Everything You Need To Know Before Going Out With a Newborn

You just had a baby, and now you’re faced with the overwhelming feeling of taking care of a tiny human. Going out and running a simple errand can seem next to impossible. Well, as long as you are prepared and have realistic expectations on what you and your little one can handle, it’s really not so scary! Here’s everything you need to know before going out with a newborn.

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How Long Should You Wait To Go Out?

Ideally, you should wait at least a couple weeks before you leave the house with your newborn. Their tiny immune systems just aren’t very strong when they’re brand new. So the safest place for them for a little while is right at home.

But sometimes, you just have no choice. Usually there is a wellness checkup a few days after birth. I remember having to bring my daughter to one less than a week after being born. I think that was scarier than the drive home from the hospital!

Everything You Need To Know Before Going Out With A Newborn

For the first couple months or so, going out with a newborn can be quite a feat, especially if you are a first time mom. It feels like you need to pack everything under the sun in order to be prepared. And you’re constantly focused on what your baby is doing and it can be hard to get done whatever you set out to do.

The good news is the older they get, the less you will need. Soon you’ll just have to worry about packing enough diapers and wipes and something to keep them entertained, like toys or snacks. But for now, we are focusing on the very beginning.

Here is what you need to know before going out with a newborn.

Keep Your Trip Short

Remember that not only is this whole “life” thing a new concept for your baby, you are in recovery mode still. Technically, you are in postpartum recovery for 6 weeks after giving birth. And that’s if your recovery goes as planned!

If you have to go out, don’t try to tackle too much. Keep your trip as short as possible. At this point in time, they have to eat often. So the shorter your trip is, the less stressful it will be for both of you.

Doing too much can also overstimulate your baby, which means they become cranky and then they may have a hard time settling down or falling asleep.

Bring What You Need

Like I said, at first you’ll need a lot in order to be prepared. Here is a list of everything you need in your diaper bag. Along with these essentials, you may want to bring some extra pads and a peri-bottle if you’re still within the first weeks postpartum.

Another thing I suggest is to have a caddy you can leave in your car in case of emergency. This can be a lifesaver if you forget to restock something in your diaper bag and find yourself in a pickle.

A caddy is also nice when your baby gets older and you don’t have to worry about bringing a diaper bag everywhere!

Make Sure Baby is Dressed Appropriately

I remember thinking to myself how easy it is for babies to get cold. My daughter was born in May and she would still have to wear layers of clothes to stay warm and happy.

Be sure to dress your newborn in layers, and put a hat on them if it’s cold. Keep a blanket with them, too. I liked using a swaddling blanket to cover the car seat when we were out. It kept the wind and rain away, along with making sure people stayed out of her face. I get it, babies are irresistible. But, germs, man!

Dress Yourself Appropriately

It’s very easy to forget about yourself when all your energy is focused on your tiny human.

If you are breastfeeding, make sure you wear something that’s breastfeeding friendly. There have been a few times I had to soothe my baby by nursing her in my car. Having easy access to boobs will ease your mind and make it easy to feed your baby.

This is also important if you are exclusively pumping. If you can’t plan your trip around your pumping sessions, you want to make it as easy as possible for yourself.

I also suggest using a swaddle blanket as a nursing cover, if covering yourself makes you more comfortable. Another reason why I love packing a swaddling blanket in my diaper bag. They are super versatile!

Bring a Water Bottle

You still need all the fluids! It’s so important to keep yourself hydrated. You need fluids to help your postpartum recovery process, keep your energy levels up, and to rehydrate after breastfeeding.

Just like baby needs to eat all the time, you need water all the time.

Using a Stroller Might Help

If you have a car seat that can click into a stroller, this might make transporting baby so much easier. If you have to run in the store for one or two things, or are going somewhere that’s generally stroller friendly, this may be the way to go. It’s easy and it will most likely put your baby to sleep (score!).

My daughter loved the stroller. Sometimes I would use it just to soothe her by walking around our yard.

Wear Your Baby

I’m a huge advocate for baby wearing. Baby loves it, it’s a great way to bond with them, and it keeps your hands free. I wore my babies anytime I was doing something around the house but they insisted on being held, going out shopping, at parties or any sort of gathering, really the list goes on.

I really took advantage of baby wearing with my second baby. My two-year-old would sit in the carriage and I’d wear my baby while shopping, if we wanted to go outside and play, or really doing anything with my toddler my baby was most likely attached to me.

One advantage of baby wearing is people won’t be as tempted to get too close to them than if they were in their car seat. I don’t know what it is, but people tend to not follow the personal bubble rule with babies! Drives me nuts!

If you have a wrap style baby carrier, a great way to keep things easy for yourself is to put it on before you leave. Then when you get to your destination you just have to put your baby in it and you’re not playing around with it in the parking lot.

Don’t Be Too Hard On Yourself

You might be one of the lucky ones and have a super smooth outing with your baby. But if you don’t and you find yourself with a very unhappy baby, that’s okay too. Maybe your newborn doesn’t like care rides, or they’re uncomfortable, or they become too overstimulated. Sometimes they just might be a little gassy! Whatever the reason is, it’s okay.

You will find your groove and figure out the best time of day to go out, what you need, and how to keep baby happy.

If you can, have someone go with you like your partner or a close friend or relative. They can drive you around so you can focus on baby.

If you have to go out on your own, just go easy on yourself and know that this is a learning process for both you and your newborn! You’ll be a pro in no time!