My friend started taking her son, who is now four years old and healthy, for outings the day after he was born. She told me that she didn't understand how I stayed "cooped up" for a full two weeks after my daughter's birth. Honestly, I didn't understand how she could have left the house so soon after childbirth. I was too exhausted, and too concerned for my daughter's health, to take her out much sooner.
There is no right or wrong answer to when a baby is old enough to leave the house. Like so many points in parenting, it ultimately depends on the individual parents and the individual child. Here are a few points to consider about when your baby is old enough to leave the house.
How do you feel? Consider how you and your partner feel, both emotionally and physically, about your baby's first outing and the right time for it. If you don't feel ready-- whether because of a difficult postpartum recovery or anxiety about your child's well-being-- then there's no reason that you and your little one should have to leave the house. Send grandma or dad to the grocery store while you and the baby get a little shut-eye. Ask friends to come over to visit, instead of heading to their houses. Your baby may be the center of your world, but the choice to go in or stay out revolves around you.
How is your baby's health? In truth, your baby isn't any more likely to pick up a germ from a stranger in Wal-Mart than he is to pick it up from an uncle coming over for a visit. However, if you newborn's immune system is particularly weak, his pediatrician might recommend that he stay in for more than the standard period of time. Premature babies, newborns with GI problems, and babies with inherited immune problems could contract an infection, especially in a "dirty" environment like an indoor playground or a waiting room at a doctor's office. In these cases, it might be best to stay in, or to limit baby's outings to short outdoor walks.
Do you have what you need? A safe car seat and a climate-controlled car are essential for getting your newborn anywhere further than the next block. Although past generations carried newborns home on unsecured pillows, without air conditioning or heaters, most of us are fortunate enough to have instruments that help to assure our children's safety. A car seat is a non-negotiable requirement for traveling by car with a newborn. Personally, I waited until two weeks of age and fair weather to avoid getting my daughter out in my car, because it lacked air conditioning and a heater.
Are you prepared? If this is your first child, it's likely that you haven't yet mastered the art of carrying a diaper bag with you at all times. When you go out with your newborn, keep burp cloths, diapers and receiving blankets with you at all times. If you feed your baby formula, pack bottles with prepared, sterile formula-milk, and bring more than you think you'll need. (Throw away any that is left after the outing). Remember that Murphy's Law applies threefold in the world of parenting. Your baby will inevitably poop, cry, burp, and get hungry more often when she is in a public setting. Make sure you have everything you need to be prepared for the worst.
Do you have a helper? Yes, you know how to take care of your baby-- and you can do it just fine by yourself. However, the adventure of leaving the house for the first time is best undertaken with a companion by your side. Bring your best friend, your spouse, a parent, or another trusted person to help you out if something goes wrong. He or she can hold the baby while you fumble for a paci, or push a shopping cart while your baby snoozes in your arms. With a friend by your side, baby's first outing is less stressful and much more enjoyable.
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