How to Take Your Baby Out in Public for the First Time

By: Gerelyn Terzo

Once you’ve mastered a daily routine with your newborn, you might be ready to introduce them to the world. While you might feel uncertain about taking this step, the good news is that as the mom, you’re more equipped than anyone to know when the time is right.

Some moms are ready to take that first excursion in weeks. Others choose to wait until their baby is three months old or they’re more fully vaccinated.  

Whether you plan to take your little bundle to the park, a mall or a restaurant, there are a few steps you can take to help make the outing go as smoothly as possible.   

Be Prepared 

Babies can require more preparation than toddlers because you’ve got to be ready for anything. The last thing you want to have is a soiled diaper without an extra onesie. That’s why it’s a good idea to think and prepare ahead of time.

You’ll want to bring a mini version of your changing table, including diapers, wipes, clean cloths, cream and at least one change of clothes. Don’t forget the formula if you’re bottle feeding. Additionally, be ready for a sudden change in weather by packing sunscreen (if they’re over six months) and rain cover. 

Guard Their Space

Nobody likes their personal space to be invaded, especially babies. While friendly people in the park might mean no harm, they could scare your baby by getting too close.  

One way around this is to protect your baby with a breathable stroller cover, which also protects against bugs. When they’re out of the car seat or stroller, you’ll need to insist that people keep their distance. You can always blame it on the cold season or invisible germs. 

On that note, try and avoid large crowds at first. If you need to take your newborn to an older child’s sporting event, don’t disappear from the baby’s sight. This way they won’t feel frightened or experience separation anxiety.

Keep It Simple  

When it comes to firsts for your baby, remember to keep it simple. Try taking your newborn for a stroll around the block or at the park for around 45 minutes. See how they respond. Then increase the time spent incrementally so it feels natural to them.

Having a Happy Baby in Public 

If your baby starts fussing or crying in public, the first thing to remember is to keep calm. If you get uptight, your baby will take a cue and share that anxiety. They might start crying even louder. The more relaxed you are, the calmer your baby is likely to be.  

The reality is they may just be overtired or hungry. After all, taking your baby on outings could disrupt their routine. But it doesn’t mean you have to stay home 24/7. Here are some practical steps you can take to calm your child:

• Try steadily swaying them in your arms, which gives the baby a womb sensation.

• They may be gassy. If you don’t have infant gas drops, try movement. Pedal your baby’s legs in a bicycle motion to get the gas moving. 

• While it might seem obvious, make sure they are dry. They might have wet the diaper when you least expected it.

• Don’t forget the pacifier. Experts say whether or not your baby should use one is up to you to decide. 

Don’t worry so much what others will think. If you give it a chance, you might find that your baby calms down after a few minutes, even if it seems like forever. If all else fails, it might be time to head home. 

Freedom at Your Pace 

Once you find the winning combination, you'll feel more confident about your decision to expand your baby’s horizons, and your own. 

If you still can’t shake that uneasy feeling, pick up the phone. Your physician is there to field questions and guide you through your concerns. They’ve been with you from the start and can offer you advice on whether to move forward with your plans or wait.

Feature image by Pixabay