What it is
When can I go out with my newborn? What goes in the diaper bag? Why am I anxious about leaving the house? The first outing is small on paper and big in the body. You are still bleeding and sore. Many mothers find the anxiety is bigger than the trip, and that is normal in the first weeks.
What's typical
Many families take a first walk around the block in the first week. Short errands come in weeks two to four. Most pediatricians say outdoors is fine from the start. Crowded indoor places are the thing to limit for two months. Most mothers say the second outing is far easier than the first.
What's known
The AAP advises avoiding crowds and sick people in the first two months, not the outdoors. Fresh air and daylight are linked to better mood and sleep. Anxiety about leaving home is common in the first six weeks and often lifts.
What helps
- Start with a ten-minute walk, close enough to turn back.
- Pack the bag the night before: diapers, wipes, clothes for the baby, a shirt for you, pads, water.
- Go right after a feed. You have about two hours.
- Bring someone the first few times. The second pair of hands is for you.
When to call someone
- Nowa baby under three months with a fever of 100.4 or higher. Go in.
- Todayif you cannot leave the house because of panic or dread, or you have not left in more than two weeks.
- At your next visitif you feel dizzy when you walk, or your bleeding gets heavier after being up.
Who helps
Tools: Postpartum Prep Checklist
Related
- Postpartum anxietyPostpartum: Mind
- BabywearingBaby Basics
- Car seat safety day to dayBaby Basics
- Fever in a newborn is an emergencyBaby Basics
- Breastfeeding in public and your rightsFeeding Your Baby
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Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) — Taking your newborn out: when is it safe
- Postpartum Support International — Postpartum anxiety fact sheet
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