Parenting
Sunday, September 7, 2008
How long did you wait to bring your newborn around people?
I have a girlfriend who recently had a baby. This is her first born so naturally she is taking in all suggestions and recommendations that her pediatrician and others are providing. To avoid coming across as a “know it all” mother - I often opt to just listen to the mountain of information she receives. My little input would probably be words in the wind.
During one of our story sharing times, I found one of the recommendations from her pediatrician quite interesting. He suggested that she not allow the baby around others for a minimum of 8 weeks. The baby was full-term, born at 39 weeks, and had no health problems. I know infants are more susceptible to illnesses because their little bodies have not acquired sufficient antibodies to build a strong immune system. Therefore, the rational to keep newborns away from others is clearly understandable.
Being safe and health conscious is definitely a priority no matter how excited you are to share your baby with the world. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the time frame of when my pediatrician advised me to allow my babies to be around others. What I do remember is that after 4 weeks of being around the house I was ready to get moving and to see a different scenery. So, it was shortly after 4 weeks when I allowed my first newborn around others.
How long did you wait to allow others around your newborn?
Related: parenting, newborn, advice
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Posted by bulawayo Mon Jun 30, 2008 3:29pm PDT
My dear this is a no brainer. the Pediatrician has spoken what other confirmation do you need? If you choose not to follow your pediatrician, its up to you. If she wants to all the best. Better safe than sorry
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Posted by nerdyprincessa Mon Jun 30, 2008 4:16pm PDT
As a mother of 2; a 4 year old and a 5 week old, I think 8 weeks is on the overly precautious side. I take my baby on short outings at least twice a week and he is perfectly adaptable. I personally was getting cabin fever by 2-3 weeks. My advise is to do what feels natural, weather than means hibernating for 8 weeks or vacationing with your baby. Good luck to her i hope she listens to her intuition!
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Posted by Sunshine Mon Jun 30, 2008 6:40pm PDT
When my now adult son was born in the early 70's, I dressed him up to go to Krogers--he was 7 days old, in fact I looked pretty cool also. The clerks and some customers had to take turns holding him. Did not hurt him one bit being out and with several people, and I was one proud Mom, still am. I am also now a proud Grandma.
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Posted by brooke_ellen00 Mon Jun 30, 2008 6:44pm PDT
My son will be 6 months here in a few weeks. Time has flown by. My Dr. said not to take him out to heavily populated public places for the first 3 months. I pretty much followed it to a T b/c I was very frightened of him getting sick. Sam's Club was the very first store he went into at about 11 weeks old! We have just started taking him to restaurants in the past 2 months. I have been very lucky b/c he has never been sick so I thank the Dr. for the advice. They grow up so fast what does it hurt to keep them sheltered for a short time of 8 weeks??
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Posted by Geo the Clown Mon Jun 30, 2008 7:46pm PDT
above all she shuold go with her gut feeling she will know whats best for her sanity and her baby. I told my hubby i wouldnt go anywhere for 6 weeks like my friend had but i was out at the grocery store with him in a sling all snuggled close the second day he was out in the world. My only real advise is that she take it easy for herself so she doesnt bleed so bad and to just know herself and how comfortable she is with people wooing and ahhing over the baby or even wanting to touch the baby.
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Posted by Becca Mon Jun 30, 2008 8:34pm PDT
I think what the doctor meant was to not take the baby around too many people for the first 8 weeks, I think it's fine for her to let her family see the baby, just make sure they wash there hands first, especially the little ones.
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Posted by joshsmom Mon Jun 30, 2008 9:12pm PDT
Depending on her mental state it may do more harm than good to stay in the house and feel trapped by your newborn. This tiny person already consumes your every waking moment, why add to that by not being able to socialize. I took my now four month old out at 7 days. We went to a parent conference for one of my older children. At 12 days we took the subway(I live in NYC). He is as healthy as a horse. He was bundled in his snowsuit. I do not allow strangers to cuddle him and I carry wipes for his and my hands. He has a cold when he was 3 months but guess what? He got over it.
Children build up immumity by exposure. You can not keep your child in a bubble.
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Posted by blondie Mon Jun 30, 2008 9:29pm PDT
I waited about 6 weeks. My baby was born in January so around 6 weeks was perfect timing to bring baby out to church for the first time.
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Posted by cyen1019 Tue Jul 1, 2008 2:25am PDT
Newborn baby in my opinion is known to have a weak immune system. For the sake of safety and to lower the degree amount of germs that the baby may possibly be contracted to, I would not take my baby out in the public and have her around strangers or a large group of people until 3 months. This sounds long and over cautious but I feel that is the least I can do to protect my baby...she is precious afterall!
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Posted by Jennifer S Tue Jul 1, 2008 4:52am PDT
My daughter was almost 2 months premie-in very good health though. I had her out at Target the day after we both came home from the hospital. She came so early-I didn't have everything I needed. And I sure didn't expect my husband to get the right things. haha
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