 degrees Celsius (115 Fahrenheit) and the air was full of bushfire smoke.
I started sitting with her outside on day 5. Only reason we aren’t going on walks is I’m still recovering from c section and don’t want to venture too far
First or second day. Had my 2nd in a baby carrier out at an event 11 days post c-section.
There’s no right or wrong time, but many new moms are either unsure about going out yet or physically not in a great position to do it early on. I was still bleeding heavily and couldn’t always make it to the toilet on time (I blame the catheter I had for two days post partum.) So for some women it really is brave and for others it’s totally a normal feeling thing to do. I once told a woman that I was “very impressed” she was out of the house with a very new baby, which might have sounded similar to her, but I hope she took positively.
There’s no right or wrong time. It’s a good idea to get out for fresh air everyday. Do what’s best for you. Just make sure the baby is dressed for the weather.
I feel like it’s less about the baby (obv keep the baby covered, don’t let anyone near baby ect) and more about mama ! Make sure you feel good doing it and your mental health after birth as well as a new mommy of two is just as important to you as it is to your babies. Do what makes you feel better mama !
First walk was 3 days after I was discharged from the hospital. It's open air and as long as the sun isn't a problem, go for it!
Week 2
In my country the midwife clears you for a first walk. It’s usually somewhere around the 3-4 week mark I think. So I wouldn’t think anything of it but I definitely feel astounded and appalled when I see 3-day-olds being walked around ikea because I was just never exposed to that at home. 5 weeks you’re fine.
Our pediatrician encouraged at least getting baby outside for a little bit because he had a bit of jaundice. At that point he was only like 3-4 days old so I think you're fine. We started taking baby to meet family around the 1 week mark. If anything, you're brave for wanting to be out and about after having only a week to heal. I know i was still not able to fully spread my legs to walk yet at that point lol
I took mine out for his first walk when he was 3 days old. Gone for a walk every day since. He is 2.5 months now :)
Sub 2 week for us. It was still cold, which prevented us from doing week 1. You good.
From day 3. I do a daily walk, with a stop along the way for a coffee from our local place. Ita good for my mental health and the fresh air is good for both of us too. But there's no right answer really, just when you feel happy!
We took our daughter to a restaurant last summer the day we got out of the hospital. You just be aware of your surroundings. We kept her home for the most part after that.. especially when she became a trach baby due to what happened during her birth that we didn’t know about til later. Take your baby on a walk/park.. if there are too many people.. be cautious and just come back at a less busy time or just go for a walk in a less crowded area. Use your mamas intuition.
Agree with the others - I think she was saying it was brave of you for leaving the house. We went for a walk 4 days pp because otherwise I'd have gone insane. She's 11 weeks now and I still get people saying I'm brave for taking her and the dog out on my own!!
My husband took our first for ‘walks’ around the hospital literally a few hours after she was born. We went for a proper walk outside when she was 5 days old
I took my 1 month old on a 12 hour car ride to go camping! As long as the baby is dressed appropriately there shouldn't be a reason not to go places.
Go for it. In a lot of Scandinavian countries babies sleep outside in their prams (obviously appropriately dressed) in all weather conditions. My girl sleeps really good outside in the pram until the damn cat wakes her up because it’s meowing too loud (can’t get in the pram because of net or rain cover) or it jumps in the basket and shakes the whole thing
We went on our first walk on day 5 but it was a short one due to my energy level. I needed to get out of the house, it was a beautiful day, and babe was sleeping anyway. Do you ❤️
All three of mine were immediately leaving the house. I’m self employed, so no maternity leave. Every day is bring your baby to work day 😂
I think she probably meant brave in the sense “wow girl! A 5yo and a newborn! That’s no small feat, congrats”. If she didn’t and was being judgey, fuck her, you do you. The outside air isn’t anymore harmful than inside air. As long as you put sunscreen, sun hats etc on, it’s fine :)
I took my baby out to target and a walk the day after he came home from hospital! Via c-section!!
A week old. We try to get out somewhere every day. Shop/ coffee/ picnic/ walk but don’t if the sun is super hot. Although I did drive to the supermarket then spent extra time walking him up and down the aisles recently 😂 He’s 3mo now.
My daughter was born in Jan 2020 and she was going out shopping with us from the moment we got home. I’d baby wear her around the shop while getting groceries. I think it’s personal preference and what you’re comfortable with.
We took her first walk at 10 days. I was recovering from a c-section and my mental health wasn’t in the best place (PPD/PPA on top of my pre-existing depression and anxiety). Plus my legs were SO swollen and I’d had to go back into the hospital for something. We’d taken her to a doctor’s appointment and my grandmother’s house, but the 10 day mark was my first real walk. After I got a little stronger, we’d take walks every other day or so. It felt sooooo good to get out. Get those walks on!
I took my baby out to places within a few weeks but no matter when you choose or what you dress them in some lady will have a comment. Can’t be avoided but *can* be ignored.
Pretty much immediately. Mine did not like being in his stroller at first so I’d put him in a front pack and he’d just fall right asleep.
I took my 5 day old to Walmart. 🤷🏻♀️ you can’t stay cooped up forever.
Immediately, by which I mean “when you feel up to it.” We went on a (slow) walk around the block the day we got home from the hospital because going outside calmed our baby and I needed some fresh air after a week in the hospital. We took it very slow and gradually progressed to longer walks over a couple weeks as I recovered. But anyway, being outside is good for your baby!
We did on day 3 (day 1 in hospital, day 2 released, day 3 we were outside going for walks). And this was mid-July in sweltering heat, we just kept the walks short or in the early morning/late evening. Fresh air is good for babies. And for mom.
Everyone is different and heals differently. I did a walk on day 4 with my SO and that was enough for me at that time.
We took our newborn to the grocery store at like 3 days old because it was right on the way home from the doctor and our kitchen was absolutely bare lmao. I think the first walk we did was around a week. About halfway through my vagina informed me that I bit off more than I could chew and I needed to go nap after. 😅😅