I just had my second daughter two weeks ago and I was planning on keeping her home for the first month, but I'm getting a little cabin fever and so is my 2 1/2 DD. I'm disappointed I can't take her out on a walk because of the cold and snowy weather here in Wisconsin, and we haven't gotten out double stroller either, so it's pretty impossible anyway. DH went back to work this week so I'm kind of itching to get out and keep finding things we need from the store...I can wait until he gets home though for errands.
Does anyone have any advice or activity ideas for us? Do you think taking the two little ones to Southridge Mall to go mall-walking in the early am once we get the stroller would be 'safe'? I want to avoid exposing the newborn to yucky germs...
I took both my girls out at like 2 weeks. The mall would be my suggestion. Just dont be afraid to tell people to not touch her :)
Our pediatrician told me that most germs that would make him sick are not airborne - he'd have to physically come into contact with something. So we did what you're describing and I'd just thrown a thin blanket over the infant carrier while we were in public to minimize the risk, and he was fine. You do need to get out...I feel you there. Good luck!
Definitely hit the mall! Just don't let anyone touch the baby and make sure you "scrub up" before picking her up or changing her diaper, feeding her etc and have your "big girl" wash her hands too!
Get the double stroller and go for a walk! I would also suggest escaping to run errands after your husband gets home or finding someone who would like to watch the baby for an hour while you hit the store. My MIL used to come over twice a week for the first few months so that I could shower and grocery shop like a real adult. It was a lifesaver and sanity-saver!
Go for it! People love to see new babies, and you will love to see new people. Just don't let others touch or hold your baby unless you know they've recently washed their hands and do not have a cold. I would put my youngest in a sling (less chance of people touching) and get out and go about my daily business; shopping, meetings, etc. It worked well for me!
I totally agree with the other moms! Southridge is a good idea because it is the least crowded of our area malls. It also has the fun little play area for your big girl! It was one of our first outings after our daughter was born also so my son could play and I could indulge in one of those terribly fattening coffee drinks! Enjoy your trip!
Baby can go anywhere you go. Get out there!!
You can go to the mall. I would just avoid large get togethers where people would be touching her a lot. Bring hand sanitizer, use it before you touch her and for your 2 y/o. Cabin fever is the worst!
Exposing her to germs is one of the best things you can do for her, actually.
Help build her little immune system.
My peds suggested getting our kids out of the house immediately when we got home. Snow or sun, whatever, she said "get them out!".
So with both kids, once I was able to move around well on my own (so about a week), we were out and about. Running errands, mall, park, lunch at restaurants and bars, etc...
Neither of my kids have ever had an ear infection, and I can count on one hand the number of colds they've had! Get out and enjoy yourself!
