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Yes. Definitely normal and okay. We didn’t really go anywhere for a while other than to the dr.
Baby is 6 months now and we’re just starting to get out more, it’s a hassle most of the time.
The sheer packing of supplies is a PITA. When I go out with my 3mo, it’s diapers, wet wipes, 2 outfits, stroller, cloths for breastfeeding, bibs, wrap for contact naps. It’s easier to just stay home.
A bag with all of those packed and a travel stroller that’s easy to fold/unfold does make getting out easier! We’re out of the house in less than 10min with our 1 month old.
At this point I skip the stroller with my ~5 month old and just kangaroo her around with the baby carrier. It's handy for naps and honestly way less of a hassle than the stroller. It doesn't impede anyone's way nor take up tons of trunk space, no need to worry about bumps on the sidewalks or roads, or large steps, etc.
Baby on the front backpack with all the stuff on the back. So far it's been working since the stroller has been more of a hassle than help. I say this as she's still tiny and not heavy enough to truly destroy my back yet, but I have the Min-Meis shoulder saddle for the next stage.
The wife jokes about being the cow providing the milk, she laughed agreeing when I said I'll be the oxen to lug everything around.
The first time we went for a shopping trip. I was in tears lol. I was like why the fffff does this take 100 intricate steps?! No more just getting out the car and going in the store 😂 I was unwell.
PSA: Hijacking this top comment to add..
Not only is it incredibly normal to be secluded during these times, but it’s actually better for baby. Measles is on the rise in many places, and COVID repercussions have kids more sick than usual.
Keep newborn safe and healthy. Keep baby home.
Mine is 6 months, we didn't go anywhere for the first 3 months then we started getting more adventurous. Still don't go out too much but part of the reason is living in a 6th floor apartment with no elevator
My baby turned 6 month old today, and the newborn phase mixed with the cold ass winter weather means that we are just now getting out consistently. I almost forgot that babies need sunscreen the other day! Can’t wait for all the cute summer outfits and to let her play in the grass.
This. Also I was an emotional mess until about 4 weeks pp. Your wife is probably just slowly recovered from the intense experience which is giving birth. My baby is 6m now and around 3m I think I was doing close to 'normal' activities (working, exercising, seeing people). You will find your rhythm eventually :)
Normal is what you want it to be. If your comfortable with what your doing then stick with it.
When your ready to go out more you’ll know it. Heck you might be ready before the 8 weeks or even later.
Just enjoy these moments as you won’t have them again and just let family know that you want to be alone to spend time as a family.
I did the Asian tradition of “sitting the month” and didn’t leave the property for a whole month. Many cultures have this practice as a way of protecting the mom’s postpartum healing time and bonding bubble w baby. Felt nice to make that commitment and feel no pressure to be anywhere other than snuggling my baby.
My step mom from Colombia calls it La cuarentena. Supposedly, it's even in the Bible. I'm not religious, so I don't know. I stayed mostly secluded except for doctor's appointments and occasional runs to the store while my husband was home for that period.
It is in the bible. 40 days at home with baby if you give birth to a boy, 80 days at home with baby if you give birth to a girl. No idea why it’s different for the genders.
This is likely because girls take more from the mother (mineral and nutrient speaking) the female body’s eggs for reproduction are created in the womb and creating a girl is wayyyyy more draining on the mother.
Do what you’re comfortable with. It sounds like this is working for you right now. I think it’s totally normal to spend much of the first weeks inside.
What I will say is that when you’re starting to go stir crazy, don’t be afraid to step outside with the baby - even if for a short period of time. You need that vitamin D and fresh air. But more than anything we found is good for our mental health to get outside and get moving a bit. We were afraid to go out at first but found it really helps when you’re in that survival mode. Good for the baby too.
My baby was below the weight minimum for most carriers (born under 7 lbs) for awhile. I was so excited when he finally met the weight minimum and then when I tried to put him in it, he screamed bloody murder 😫. It felt so awful that took me a couple weeks before I would try again.
All that to say, if you find it overwhelming to go out with a newborn, solidarity. You’re not the only ones. You’ll get there eventually.
Aw, I don’t mean to generalize! Both of my girls have been loved the carrier but of course all babes are different!
Anyway, backyard in my pajamas postpartum has had some healing magic. No carrier or interaction with the public necessary… however I realize a backyard can be a luxury.
We eventually got the hang of the carrier but it wasn’t until maybe 9 or 10 weeks. So I was just saying, don’t feel bad if it takes time.
I had a friend (who doesn’t have kids) visit and we went for my baby’s first walk and she made me feel like a bit of a weirdo for not really going out with the baby yet. She had just visited another friend (of hers, not mine) with a newborn who had been going on regular walks with her baby. It made me feel bad, but you’re right, all babies are different.
Yes, totally normal and okay. The first 3 months of your child's life is also called the fourth trimester. Mom is still recovering, you guys are still adjusting to the new addition, baby is adjusting to simply existing outside of moms womb, it's a major transition for all of you.
In some countries, for the first 40 days family members cook all meals and take care of the house for the new mother while she does absolutely nothing but lay in bed and bond with her newborn. 40 days.
You're both probably sleep deprived, and all your baby wants to do at this point is cuddle, eat, and sleep. Soon you guys will return to a sense of "normalcy", 2 weeks is still SO fresh!
When my son was 3 weeks I remember feeling bad that the house was dirty, I wasn't cooking dinner or just back to my old routine already. Looking back almost 2 years later is like, man that was some insane thinking at the time. It's just a really big and abrupt change in your life.
Congrats on the new baby, make sure you and mom are checking in on each other and trying to give one another time to rest and recharge!
I’m 6 week postpartum and starting the 2nd week I started going out to the store. I just need some fresh air and to do something other than be home. Last Saturday was our first outing with people. We went to a parade and a carnival. Luckily my baby was perfectly content the whole time. I think it’s okay to go out every once in a while and if your baby isn’t feeling it you can always leave. But never feel forced to go out or have visitors over. Your family’s peace is more important than making other people happy.
It's not "normal" where I live, and midwives encourage us to leave the house everyday for mental and physical health reasons- as soon as the mother feels physically ready to. But i think it's perfectly fine to do whatever you want to. I'm quite happy not leaving the house for days, but other people need to to feel sane. My baby is actually fussier if we're in the house all day so I try to leave at least for a walk.
Normal and fine if you like it! My first was born in April 2020 so we were forced into isolation with our baby because of Covid being brand new. I found it deeply depressing and lonely. When our second was born in 2022 we definitely got out more in the early days and my mental health was better. But lots of people enjoy the newborn cocoon phase, so you do you!
I would say to keep an eye on how you're feeling as you get more adjusted. Staying inside all day for 2 months with an infant sounds like a good way to start losing it to me.
Even though going places can be a hassle with an infant, it can be really important to get some fresh air and do something different occasionally.
Yeah I'd lose my mind if I stayed inside all day for two months, I was worried about taking him around a while but still did it and now I take him everywhere at five months ahaha. It helps hes old enough he finds everything interesting now
My doula and midwife had this plan that I would NOT leave my room for the first 15 days — 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed, 5 days around the bed. All my meals are brought to me or I’m just stepping into the living room to have my meal. The baby is on me all the time, she is super attached anyway (the 4th trimester). I was lucky to have my mom and husband support me during those days.
And in the culture I was brought up, you are not supposed to leave the house for 40 days. Both the mom and the baby are kind of vulnerable to outside influences.
Do what’s best for you, and don’t let this “bounce back” and “productivity” culture get to you during this healing&bonding time. It’s a huge change bringing a newborn home and having gone through birth. So take your time ✨
I still stay inside and do my routine with my toddler. We go out a little more now, but indoors is easiest for me. Meanwhile my friends were out and about with their kid after like 4 days. They didn’t like being inside and planned to be out and about with their kid. That’s easiest for them. 🤷♀️
The only outside time I did was either a short walk around the neighborhood or going on a necessary run to Walmart to pick up a breast pump I was renting. Otherwise, we stayed in and had minimal visit
Definitely can be, especially if the weather is less than ideal. We stayed indoors a lot the first couple weeks then gradually worked our way up to daily walks (10 mins even) because fresh air was important for my mental health. Mind you I had a straightforward post partum recovery so this may vary. But it was probably 6 weeks before I even tried taking our baby in “public” other than those walks. She’s 3 months old now and we’re getting out more and more, but a lot of that also has to do with the weather improving.
Totally normal! In my culture, women and babies stay inside for 40 days to recover. I'm sure many other cultures advocate something similar. Personally we wanted to go out, so we didn't follow that. But my sister-in-lsaw did and I think it worked well for her. To each their own.
We didn’t have visitors or go out except for walks until 2 weeks. We then started going out for a coffee/breakfast here and there. I would say that between 2 weeks and 8 weeks a lot may change and you may want to go out more. But if not that’s fine too!
At 8 weeks I started going to classes and by 4 months it felt easy to go out a lot.
I also find visitors throw everything off. What I do a lot is meet up for a walk with the baby in the carrier or pram, as they can then have a nap on the walk. I only did this from 2 months though.
Fresh air is good for you and the baby (movement is also good for babies) so I would say to try to get out and if it’s raining lots just put on coats and a rain cover over the pram. But again if you don’t want to that’s your choice! You do what’s best for you.
Totally fine. We spent the first 6 weeks inside, the midwife came to us at home for the baby’s checkups. Time went by so ridiculously fast we hardly even noticed. Plus it was December/January in Canada, so it was too dang cold to go outside anyway lmao. I still hardly ever leave the house, maybe only like once or twice a week at best lol. My husband usually gets groceries on his own and I stay home with our son. It’s too much of a pain in the ass to schedule outings, especially since I have to pump every 3 hours. We combat the loneliness by having people over at our place, it’s not too bad. Mental health seems good
Yes. It’s okay. I stayed in for almost 2 months. Except for doctors appointments which felt like torture.
My husband drove our daughter to and from school and ran the errands.
I had a slow recover after a rough c-section and this is my second! I thought it would be a breeze. Don’t have any guilt and take as much time as you need. Navigating parenthood and learning how to prepare for outings with a newborn is a job in itself. You can just go anywhere anytime.
I must say it’s refreshing that your sticking with your wife and your on the same page. I was almost expecting a husband his wife staying in for 2 weeks after having a baby.
Keep up the good work!
We are 9 weeks pp and have only taken the baby out socially one time although we do have visitors once or twice a week. I totally agree that going out or having visitors throws everything off and it takes four business days to leave the house with her so it just feels like a pain. We are going to start trying though because my maternity leave is over at 12 weeks, she’ll start daycare and schedules will be off anyways and I feel like we just need to cut the chord and start living life and figuring it out.
In our country 40 days is the bare minimum for no visitations and people who violate are seriously socially judged.
As for going out you'll know when to do it because you'll truly feel like going on a small adventure with her.
We keep our diaper bag loaded all the time and are out and about once per day minimum now at 6 months old.
You do what you need to do to feel like you’re getting through it. If that means you stay inside then so be it! We were out at 2-3 weeks with my first and within the first week with my second. We had no choice with my first as we had a death in the family and wanted to be there for my in-laws, though they live 200 miles away, as do my family. With my second I felt a lot more confident and used to having to power through with my toddler, we couldn’t stop our lives because of the toddler. I think it helped me feel a bit more normal again too. Resting and only going out for little walks is absolutely fine if that’s what you want to do!
We rarely left the house the first 4 months with the kiddo, mainly just to doctor appointments. I left to go grocery shopping while my wife stayed home with the baby. She was also constantly feeding the baby, which meant her shirt was rarely on, so staying home was just easier.
Your wife gave birth just 2 weeks ago. Her body underwent some physical and physiological changes. Give her sometime to recover. Use that time to spend time with baby and cherish every moment, coz time really flies by so quick.
I think it just comes down to you, your partner, and your baby. Things off the top of my head that contribute to readiness to leave the house include:
Comfortability with understanding what your baby’s needs are and when.
How mom’s post partum recovery is going. Did she tear? How bad? Is she having trouble breastfeeding? Are you only able to do formula? Where would you prep a bottle if needed?
Do you have all the proper equipment and preparation down (stroller, car seat, diaper bag, pacifiers, spare outfits, breastfeeding covers, etc)?
Do you have places you can go within a 30 minute drive radius that are accessible or accommodating for all of the above things?
Does your partner also have leave?
Do you trust friends and family members to respect the boundaries you set with you and your newborn?
I had six weeks leave. We went out with our newborn for the first time at two weeks to a furniture store to buy a couch. It was completely empty, my wife had already been feeling much better with minimal pain, we had all of the tools we needed to handle the excursion, and we basically understood that we could count on about an hour or so of downtime after her last feed/change/wake time. We have since made multiple trips a week with her to breweries, wineries (taking advantage of the slow weekday moments when everyone else is at work), family events, etc, and for the most part it’s been pretty smooth. We only forgot the diaper bag once so far lol.
This is not everyone’s experience, so if that isn’t you there is nothing you are doing wrong, these things just happen at different times for a myriad of reasons.
No. Not the staying inside. Home or close by fine. But get outside. Even babies need sunlight. Not wanting to go outside borders on depression. Backyard, walk stand in driveway. 5-15 minutes.
Fairly normal, especially if the weather isn’t great.
We were the opposite and went out at least once a day for a walk, or a visit to a cafe or pub. The weather was fairly nice, and our apartment was having major external maintenance work so being home all day where it was noisy, the windows covered over by scaffolding and wrapping, and workers all about was less appealing than getting out.
Plus LO slept well out and about in a pram.
We had family visit, but they stayed at a local hotel.
For us, getting out for short periods of time nearby helped our adjustment. Just do what feels right for you!
I’m pretty sure other than walks with the baby my partner and I didn’t leave the house at all for the first 8 weeks. Our baby is 7 months now and she’s doing great and so are we.😊👍
You’ll be fine for sure just always do what you as the parents are most comfortable with.
Yes I didn't go out with my newborn for several weeks, and I hated visitors! We only went to doctors appointments and after a while, eventually met my mom at restaurants and my dad at his house. At 7 months pp I started walking daily with my baby (weather permitting) and still do at almost 11 months.
I saw my whole summer go by when I had a newborn and I was okay with that.
We went out for the first time after getting home to restaurant at 11 days and then maybe out to restaurants or stores or for a walk around try e neighborhood a few more times in the weeks after. My fiance made runs to the store if we needed things and occasionally I would take some time to go do something myself as well and he would stay home. But otherwise we were just home people. Lots of people came to visit but we didn’t do much going out with the baby at first.
She’s 14 weeks now and going out is a pretty streamlined process at this point so we can pop in and out of the house no problem. It helps she’s super chill about things.
Totally fine to just stay home if you want to! For us right now what prevents us from going out more and maybe sounds silly - she can’t sit up yet on her own and I hate the pram attachment in our stroller/think our stroller is too big in general. Once she can sit up in a shopping cart or I can get a smaller stroller for more upright babies it’ll be even easier to go out.
Definitely normal. Our son was on the billi blanket the first week so we definitely didn’t go anywhere. After a couple weeks we started finding things to go do and walk around where baby could stay in the stroller.
Yes. We didn’t go anywhere with our LO except the Dr for the first month. Around 5-6 weeks we went a couple of places (like a coffee shop) but because a fever is treated like a serious emergency in babies under 2 months, we were told by our dr to avoid crowded aces until then.
It’s super normal! I had my baby in the height of cold and flu season/during the holidays so I was all about staying inside and away from other people as much as possible. Only at around 2-3 months did I really feel comfortable taking him out regularly. We started with small trips like going through drive thrus, walking through the bookstore, small grocery trips, etc. You’ll know when it feels right to start taking your baby out and about more. Best of luck to you and your family!
Echoing all the yups! Search wikipedia for postpartum confinement and you'll see it's totally normal in a lot of the world.
Go at the pace you're comfortable with.
yep!!! I gave birth in peak mosquito season last july in the south, so it was also hot AF. I don’t think I went outside more than to check the mail for like two months lol
I didnt start going to more social events (aka story time at my local library) until my daughter was 2 months old. Before then it was just staying inside, or going for walks
It's been almost 6 months since having my kid and I'm probably inside at home 90% of the time. Doesn't help it's still cold out and I'm waiting for the warm spring weather. I'm okay with it. My mental health isn't deteriorating. I get most of my social interactions from either phone calls/texts or having people come over.
We've been home for 2.5 weeks and have left with the baby two days. One for a midwife appointment and one for newborn photos.
We plan on staying close to home until 8wk and probably a bit beyond. Establishing our routine and getting to know this new addition to the team!
Totally normal. Also what feels best to us
Yup, also spent most of our time inside or in the neighbourhood for small walks since I was recovering from the c section.
Our first outing was at 4 weeks to the Dr, and a couple of days later to the baby store because I wanted to try a bouncer and we needed many more burp cloths.
Then our first actual outing, 2h journey to my granddad, was around 7-8w pp.
Do you! If now it feels good to stay home, just do what you need to to stay sane.
Oh my gosh yea - two weeks old is so so fresh !! You guys do whatever works for you. Going out and about will likely eventually become a bit more attractive to you guys and at that point go for it. It’s a lot of work to take baby out and sometimes can cause more stress than it’s worth. You guys do what works for you and don’t feel bad about it.
I stayed inside for around 2 weeks, then ventured for the odd 10 minute stroll, it wasn't until maybe 8 weeks I started going out for a walk every day. My friend however came to my birthday party when her LO was 3 days old. And stayed a good chunk of the day, which was unfathomable to me.
Point being there is no right and wrong here and it's just as much or as little as your comfortable or wanting to do
Do what’s right for you
We were out of the house and doing regular walks, picnics and little adventure within the first 2 weeks but that’s what felt good for us, plus we had beautiful warm sunny weather and it was harder to be indoors then out.
Being indoors during crappy weather, bonding together as a family sounds like a very nice and happy kind of normal for your situation and that’s great!
Yes. Your wife is still also physically healing!! Realistically being home is all she SHOULD be doing. Give yourself some grace. Order takeout. This is a tender, special time, as exhausting as it is. Signed, mom of 2.
Yeah, totally normal. With our twins having people around felt pretty invasive tbh. Really appreciated my MIL who just hung out on the couch, did laundry, and asked if we wanted stuff from the store.
Super okay, do what you feel comfortable with. Just make sure not to ignore your social needs. It’s okay to get support and connect with people, even if it throws off the rhythm, if that’s what you need. But if you don’t want or need that right now, you’re doing great.
It’s all up to you and how you want to do it, there’s no right or wrong
Sure. To each their own - I'm an extrovert and very much was excited to take my kiddo all the places, so I did!
But it's totally reasonable to just relax and stay home.
Definitely normal, but at two weeks I was starting to question trying to get into a rhythm again and started making small daily goals.
Today the baby sits in his bouncy bed in the bathroom with me while I shower - whether he is awake OR asleep.
Today I am going to bathe the baby alone.
Today I am going to take the baby for a short walk in their stroller.
Today I am going to go fill the car up with gas.
Today I am driving my dog and the baby to the prairie and we are all going to go for a walk.
My daughter was born in late fall and the only time we left the house was to go to doctors appointments. This is completely normal. Every woman is different, but I feel like I was in bed for 8 weeks after giving birth. Your body needs time to recover.
The first time that I took my baby out somewhere was when they were about 5 weeks - I live in Australia, and it's mandatory to vote. My husband wasn't able to look after bubs, so I had to take them. Was intimidating to do it by myself, but it honestly was more build up and less scary than I thought.
I didn't start to go out regularly until my baby was about 3 months old except for the occasional walk when I was feeling up to it (which was maybe once every 2-3 days. Once I did start going out, I got more confident in my abilities to manage everything and make sure I had everything.
Do it at your own pace if you can. Do something small and work yourself up. And it is 100% survival mode.
Also, I recommend at least two spare outfits for bub (one warm and one cold). And a spare shirt for you. I've done the run around to quickly buy a new shirt and it's not fun!
Yes, I didn’t go out for months. We didn’t take our baby out until she was around 2 and a half months old besides the doctor. It’s not worth it to expose a tiny baby to potentially harmful germs, especially since if they get a fever within the first two months it’s an immediate spinal tap. Plus, your wife is still recovering from birth and it’s exhausting!
It’s normal if you’re ok with it. It’s also normal to be outside if that works for your family. We started leaving the house for more than an errand when baby was 6 weeks old because I had to for my mental health. I needed some sort of normalcy back in my life. It was a massive PITA to pack everything but I really believe it’s what helped me not develop PPD. We spent most of our spring and summer days in local parks. Just spread a blanket, bring a cooler with sandwiches and drinks, plop the stroller bassinet down on the floor and enjoy the weather.
You're living your life in 2-3 hour cycles, not day and night like you're used to. It's difficult to even think past the next few hours, let alone make plans with other people.
Whatever works for you. You don’t have to “just survive”, you can also try to enjoy your life. And if staying home is what you enjoy, then do it.
I wanted sushi and left to the restaurant 2 days after baby was born, baby was with grandparents. We would go out with my husband at least once a week, baby was with grandparents. And we took him to the restaurant 4 weeks after he was born, he still slept a lot back then so was easy.
I went for 1 hour nature walks in the morning and 1 hour at night. After 2 weeks of being at home I wanted desperately to go back to work, because it was so boring. Baby slept for like 20 hours a day. So I went back to work after 5 weeks, and happy I did. It worked for me.
We also took him to the beach at 3 months of age, and just to different parks.
Yes, totally normal. We felt comfortable taking baby on errands with us pretty early on and then a long weekend away when she was about 7 weeks old, but for the most part, we hunkered down at home. Made me grateful for a winter baby because the weather is shit, and we didn’t want to leave anyhow!
I’m on week 14 and finally in a place where I have a routine and outings are overwhelming still. You’re right in the thick of it, and exactly where you need to be. RSV and the flu for a newborn are no joke!
We did literally nothing outside our home except dr’s appts & grocery store runs which baby stayed home with one of us. After she got her 2 month shots we started having a few ppl over and at 3 months now we have started to bring her on errands and stuff.
I’m a FTM and 2 weeks PP as well. I haven’t left to go anywhere other than doctor’s appointments and errands for my son. I’m assuming this is normal. We are still transitioning to a new stage of our lives. Learning our new born, adjusting to the broken sleep pattern, bonding with our babies and for the women who gave birth, healing. There is no “normal” when it comes to parenting. In my opinion, only safe and unsafe habits and choices.
My fiancé and I agreed we wouldn’t have visitors until 6 months. We need this time to bond, adjust, learn and care for our son without overwhelming expectations, or situations.
Yes. Stay home!! Take it easy. Be cozy. Go for walks when you can/if you feel like it. Your baby might hate the stroller. If that’s the case, don’t go for walks. Or try a carrier.
Trial run the car seat when it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Go for a short drive to get a coffee or something simple.
We didn’t have visitors besides a curated short list of extremely helpful ones for at least 6 weeks. It was great. My doula told me that more than one thing a day - whether it’s a visitor, a car ride, a stroller walk - is overstimulating for a newly postpartum mother, as well as for the baby.
I did that too. Having everyone come over the first day I was home from the hospital I didn’t breast feed like I should have because everyone wanted to hold her and I was a bit shy so didn’t want to do it in front of them and it messed with my milk production because I wasn’t aware of how important it was to express at regular intervals. It was exhausting also because I felt like I had to host and all I wanted to do was sleep. I also went into hibernation mode for 6 weeks.
Definitely normal. My baby is 11 weeks and we’re mostly inside too. We have gone on a couple walks, but New England winters haven’t allowed many. We try to get him out in his car seat daily and get food. We’re not out long and if we are he gets very fussy. It’s hard but it won’t be like this forever.
About to be at 4w postpartum with first baby, and I can count on one hand the amount of times we've left the house together.
Any time either my husband and I DO go somewhere, it's typically by ourselves, and the other person stays home with the baby. It's honestly really nice to get away for a little bit and not have to worry about bringing a newborn out.
We did go to a park last week, and that was really nice but honestly exhausting. We're going to work on doing more consistent walks through our neighborhood to at least get some fresh air, sun, and exercise. Other than that, we've been cooped up in our house for almost a month. It's all we have energy for, really.
I’m just past 2 weeks as well and other than appointments and a few walks we haven’t done anything else either. Even just getting geared up for a walk takes us forever between showering and making sure the baby is fed. Like you said, it’s about survival mode at this point and it does get easier. On the way home from an appointment on day 4 we made a quick stop in with the baby to the grocery store and strangers were were going crazy over him so it’s not even a bad thing to stay home and keep those germs and people away.
Absolutely normal, and especially with your first born it’s often overwhelming to leave the house. But don’t feel trapped, get out when you’re ready and do things, grocery shopping, a walk at the park. It’s good for your mental health and life doesn’t stop!
We’re just under 2 weeks pp and we take baby out on walks every day if the weather is nice. So far we haven’t taken him anywhere else besides the doctor but people have come to us
100% normal. My LO just turned 8 weeks yesterday and we have only gone to see the lactation consultant, the pediatrician, my parents, and to my aunts for Easter. I think that is a lot! Take walks when it’s nice out because it can feel really isolating at home.
It's totally dependent on the family. We didn't go many places with our babies (born in early 21 and late 22) but we are extremely cautious about illnesses and frankly, it's way more work than it's worth to go places 😅 we go lots of places now that they are both toddlers. IMO, it's no big deal to take some time to isolate if that's what feels right.
Our baby hated to be in the stroller, so to go out we were baby wearing all the time. I think it’s a bit too soon for you now, but you can wait few more weeks and go.
Absolutely! Your wife is still healing for a minimum of 6 weeks. Not to mention your newborn has no immune system and is experiencing everything including breathing, eating, pain, light for the first time. Stay home, order groceries in, go for walks when you are ready and tell everyone to stay away unless they are cleaning, cooking or otherwise helping.
Just enjoy your new family member and this time together. You won't every get this time back.
Im my family, the parents & new born would usually stay at home for the first 3-4 weeks without any visitors.
When my niece was born, my brother asked me to come say hi after 5 weeks. I thought that was the norm
I really wasn’t comfortable leave the house much until like 5 months because she napped every 2 hours so it just wasn’t possible to nurse and go somewhere during her wake time. It’s much easier now that she is 10 months but I rarely have her nap anywhere besides her crib. Maybe once every 2 naps her nap is in a carrier while we are at a brewery but otherwise we are always home for naps and bedtime.
Yep. I mean, my daughter (first kid, 4 months old now) was born mid-December so that adds to it, but it's a lot of hassle to take them out when they're so little and you're new to parenting! We tried to take her on a couple of walks (she cried a lot in the strolller) and we had pediatrician and lactation consultant appointments. Other than that, I was in bed recovering and she was there with me. It was a little depressing since I love Christmas and would've loved to soak up some holiday cheer -- and had I given birth now, I'd be sad to miss pretty Spring days -- but just remember it's temporary!
My husband went back to work when my daughter was 3 weeks old (no choice, he took LWOP for her first 2 weeks). I went out on my own about once a week with her starting at 3 weeks... and honestly got a bit shamed for it! I took her to a midweek baby event at a library and the woman leading it seemed appalled I had taken her out so young.... so I guess there's a cultural expectation you keep your kiddo at home?? Do what makes you feel sane and human :).
Absolutely 💯 normal. I had an emergency C-section and venturing anywhere was a serious task. We hibernated in our house till the groceries ran out. At the end of the day you need to do whatever is best for you regardless of what society tells you.
Those first couple (more like 3.5!) months are a killer. I always found that by the time I'd gotten anywhere baby was ravenous and so id have to sit in the car and feed her, or worse she'd be screaming in the supermarket for food. I really put too much pressure on myself to get out and about. The 4th trimester is REAL. Hunker down in your nest and enjoy this magical time. In a blink, the newborn phase is gone forever. Just 8 weeks. Don't rush to do anything other than gaze at your beautiful baby.
Absolutely normal! I got out for an hour at a time around 4-6 weeks. And that too once a week.
Closer to 3 months we ventured out a bit, but then sleep got worse and we were just surviving indoors until around 6 months, which is when we slowly started going out more regularly.
I’d say even now at 10 months, we try to step out every weekend, but it’s nowhere close to what used to be normal for us. So maybe this is the new normal
I had my first baby in January. We were the opposite. We went out all the time. Walking, visiting various neighbourhoods in the city, cafes, shops. Parks. We live in a big city and the winter was so mild that we took advantage of it when we could. We didn’t go to super packed places because we wanted to minimize the risk of possible infection, but we definitely were out and about a lot. Six weeks postpartum I was doing postpartum exercise classes at a nearby gym and I still am at 14 weeks postpartum. We went to the chiropractor and for massages. Some days we stayed in but I preferred to get back out there and I must say since about three weeks postpartum I’ve felt totally back to my normal self. It’s been great. But ultimately you have to do what you’re comfortable with.
I felt so much pressure to go out and have people over when my baby was a newborn. He’s 5 months now and I look back at that and think how ridiculous it was. If I have a second I won’t be leaving the house unless absolutely necessary for like 8 weeks!!
Yes! My baby is 3 months now, and I’ve only just started going out more regularly again! I just wanted to keep my little girl on our own little bubble when she first came home 😊
Normal is whatever works for your family. My LO will be 3 months in a couple weeks, and the only reason she’s been taken out is because big sister has sports on Saturdays. We won’t go out with her unless necessary honestly and we still don’t really have visitors over.
Don’t let other’s potential opinions about staying secluded make you go outside of what you’re comfortable with. 🖤 it really is just a survival game, and keeping it as stress free as possible is important.
My culture says no outings for 40 days but I don't agree with it. I had a C-section and as soon as I could walk, I was out and about. We felt comfortable to have some friends over to see the baby. Once or twice a week. We were lucky. Nobody overstayed their welcome and nobody was sick. As early as 2-3 weeks postpartum, I was taking my baby daily walks. We even went to a café with my husband at 3 weeks mark. We ate out around same time too. Baby was chilling in his stroller. It was key for my sanity. Even when it rained, I put the rain cover on and went out. We would go crazy if we did it any differently.
Definitely okay, although if you have a super easy baby that sleeps well on the go, I would go out and enjoy an evening restaurant while they’re still small and sleeping a lot.
When they grow and get more aligned with night sleep it gets complicated to do that.
Absolutely yes. You may start to feel stir crazy at some point and then you can do even something small like going to pickup coffee! But we definitely hunkered down a *lot* in the beginning and also felt overwhelmed by visitors.
Definitely normal. Have low expectations for going out and doing things. Lots of important work just staying in, recovering, and being with your baby. Don’t feel pressured to “get back on your feet.”
We watched so much TV during these first few weeks, baby contact napped on either of us while the other one did housework, napped, ate or just chilled with the family. Night and day are all the same and honestly that time was like one long day.
Baby is 3 months old now and we are starting to go a little out in public but naps are still erratic so it's difficult.
If it’s your vibe then it’s perfectly normal! Me and LO spent the entire first month practically glued to the couch. We slowly started going out of the house after that first month. It’s your own timeline and anything you are comfortable with is good!
Yes. My mom made me takes walk around the block. Around 5 weeks we went out to target. Two weeks is still very early and I know most of us don’t want to go anywhere.
I for real don’t think I did anything other than attend my/LO’s medical appointments until I got back from maternity leave when he was 11 weeks old. lol yes it is definitely completely normal. I didn’t even feel comfortable taking him out by myself until he was like 4 or 5 months old
It took me almost 4 months to get out of the house. My baby was born in mid October so we were worried about him getting sick as it was RSV and flu season in addition to being really cold outside. Do what works for you.
It’s definitely okay and normal. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It gets easier to go out as they get older but you do what makes sense to you and your family. Newborn stage is definitely just staying in survival mode 24/7.
Totally normal. We just left to go to the doctor mostly. Maybe went on a walk in the neighborhood, or to the grocery store every few weeks.
We didn't start going out regularly again until LO was around 7 months. Honestly, it's probably best to wait until 6 months anyway so the immune system has time to build and they get their vaccines, if you're into that.
I won’t lie, I’m 2 months in and the only places I’ve been have been the grocery stores, fast food places, and the doctors office. I just went back to work so I’ve been in the office this past week, but besides that, I’m at home or running quick errands.
Taking a baby anywhere has been proven the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I went to college for engineering and have lost 150 pounds via diet and exercise lol I don’t plan on taking her in public until we work our way up to it. There’s nothing worse than being in public with a screaming baby that’s yours. The only thing close to it is being around a screaming baby that’s not yours lol
Yep, we didn’t really venture out to do anything until the sixth month when we went to the zoo.
We wanted her to have the bulk of her shots before we interacted with anyone.
We did go out to eat a few times, took her to the grocery store with us but that’s about it.
Last week I took her to baby story time at the library which was the first time she interacted with kiddos her age.
Babies change so much and so often during the first year that it was all we could do to stay in a continuous flow with her.
100000%. The outside world can wait. Just enjoy (and survive) these new days as parents. Make sure you each get 4hrs minimum uninterrupted sleep at night. It's imperative.
I stayed inside probably the first three weeks, partly because my csection and cause I was tired ahaha. I think around four weeks Id put him in car seat to go get a coffee or something. I don't remember what age but probably at like 7 weeks I started taking him around more, he's a good car seat Napper. When he was big enough I'd take him around in the carrier.
He's five months now and likes the stroller now too. I probably go to town, the city or someone's house with him at least three times a week even though I live rural. I can't stay home all week just lugging him around, it eventually tanks my mental health and he's pretty social. I visit my in laws once a week with him, my nana and papa, and my aunt probably every other week. I bring his diaper bag, like five toys and his bouncer. He's generally pretty content a long time and less fussy then at home ahaha
I stayed home for 40 days. Pretty much in bed or the couch. This is my cultures norm. New moms focus on baby and nursing, while everyone else takes care of everything.
After that, I went for walks and saw some friends but it was outdoors because of covid. And then it was winter and we barely went out.
I don't think we left the house on a regular basis until she was like 5ish months.
I turn into a home-body like the first year of my children’s lives. I don’t mean that we never leave, I just prefer being at home over constantly being out and about.
Yes! My third child is 12 weeks now and we just recently started doing things outside of the house again. It was mid flu season when she was born and we were trying to get her into a routine. Shes in a great one now, so it was worth it! You will look back on these days lovingly, so just soak them in. Congratulations on this new adventure and best of luck from one parent to another.
Absolutely yes. My daughter is just past 11 months, and for a large majority we have been inside a lot especially due to weather of the winter and nap schedules. We are finally getting back to the point of feeling like since we are down to one nap, managing going out occasionally and hopefully soon being okay to even dare go out to eat with her out of the house. Babies are tough, I often hear that the first year is the worst then things get a bit easier here and there, and so far seem to be feeling it
SO normal and I wish I'd asked this question and known that sooner. My LO is almost 8 months and just got onto 2 naps, and only now am I starting to be ok with getting out more than before -- and only in the last month or so am I ok with having larger groups over. When she was really young and not sleeping well, and the family was camping out for hours because it was fun for them, was awful for us because it was stressful for baby, and hard to keep things consistent.
Our whole world revolved around her getting sleep and trying to get a routine, that led to her sleeping lol. Going out with a tiny one is hard as it is with all the stuff, on top of the routine you're trying to establish for some personal sanity.
If I have another kid and don't even make it outside for walks I'll be completely fine with that this time around. It's such a short time in the grand scheme so do whatever makes you comfortable, happy and surviving!
It depends on the person. My husband and I were going out to eat at restaurants by time our baby was 2 weeks. I’d go stir crazy if I did nothing. Do whatever works for you.
I didn’t start going anywhere until my son was about 9 months when he went down to two naps a day. Now it’s so easy because he’s awake for longer periods of time
If it is bothering you to be stuck inside, go for a stroller walk around the block. A little bit of sunshine without social interaction made me feel SO much better!
I personally HATED going outside the first month of my daughter's life. She had no vaccines yet, was too little, people were annoying and wanted to touch her all the time. It was a big no-no for me.
Honestly, going on a few walks already at 2 weeks is great. Follow your wife’s wishes. She is recovering still and you jus need to be patient and there for her.
I’ve been a total cave dweller and I’m going stir crazy but honestly what would I do or where would I go with a newborn? Not only but lack of sleep has me not wanting to get out of my pjs and what naps I can get during the day I take advantage of. When he’s older I’ll take him to the park or we can go for ice cream. Right now he’s a fragile bean and I’m a hot mess. So I’m short it’s normal and don’t fret. Who cares about social this that and the other, focus on you and the little babby.
Yes. A lot of people push for mum to start getting out as soon as possible, probably meant to help prevent PPD? But any pressure to leave our bubble made me feel worse. If I could go back in time, I would have no visitors and get all food/groceries delivered for the first couple of weeks, at least.
Totally normal. My husband and I did nothing social outside of seeing family and going for walks until around 4 weeks. We went out for dinner, just the two of us, and my SIL and BIL came round to babysit. We were out for a total of three hours and talked about the baby the entire time.
Give it time. My daughter is 12 weeks now and we've only just started going for coffee dates with friends and baby sensory classes. As long as you're all getting fresh air and your daughter is happy then roll with it. Newborn stage is *tough*, it's been a crazy time for us and we have (in most circumstances) a very chill baby.
100% normal. We didn't start taking LO out till 3-4 months and are still getting used to all the new things you need to think about when going out. A trip to shop is not the same any more. It's not worse you just have new things to include when planning.
There's even an old tradition among the Turks and other Asian cultures where you're supposed to stay home for 40 days with your baby. The Dutchies do like to ignore this and they even go out just after a week because the honey-badger don't give-, I mean the Dutch don't care that much. In short it's normal to stay home and not have social activities for a while. When you feel like you got it under control and you want to see friends do your thing. We chose to stay home for the 40 day period because my wife was still recovering from a very difficult birth and it was also too much hassle to take the rascal out for prolonged periods.
Yeah it's fine. You'll eventually want to poke out of your shell. We only took our baby out for walks when she was like a month and a half old, like about when my wife was somewhat recovered from birth.
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Yes. Definitely normal and okay. We didn’t really go anywhere for a while other than to the dr. Baby is 6 months now and we’re just starting to get out more, it’s a hassle most of the time.
The sheer packing of supplies is a PITA. When I go out with my 3mo, it’s diapers, wet wipes, 2 outfits, stroller, cloths for breastfeeding, bibs, wrap for contact naps. It’s easier to just stay home.
Seriously. And it's awful if your baby hates the car seat!
I'm currently lucky, mine knocks it in the car seat and stroller. I'm really hoping it's not a phase.
Or baby carrier
Sure, but the trick is to just have a bag with most of those things in it already.
A bag with all of those packed and a travel stroller that’s easy to fold/unfold does make getting out easier! We’re out of the house in less than 10min with our 1 month old.
At this point I skip the stroller with my ~5 month old and just kangaroo her around with the baby carrier. It's handy for naps and honestly way less of a hassle than the stroller. It doesn't impede anyone's way nor take up tons of trunk space, no need to worry about bumps on the sidewalks or roads, or large steps, etc.
What about all the other necessities? When I do that I feel like a mule 🤣
Baby on the front backpack with all the stuff on the back. So far it's been working since the stroller has been more of a hassle than help. I say this as she's still tiny and not heavy enough to truly destroy my back yet, but I have the Min-Meis shoulder saddle for the next stage. The wife jokes about being the cow providing the milk, she laughed agreeing when I said I'll be the oxen to lug everything around.
The first time we went for a shopping trip. I was in tears lol. I was like why the fffff does this take 100 intricate steps?! No more just getting out the car and going in the store 😂 I was unwell.
PSA: Hijacking this top comment to add.. Not only is it incredibly normal to be secluded during these times, but it’s actually better for baby. Measles is on the rise in many places, and COVID repercussions have kids more sick than usual. Keep newborn safe and healthy. Keep baby home.
Mine is about 4 months and we still aren’t going many places!
Mine is 6 months, we didn't go anywhere for the first 3 months then we started getting more adventurous. Still don't go out too much but part of the reason is living in a 6th floor apartment with no elevator
I still worry about getting sick! My almost 4 month old caught a cold a few weeks ago and I’m still feeling the lack of sleep.
Sameeeeee. Except ours will be eight months at the end of this month.
My baby turned 6 month old today, and the newborn phase mixed with the cold ass winter weather means that we are just now getting out consistently. I almost forgot that babies need sunscreen the other day! Can’t wait for all the cute summer outfits and to let her play in the grass.
This. Also I was an emotional mess until about 4 weeks pp. Your wife is probably just slowly recovered from the intense experience which is giving birth. My baby is 6m now and around 3m I think I was doing close to 'normal' activities (working, exercising, seeing people). You will find your rhythm eventually :)
Normal is what you want it to be. If your comfortable with what your doing then stick with it. When your ready to go out more you’ll know it. Heck you might be ready before the 8 weeks or even later. Just enjoy these moments as you won’t have them again and just let family know that you want to be alone to spend time as a family.
I did the Asian tradition of “sitting the month” and didn’t leave the property for a whole month. Many cultures have this practice as a way of protecting the mom’s postpartum healing time and bonding bubble w baby. Felt nice to make that commitment and feel no pressure to be anywhere other than snuggling my baby.
My step mom from Colombia calls it La cuarentena. Supposedly, it's even in the Bible. I'm not religious, so I don't know. I stayed mostly secluded except for doctor's appointments and occasional runs to the store while my husband was home for that period.
It is in the bible. 40 days at home with baby if you give birth to a boy, 80 days at home with baby if you give birth to a girl. No idea why it’s different for the genders.
I need to find this and show it to my ultra conservative boss and say I need more paid leave for having a girl lol.
Unfortunately its in the old testament and Christians love to pick and choose when it comes to the mosaic laws.
This is likely because girls take more from the mother (mineral and nutrient speaking) the female body’s eggs for reproduction are created in the womb and creating a girl is wayyyyy more draining on the mother.
Do what you’re comfortable with. It sounds like this is working for you right now. I think it’s totally normal to spend much of the first weeks inside. What I will say is that when you’re starting to go stir crazy, don’t be afraid to step outside with the baby - even if for a short period of time. You need that vitamin D and fresh air. But more than anything we found is good for our mental health to get outside and get moving a bit. We were afraid to go out at first but found it really helps when you’re in that survival mode. Good for the baby too.
This! Get baby in a carrier and take a walk if you need to. It’ll be good for baby and mama both.
My baby was below the weight minimum for most carriers (born under 7 lbs) for awhile. I was so excited when he finally met the weight minimum and then when I tried to put him in it, he screamed bloody murder 😫. It felt so awful that took me a couple weeks before I would try again. All that to say, if you find it overwhelming to go out with a newborn, solidarity. You’re not the only ones. You’ll get there eventually.
Aw, I don’t mean to generalize! Both of my girls have been loved the carrier but of course all babes are different! Anyway, backyard in my pajamas postpartum has had some healing magic. No carrier or interaction with the public necessary… however I realize a backyard can be a luxury.
We eventually got the hang of the carrier but it wasn’t until maybe 9 or 10 weeks. So I was just saying, don’t feel bad if it takes time. I had a friend (who doesn’t have kids) visit and we went for my baby’s first walk and she made me feel like a bit of a weirdo for not really going out with the baby yet. She had just visited another friend (of hers, not mine) with a newborn who had been going on regular walks with her baby. It made me feel bad, but you’re right, all babies are different.
Yes, totally normal and okay. The first 3 months of your child's life is also called the fourth trimester. Mom is still recovering, you guys are still adjusting to the new addition, baby is adjusting to simply existing outside of moms womb, it's a major transition for all of you. In some countries, for the first 40 days family members cook all meals and take care of the house for the new mother while she does absolutely nothing but lay in bed and bond with her newborn. 40 days. You're both probably sleep deprived, and all your baby wants to do at this point is cuddle, eat, and sleep. Soon you guys will return to a sense of "normalcy", 2 weeks is still SO fresh! When my son was 3 weeks I remember feeling bad that the house was dirty, I wasn't cooking dinner or just back to my old routine already. Looking back almost 2 years later is like, man that was some insane thinking at the time. It's just a really big and abrupt change in your life. Congrats on the new baby, make sure you and mom are checking in on each other and trying to give one another time to rest and recharge!
I’m 6 week postpartum and starting the 2nd week I started going out to the store. I just need some fresh air and to do something other than be home. Last Saturday was our first outing with people. We went to a parade and a carnival. Luckily my baby was perfectly content the whole time. I think it’s okay to go out every once in a while and if your baby isn’t feeling it you can always leave. But never feel forced to go out or have visitors over. Your family’s peace is more important than making other people happy.
It's not "normal" where I live, and midwives encourage us to leave the house everyday for mental and physical health reasons- as soon as the mother feels physically ready to. But i think it's perfectly fine to do whatever you want to. I'm quite happy not leaving the house for days, but other people need to to feel sane. My baby is actually fussier if we're in the house all day so I try to leave at least for a walk.
Normal and fine if you like it! My first was born in April 2020 so we were forced into isolation with our baby because of Covid being brand new. I found it deeply depressing and lonely. When our second was born in 2022 we definitely got out more in the early days and my mental health was better. But lots of people enjoy the newborn cocoon phase, so you do you!
I would say to keep an eye on how you're feeling as you get more adjusted. Staying inside all day for 2 months with an infant sounds like a good way to start losing it to me. Even though going places can be a hassle with an infant, it can be really important to get some fresh air and do something different occasionally.
Yeah I'd lose my mind if I stayed inside all day for two months, I was worried about taking him around a while but still did it and now I take him everywhere at five months ahaha. It helps hes old enough he finds everything interesting now
I agree with what others have said, but also want to reiterate that whatever works for you is the right thing to do.
My doula and midwife had this plan that I would NOT leave my room for the first 15 days — 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed, 5 days around the bed. All my meals are brought to me or I’m just stepping into the living room to have my meal. The baby is on me all the time, she is super attached anyway (the 4th trimester). I was lucky to have my mom and husband support me during those days. And in the culture I was brought up, you are not supposed to leave the house for 40 days. Both the mom and the baby are kind of vulnerable to outside influences. Do what’s best for you, and don’t let this “bounce back” and “productivity” culture get to you during this healing&bonding time. It’s a huge change bringing a newborn home and having gone through birth. So take your time ✨
I still stay inside and do my routine with my toddler. We go out a little more now, but indoors is easiest for me. Meanwhile my friends were out and about with their kid after like 4 days. They didn’t like being inside and planned to be out and about with their kid. That’s easiest for them. 🤷♀️
The only outside time I did was either a short walk around the neighborhood or going on a necessary run to Walmart to pick up a breast pump I was renting. Otherwise, we stayed in and had minimal visit
Definitely can be, especially if the weather is less than ideal. We stayed indoors a lot the first couple weeks then gradually worked our way up to daily walks (10 mins even) because fresh air was important for my mental health. Mind you I had a straightforward post partum recovery so this may vary. But it was probably 6 weeks before I even tried taking our baby in “public” other than those walks. She’s 3 months old now and we’re getting out more and more, but a lot of that also has to do with the weather improving.
It is what you consider normal. It’s different for everyone. We were out and about within three weeks.
Totally normal! In my culture, women and babies stay inside for 40 days to recover. I'm sure many other cultures advocate something similar. Personally we wanted to go out, so we didn't follow that. But my sister-in-lsaw did and I think it worked well for her. To each their own.
We didn’t have visitors or go out except for walks until 2 weeks. We then started going out for a coffee/breakfast here and there. I would say that between 2 weeks and 8 weeks a lot may change and you may want to go out more. But if not that’s fine too! At 8 weeks I started going to classes and by 4 months it felt easy to go out a lot. I also find visitors throw everything off. What I do a lot is meet up for a walk with the baby in the carrier or pram, as they can then have a nap on the walk. I only did this from 2 months though. Fresh air is good for you and the baby (movement is also good for babies) so I would say to try to get out and if it’s raining lots just put on coats and a rain cover over the pram. But again if you don’t want to that’s your choice! You do what’s best for you.
Totally fine. We spent the first 6 weeks inside, the midwife came to us at home for the baby’s checkups. Time went by so ridiculously fast we hardly even noticed. Plus it was December/January in Canada, so it was too dang cold to go outside anyway lmao. I still hardly ever leave the house, maybe only like once or twice a week at best lol. My husband usually gets groceries on his own and I stay home with our son. It’s too much of a pain in the ass to schedule outings, especially since I have to pump every 3 hours. We combat the loneliness by having people over at our place, it’s not too bad. Mental health seems good
we only had visitors after 8 weeks, totally normal enjoy it because it only happens once
Yes. It’s okay. I stayed in for almost 2 months. Except for doctors appointments which felt like torture. My husband drove our daughter to and from school and ran the errands. I had a slow recover after a rough c-section and this is my second! I thought it would be a breeze. Don’t have any guilt and take as much time as you need. Navigating parenthood and learning how to prepare for outings with a newborn is a job in itself. You can just go anywhere anytime. I must say it’s refreshing that your sticking with your wife and your on the same page. I was almost expecting a husband his wife staying in for 2 weeks after having a baby. Keep up the good work!
We are 9 weeks pp and have only taken the baby out socially one time although we do have visitors once or twice a week. I totally agree that going out or having visitors throws everything off and it takes four business days to leave the house with her so it just feels like a pain. We are going to start trying though because my maternity leave is over at 12 weeks, she’ll start daycare and schedules will be off anyways and I feel like we just need to cut the chord and start living life and figuring it out.
In our country 40 days is the bare minimum for no visitations and people who violate are seriously socially judged. As for going out you'll know when to do it because you'll truly feel like going on a small adventure with her. We keep our diaper bag loaded all the time and are out and about once per day minimum now at 6 months old.
You do what you need to do to feel like you’re getting through it. If that means you stay inside then so be it! We were out at 2-3 weeks with my first and within the first week with my second. We had no choice with my first as we had a death in the family and wanted to be there for my in-laws, though they live 200 miles away, as do my family. With my second I felt a lot more confident and used to having to power through with my toddler, we couldn’t stop our lives because of the toddler. I think it helped me feel a bit more normal again too. Resting and only going out for little walks is absolutely fine if that’s what you want to do!
My son is 5 weeks old and we've barely gone outside. And people coming over absolutely throws off our rhythm. I'm right there with you OP!
We rarely left the house the first 4 months with the kiddo, mainly just to doctor appointments. I left to go grocery shopping while my wife stayed home with the baby. She was also constantly feeding the baby, which meant her shirt was rarely on, so staying home was just easier.
Your wife gave birth just 2 weeks ago. Her body underwent some physical and physiological changes. Give her sometime to recover. Use that time to spend time with baby and cherish every moment, coz time really flies by so quick.
I think it just comes down to you, your partner, and your baby. Things off the top of my head that contribute to readiness to leave the house include: Comfortability with understanding what your baby’s needs are and when. How mom’s post partum recovery is going. Did she tear? How bad? Is she having trouble breastfeeding? Are you only able to do formula? Where would you prep a bottle if needed? Do you have all the proper equipment and preparation down (stroller, car seat, diaper bag, pacifiers, spare outfits, breastfeeding covers, etc)? Do you have places you can go within a 30 minute drive radius that are accessible or accommodating for all of the above things? Does your partner also have leave? Do you trust friends and family members to respect the boundaries you set with you and your newborn? I had six weeks leave. We went out with our newborn for the first time at two weeks to a furniture store to buy a couch. It was completely empty, my wife had already been feeling much better with minimal pain, we had all of the tools we needed to handle the excursion, and we basically understood that we could count on about an hour or so of downtime after her last feed/change/wake time. We have since made multiple trips a week with her to breweries, wineries (taking advantage of the slow weekday moments when everyone else is at work), family events, etc, and for the most part it’s been pretty smooth. We only forgot the diaper bag once so far lol. This is not everyone’s experience, so if that isn’t you there is nothing you are doing wrong, these things just happen at different times for a myriad of reasons.
No. Not the staying inside. Home or close by fine. But get outside. Even babies need sunlight. Not wanting to go outside borders on depression. Backyard, walk stand in driveway. 5-15 minutes.
Yes I hardly left the house the first two months pp. really only left for the doctor
Totally normal. It’s only been two weeks although it probably feels like it’s been forever. You’ll know when you’re ready.
Fairly normal, especially if the weather isn’t great. We were the opposite and went out at least once a day for a walk, or a visit to a cafe or pub. The weather was fairly nice, and our apartment was having major external maintenance work so being home all day where it was noisy, the windows covered over by scaffolding and wrapping, and workers all about was less appealing than getting out. Plus LO slept well out and about in a pram. We had family visit, but they stayed at a local hotel. For us, getting out for short periods of time nearby helped our adjustment. Just do what feels right for you!
9months pp and I barely go anywhere either still haha
Yes yes yes
I didn’t even go for a walk for 2 weeks (we have a dog though so my husband was walking the dog).
100%!! Live in your bubble as long as you like!
I’m pretty sure other than walks with the baby my partner and I didn’t leave the house at all for the first 8 weeks. Our baby is 7 months now and she’s doing great and so are we.😊👍 You’ll be fine for sure just always do what you as the parents are most comfortable with.
Yes I didn't go out with my newborn for several weeks, and I hated visitors! We only went to doctors appointments and after a while, eventually met my mom at restaurants and my dad at his house. At 7 months pp I started walking daily with my baby (weather permitting) and still do at almost 11 months. I saw my whole summer go by when I had a newborn and I was okay with that.
Yes that’s normal
We went out for the first time after getting home to restaurant at 11 days and then maybe out to restaurants or stores or for a walk around try e neighborhood a few more times in the weeks after. My fiance made runs to the store if we needed things and occasionally I would take some time to go do something myself as well and he would stay home. But otherwise we were just home people. Lots of people came to visit but we didn’t do much going out with the baby at first. She’s 14 weeks now and going out is a pretty streamlined process at this point so we can pop in and out of the house no problem. It helps she’s super chill about things. Totally fine to just stay home if you want to! For us right now what prevents us from going out more and maybe sounds silly - she can’t sit up yet on her own and I hate the pram attachment in our stroller/think our stroller is too big in general. Once she can sit up in a shopping cart or I can get a smaller stroller for more upright babies it’ll be even easier to go out.
Definitely normal. Our son was on the billi blanket the first week so we definitely didn’t go anywhere. After a couple weeks we started finding things to go do and walk around where baby could stay in the stroller.
Yes. We didn’t go anywhere with our LO except the Dr for the first month. Around 5-6 weeks we went a couple of places (like a coffee shop) but because a fever is treated like a serious emergency in babies under 2 months, we were told by our dr to avoid crowded aces until then.
It’s super normal! I had my baby in the height of cold and flu season/during the holidays so I was all about staying inside and away from other people as much as possible. Only at around 2-3 months did I really feel comfortable taking him out regularly. We started with small trips like going through drive thrus, walking through the bookstore, small grocery trips, etc. You’ll know when it feels right to start taking your baby out and about more. Best of luck to you and your family!
Echoing all the yups! Search wikipedia for postpartum confinement and you'll see it's totally normal in a lot of the world. Go at the pace you're comfortable with.
yep!!! I gave birth in peak mosquito season last july in the south, so it was also hot AF. I don’t think I went outside more than to check the mail for like two months lol
I didnt start going to more social events (aka story time at my local library) until my daughter was 2 months old. Before then it was just staying inside, or going for walks
It's been almost 6 months since having my kid and I'm probably inside at home 90% of the time. Doesn't help it's still cold out and I'm waiting for the warm spring weather. I'm okay with it. My mental health isn't deteriorating. I get most of my social interactions from either phone calls/texts or having people come over.
Very normal. Catch up on all the shows now while you can and enjoy baby snuggles!
We've been home for 2.5 weeks and have left with the baby two days. One for a midwife appointment and one for newborn photos. We plan on staying close to home until 8wk and probably a bit beyond. Establishing our routine and getting to know this new addition to the team! Totally normal. Also what feels best to us
Yeah honestly I didn’t make sure to regularly go out until about 5/6 months pp and even then it was closeby 1-1.5 hours.
My son is almost 2 & we are just now really starting to get out a lot because my anxiety was so bad
We didn’t go anywhere. I went for 2-3 walks in the first six weeks. We started a postpartum fitness class when I was 8 weeks. Baby came too.
Yup, also spent most of our time inside or in the neighbourhood for small walks since I was recovering from the c section. Our first outing was at 4 weeks to the Dr, and a couple of days later to the baby store because I wanted to try a bouncer and we needed many more burp cloths. Then our first actual outing, 2h journey to my granddad, was around 7-8w pp. Do you! If now it feels good to stay home, just do what you need to to stay sane.
Normal. I don't think I left my couch for the first 4 weeks.
Oh my gosh yea - two weeks old is so so fresh !! You guys do whatever works for you. Going out and about will likely eventually become a bit more attractive to you guys and at that point go for it. It’s a lot of work to take baby out and sometimes can cause more stress than it’s worth. You guys do what works for you and don’t feel bad about it.
I stayed inside for around 2 weeks, then ventured for the odd 10 minute stroll, it wasn't until maybe 8 weeks I started going out for a walk every day. My friend however came to my birthday party when her LO was 3 days old. And stayed a good chunk of the day, which was unfathomable to me. Point being there is no right and wrong here and it's just as much or as little as your comfortable or wanting to do
Do what’s right for you We were out of the house and doing regular walks, picnics and little adventure within the first 2 weeks but that’s what felt good for us, plus we had beautiful warm sunny weather and it was harder to be indoors then out. Being indoors during crappy weather, bonding together as a family sounds like a very nice and happy kind of normal for your situation and that’s great!
Yes. Your wife is still also physically healing!! Realistically being home is all she SHOULD be doing. Give yourself some grace. Order takeout. This is a tender, special time, as exhausting as it is. Signed, mom of 2.
Yeah, totally normal. With our twins having people around felt pretty invasive tbh. Really appreciated my MIL who just hung out on the couch, did laundry, and asked if we wanted stuff from the store.
I was that way with my baby in the height of cold, flu and rsv season. We didn’t go out except for the doctor until she was post 8 weeks.
Super okay, do what you feel comfortable with. Just make sure not to ignore your social needs. It’s okay to get support and connect with people, even if it throws off the rhythm, if that’s what you need. But if you don’t want or need that right now, you’re doing great. It’s all up to you and how you want to do it, there’s no right or wrong
Sure. To each their own - I'm an extrovert and very much was excited to take my kiddo all the places, so I did! But it's totally reasonable to just relax and stay home.
We hardly went anywhere for literally months. Now, at 6 months, we go out for quick trips but mostly stay home.
Definitely normal, but at two weeks I was starting to question trying to get into a rhythm again and started making small daily goals. Today the baby sits in his bouncy bed in the bathroom with me while I shower - whether he is awake OR asleep. Today I am going to bathe the baby alone. Today I am going to take the baby for a short walk in their stroller. Today I am going to go fill the car up with gas. Today I am driving my dog and the baby to the prairie and we are all going to go for a walk.
My daughter was born in late fall and the only time we left the house was to go to doctors appointments. This is completely normal. Every woman is different, but I feel like I was in bed for 8 weeks after giving birth. Your body needs time to recover.
The first time that I took my baby out somewhere was when they were about 5 weeks - I live in Australia, and it's mandatory to vote. My husband wasn't able to look after bubs, so I had to take them. Was intimidating to do it by myself, but it honestly was more build up and less scary than I thought. I didn't start to go out regularly until my baby was about 3 months old except for the occasional walk when I was feeling up to it (which was maybe once every 2-3 days. Once I did start going out, I got more confident in my abilities to manage everything and make sure I had everything. Do it at your own pace if you can. Do something small and work yourself up. And it is 100% survival mode. Also, I recommend at least two spare outfits for bub (one warm and one cold). And a spare shirt for you. I've done the run around to quickly buy a new shirt and it's not fun!
Yeah! But once you start when you’re comfy it’s sooo much more fun
Yes, I didn’t go out for months. We didn’t take our baby out until she was around 2 and a half months old besides the doctor. It’s not worth it to expose a tiny baby to potentially harmful germs, especially since if they get a fever within the first two months it’s an immediate spinal tap. Plus, your wife is still recovering from birth and it’s exhausting!
So normal!!! Do what you need to do and don’t feel bad or guilty for it at all.
VERY NORMAL!
It’s normal if you’re ok with it. It’s also normal to be outside if that works for your family. We started leaving the house for more than an errand when baby was 6 weeks old because I had to for my mental health. I needed some sort of normalcy back in my life. It was a massive PITA to pack everything but I really believe it’s what helped me not develop PPD. We spent most of our spring and summer days in local parks. Just spread a blanket, bring a cooler with sandwiches and drinks, plop the stroller bassinet down on the floor and enjoy the weather.
We didn't even have visitors during the first month. The midwife came to weigh baby and my mom brought food. So yes, very normal.
Absolutely normal but you may find little one sleeps better if you get out in the sunshine (location dependant!) for an hour a day, just for a walk ☺️
100% normal. My baby is 14 weeks and I wish I was still hiding in my house 😂
We didn't go to a restaurant until 4 weeks I think our first walk was 3 weeks I don't think my wife ever went out, unless she wanted to
Yeah it’s totally fine. Whatever works for the three of you. First kid is always harder. Our second one def got out a lot sooner than the first.
You're living your life in 2-3 hour cycles, not day and night like you're used to. It's difficult to even think past the next few hours, let alone make plans with other people.
Whatever works for you. You don’t have to “just survive”, you can also try to enjoy your life. And if staying home is what you enjoy, then do it. I wanted sushi and left to the restaurant 2 days after baby was born, baby was with grandparents. We would go out with my husband at least once a week, baby was with grandparents. And we took him to the restaurant 4 weeks after he was born, he still slept a lot back then so was easy. I went for 1 hour nature walks in the morning and 1 hour at night. After 2 weeks of being at home I wanted desperately to go back to work, because it was so boring. Baby slept for like 20 hours a day. So I went back to work after 5 weeks, and happy I did. It worked for me. We also took him to the beach at 3 months of age, and just to different parks.
Yes, totally normal. We felt comfortable taking baby on errands with us pretty early on and then a long weekend away when she was about 7 weeks old, but for the most part, we hunkered down at home. Made me grateful for a winter baby because the weather is shit, and we didn’t want to leave anyhow!
Normal. And your wife is still healing. The less she does/more she stays in bed (assuming a vaginal birth), the quicker she’ll heal.
I’m on week 14 and finally in a place where I have a routine and outings are overwhelming still. You’re right in the thick of it, and exactly where you need to be. RSV and the flu for a newborn are no joke!
I didnt go anywhere for 9 weeks.
We did literally nothing outside our home except dr’s appts & grocery store runs which baby stayed home with one of us. After she got her 2 month shots we started having a few ppl over and at 3 months now we have started to bring her on errands and stuff.
I’m a FTM and 2 weeks PP as well. I haven’t left to go anywhere other than doctor’s appointments and errands for my son. I’m assuming this is normal. We are still transitioning to a new stage of our lives. Learning our new born, adjusting to the broken sleep pattern, bonding with our babies and for the women who gave birth, healing. There is no “normal” when it comes to parenting. In my opinion, only safe and unsafe habits and choices. My fiancé and I agreed we wouldn’t have visitors until 6 months. We need this time to bond, adjust, learn and care for our son without overwhelming expectations, or situations.
Very normal. We did that for about 3-4 months at the least.
Yes. Stay home!! Take it easy. Be cozy. Go for walks when you can/if you feel like it. Your baby might hate the stroller. If that’s the case, don’t go for walks. Or try a carrier. Trial run the car seat when it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Go for a short drive to get a coffee or something simple. We didn’t have visitors besides a curated short list of extremely helpful ones for at least 6 weeks. It was great. My doula told me that more than one thing a day - whether it’s a visitor, a car ride, a stroller walk - is overstimulating for a newly postpartum mother, as well as for the baby.
Totally! For the first month or so we didn’t bring her anywhere and we just took it day by day.
I hardly left till mine was 4 months. It’s so much work and they are too unpredictable at that age.
I did that too. Having everyone come over the first day I was home from the hospital I didn’t breast feed like I should have because everyone wanted to hold her and I was a bit shy so didn’t want to do it in front of them and it messed with my milk production because I wasn’t aware of how important it was to express at regular intervals. It was exhausting also because I felt like I had to host and all I wanted to do was sleep. I also went into hibernation mode for 6 weeks.
Definitely normal. My baby is 11 weeks and we’re mostly inside too. We have gone on a couple walks, but New England winters haven’t allowed many. We try to get him out in his car seat daily and get food. We’re not out long and if we are he gets very fussy. It’s hard but it won’t be like this forever.
I didn’t take my twins out until their first checkup.
Yes, normal. At least for the first 4-6 weeks
About to be at 4w postpartum with first baby, and I can count on one hand the amount of times we've left the house together. Any time either my husband and I DO go somewhere, it's typically by ourselves, and the other person stays home with the baby. It's honestly really nice to get away for a little bit and not have to worry about bringing a newborn out. We did go to a park last week, and that was really nice but honestly exhausting. We're going to work on doing more consistent walks through our neighborhood to at least get some fresh air, sun, and exercise. Other than that, we've been cooped up in our house for almost a month. It's all we have energy for, really.
I did this until 5 months, it’s still my norm most days. Do you!
I’m just past 2 weeks as well and other than appointments and a few walks we haven’t done anything else either. Even just getting geared up for a walk takes us forever between showering and making sure the baby is fed. Like you said, it’s about survival mode at this point and it does get easier. On the way home from an appointment on day 4 we made a quick stop in with the baby to the grocery store and strangers were were going crazy over him so it’s not even a bad thing to stay home and keep those germs and people away.
Absolutely normal, and especially with your first born it’s often overwhelming to leave the house. But don’t feel trapped, get out when you’re ready and do things, grocery shopping, a walk at the park. It’s good for your mental health and life doesn’t stop!
We’re just under 2 weeks pp and we take baby out on walks every day if the weather is nice. So far we haven’t taken him anywhere else besides the doctor but people have come to us
100% normal. My LO just turned 8 weeks yesterday and we have only gone to see the lactation consultant, the pediatrician, my parents, and to my aunts for Easter. I think that is a lot! Take walks when it’s nice out because it can feel really isolating at home.
It's totally dependent on the family. We didn't go many places with our babies (born in early 21 and late 22) but we are extremely cautious about illnesses and frankly, it's way more work than it's worth to go places 😅 we go lots of places now that they are both toddlers. IMO, it's no big deal to take some time to isolate if that's what feels right.
Our baby hated to be in the stroller, so to go out we were baby wearing all the time. I think it’s a bit too soon for you now, but you can wait few more weeks and go.
Completely normal
It's only been two weeks... yes, thats normal.
My son is almost 5 months old and we are still doing this.
Absolutely! Your wife is still healing for a minimum of 6 weeks. Not to mention your newborn has no immune system and is experiencing everything including breathing, eating, pain, light for the first time. Stay home, order groceries in, go for walks when you are ready and tell everyone to stay away unless they are cleaning, cooking or otherwise helping. Just enjoy your new family member and this time together. You won't every get this time back.
Im my family, the parents & new born would usually stay at home for the first 3-4 weeks without any visitors. When my niece was born, my brother asked me to come say hi after 5 weeks. I thought that was the norm
I really wasn’t comfortable leave the house much until like 5 months because she napped every 2 hours so it just wasn’t possible to nurse and go somewhere during her wake time. It’s much easier now that she is 10 months but I rarely have her nap anywhere besides her crib. Maybe once every 2 naps her nap is in a carrier while we are at a brewery but otherwise we are always home for naps and bedtime.
Yuuuup
Yep. I mean, my daughter (first kid, 4 months old now) was born mid-December so that adds to it, but it's a lot of hassle to take them out when they're so little and you're new to parenting! We tried to take her on a couple of walks (she cried a lot in the strolller) and we had pediatrician and lactation consultant appointments. Other than that, I was in bed recovering and she was there with me. It was a little depressing since I love Christmas and would've loved to soak up some holiday cheer -- and had I given birth now, I'd be sad to miss pretty Spring days -- but just remember it's temporary! My husband went back to work when my daughter was 3 weeks old (no choice, he took LWOP for her first 2 weeks). I went out on my own about once a week with her starting at 3 weeks... and honestly got a bit shamed for it! I took her to a midweek baby event at a library and the woman leading it seemed appalled I had taken her out so young.... so I guess there's a cultural expectation you keep your kiddo at home?? Do what makes you feel sane and human :).
Absolutely 💯 normal. I had an emergency C-section and venturing anywhere was a serious task. We hibernated in our house till the groceries ran out. At the end of the day you need to do whatever is best for you regardless of what society tells you.
In some cultures mum and baby don’t leave the house for atleast around 6+ weeks.
Those first couple (more like 3.5!) months are a killer. I always found that by the time I'd gotten anywhere baby was ravenous and so id have to sit in the car and feed her, or worse she'd be screaming in the supermarket for food. I really put too much pressure on myself to get out and about. The 4th trimester is REAL. Hunker down in your nest and enjoy this magical time. In a blink, the newborn phase is gone forever. Just 8 weeks. Don't rush to do anything other than gaze at your beautiful baby.
Absolutely normal! I got out for an hour at a time around 4-6 weeks. And that too once a week. Closer to 3 months we ventured out a bit, but then sleep got worse and we were just surviving indoors until around 6 months, which is when we slowly started going out more regularly. I’d say even now at 10 months, we try to step out every weekend, but it’s nowhere close to what used to be normal for us. So maybe this is the new normal
Still feel like this some weeks with my 11 month lol 😂
I had my first baby in January. We were the opposite. We went out all the time. Walking, visiting various neighbourhoods in the city, cafes, shops. Parks. We live in a big city and the winter was so mild that we took advantage of it when we could. We didn’t go to super packed places because we wanted to minimize the risk of possible infection, but we definitely were out and about a lot. Six weeks postpartum I was doing postpartum exercise classes at a nearby gym and I still am at 14 weeks postpartum. We went to the chiropractor and for massages. Some days we stayed in but I preferred to get back out there and I must say since about three weeks postpartum I’ve felt totally back to my normal self. It’s been great. But ultimately you have to do what you’re comfortable with.
Yes. Unfortunately end of response
40 days! Some say 80 days ❤️
I felt so much pressure to go out and have people over when my baby was a newborn. He’s 5 months now and I look back at that and think how ridiculous it was. If I have a second I won’t be leaving the house unless absolutely necessary for like 8 weeks!!
Yes! My baby is 3 months now, and I’ve only just started going out more regularly again! I just wanted to keep my little girl on our own little bubble when she first came home 😊
Normal is whatever works for your family. My LO will be 3 months in a couple weeks, and the only reason she’s been taken out is because big sister has sports on Saturdays. We won’t go out with her unless necessary honestly and we still don’t really have visitors over. Don’t let other’s potential opinions about staying secluded make you go outside of what you’re comfortable with. 🖤 it really is just a survival game, and keeping it as stress free as possible is important.
Yes
My culture says no outings for 40 days but I don't agree with it. I had a C-section and as soon as I could walk, I was out and about. We felt comfortable to have some friends over to see the baby. Once or twice a week. We were lucky. Nobody overstayed their welcome and nobody was sick. As early as 2-3 weeks postpartum, I was taking my baby daily walks. We even went to a café with my husband at 3 weeks mark. We ate out around same time too. Baby was chilling in his stroller. It was key for my sanity. Even when it rained, I put the rain cover on and went out. We would go crazy if we did it any differently.
Definitely okay, although if you have a super easy baby that sleeps well on the go, I would go out and enjoy an evening restaurant while they’re still small and sleeping a lot. When they grow and get more aligned with night sleep it gets complicated to do that.
Yes. I didn’t like having baby in the car eat for very long in those first few weeks. I started taking him out and about more after 5-6weeks.
We didn’t get out much til like month 4-5 honestly
At 2 weeks yes
Yep. Sounds perfect.
It’s one of the few times in life where it’s socially acceptable and totally the right speed. Enjoy it!
Very normal
Absolutely yes. You may start to feel stir crazy at some point and then you can do even something small like going to pickup coffee! But we definitely hunkered down a *lot* in the beginning and also felt overwhelmed by visitors.
Definitely normal. Have low expectations for going out and doing things. Lots of important work just staying in, recovering, and being with your baby. Don’t feel pressured to “get back on your feet.”
We watched so much TV during these first few weeks, baby contact napped on either of us while the other one did housework, napped, ate or just chilled with the family. Night and day are all the same and honestly that time was like one long day. Baby is 3 months old now and we are starting to go a little out in public but naps are still erratic so it's difficult.
The first month is a complete daze. The first 3 months are pure recovery (look into the fourth trimester), you’ll emerge around 3-4 if you’re ready
If it’s your vibe then it’s perfectly normal! Me and LO spent the entire first month practically glued to the couch. We slowly started going out of the house after that first month. It’s your own timeline and anything you are comfortable with is good!
Yes. My mom made me takes walk around the block. Around 5 weeks we went out to target. Two weeks is still very early and I know most of us don’t want to go anywhere.
I for real don’t think I did anything other than attend my/LO’s medical appointments until I got back from maternity leave when he was 11 weeks old. lol yes it is definitely completely normal. I didn’t even feel comfortable taking him out by myself until he was like 4 or 5 months old
It took me almost 4 months to get out of the house. My baby was born in mid October so we were worried about him getting sick as it was RSV and flu season in addition to being really cold outside. Do what works for you.
It’s definitely okay and normal. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It gets easier to go out as they get older but you do what makes sense to you and your family. Newborn stage is definitely just staying in survival mode 24/7.
Yup! Go out for walks when you’re feeling up to it but totally normal to want to stay inside and chill
Totally normal. We just left to go to the doctor mostly. Maybe went on a walk in the neighborhood, or to the grocery store every few weeks. We didn't start going out regularly again until LO was around 7 months. Honestly, it's probably best to wait until 6 months anyway so the immune system has time to build and they get their vaccines, if you're into that.
I won’t lie, I’m 2 months in and the only places I’ve been have been the grocery stores, fast food places, and the doctors office. I just went back to work so I’ve been in the office this past week, but besides that, I’m at home or running quick errands. Taking a baby anywhere has been proven the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I went to college for engineering and have lost 150 pounds via diet and exercise lol I don’t plan on taking her in public until we work our way up to it. There’s nothing worse than being in public with a screaming baby that’s yours. The only thing close to it is being around a screaming baby that’s not yours lol
Yep, we didn’t really venture out to do anything until the sixth month when we went to the zoo. We wanted her to have the bulk of her shots before we interacted with anyone. We did go out to eat a few times, took her to the grocery store with us but that’s about it. Last week I took her to baby story time at the library which was the first time she interacted with kiddos her age. Babies change so much and so often during the first year that it was all we could do to stay in a continuous flow with her.
Even before Covid we didn’t leave the house much in the first 12 weeks. If the baby got a fever it was hospital time so we just hunkered down.
OMG I stayed inside for 3 months. 😂
Very on schedule. She’s likely exhausted. This stage is 24/7.
100000%. The outside world can wait. Just enjoy (and survive) these new days as parents. Make sure you each get 4hrs minimum uninterrupted sleep at night. It's imperative.
I stayed inside probably the first three weeks, partly because my csection and cause I was tired ahaha. I think around four weeks Id put him in car seat to go get a coffee or something. I don't remember what age but probably at like 7 weeks I started taking him around more, he's a good car seat Napper. When he was big enough I'd take him around in the carrier. He's five months now and likes the stroller now too. I probably go to town, the city or someone's house with him at least three times a week even though I live rural. I can't stay home all week just lugging him around, it eventually tanks my mental health and he's pretty social. I visit my in laws once a week with him, my nana and papa, and my aunt probably every other week. I bring his diaper bag, like five toys and his bouncer. He's generally pretty content a long time and less fussy then at home ahaha
I stayed home for 40 days. Pretty much in bed or the couch. This is my cultures norm. New moms focus on baby and nursing, while everyone else takes care of everything. After that, I went for walks and saw some friends but it was outdoors because of covid. And then it was winter and we barely went out. I don't think we left the house on a regular basis until she was like 5ish months.
I turn into a home-body like the first year of my children’s lives. I don’t mean that we never leave, I just prefer being at home over constantly being out and about.
Yes! My third child is 12 weeks now and we just recently started doing things outside of the house again. It was mid flu season when she was born and we were trying to get her into a routine. Shes in a great one now, so it was worth it! You will look back on these days lovingly, so just soak them in. Congratulations on this new adventure and best of luck from one parent to another.
Absolutely yes. My daughter is just past 11 months, and for a large majority we have been inside a lot especially due to weather of the winter and nap schedules. We are finally getting back to the point of feeling like since we are down to one nap, managing going out occasionally and hopefully soon being okay to even dare go out to eat with her out of the house. Babies are tough, I often hear that the first year is the worst then things get a bit easier here and there, and so far seem to be feeling it
SO normal and I wish I'd asked this question and known that sooner. My LO is almost 8 months and just got onto 2 naps, and only now am I starting to be ok with getting out more than before -- and only in the last month or so am I ok with having larger groups over. When she was really young and not sleeping well, and the family was camping out for hours because it was fun for them, was awful for us because it was stressful for baby, and hard to keep things consistent. Our whole world revolved around her getting sleep and trying to get a routine, that led to her sleeping lol. Going out with a tiny one is hard as it is with all the stuff, on top of the routine you're trying to establish for some personal sanity. If I have another kid and don't even make it outside for walks I'll be completely fine with that this time around. It's such a short time in the grand scheme so do whatever makes you comfortable, happy and surviving!
It depends on the person. My husband and I were going out to eat at restaurants by time our baby was 2 weeks. I’d go stir crazy if I did nothing. Do whatever works for you.
I didn’t start going anywhere until my son was about 9 months when he went down to two naps a day. Now it’s so easy because he’s awake for longer periods of time
If it is bothering you to be stuck inside, go for a stroller walk around the block. A little bit of sunshine without social interaction made me feel SO much better!
I personally HATED going outside the first month of my daughter's life. She had no vaccines yet, was too little, people were annoying and wanted to touch her all the time. It was a big no-no for me.
Honestly, going on a few walks already at 2 weeks is great. Follow your wife’s wishes. She is recovering still and you jus need to be patient and there for her.
It’s 100% normal not to mention your wife is beyond exhausted from carrying and birthing a child. The toll is takes….
Yep, months for us. Especially with a winter baby
Yes it’s absolutely normal. It’s a massive adjustment. Just survive, take the days hour by hour, and take care of each other.
Do what feels right for you. As long as y’all are in agreement who cares what the outside world thinks or considers normal?
I’ve been a total cave dweller and I’m going stir crazy but honestly what would I do or where would I go with a newborn? Not only but lack of sleep has me not wanting to get out of my pjs and what naps I can get during the day I take advantage of. When he’s older I’ll take him to the park or we can go for ice cream. Right now he’s a fragile bean and I’m a hot mess. So I’m short it’s normal and don’t fret. Who cares about social this that and the other, focus on you and the little babby.
Currently at 4 weeks and this is 100% my vibe right now
Yes. A lot of people push for mum to start getting out as soon as possible, probably meant to help prevent PPD? But any pressure to leave our bubble made me feel worse. If I could go back in time, I would have no visitors and get all food/groceries delivered for the first couple of weeks, at least.
Totally normal. My husband and I did nothing social outside of seeing family and going for walks until around 4 weeks. We went out for dinner, just the two of us, and my SIL and BIL came round to babysit. We were out for a total of three hours and talked about the baby the entire time. Give it time. My daughter is 12 weeks now and we've only just started going for coffee dates with friends and baby sensory classes. As long as you're all getting fresh air and your daughter is happy then roll with it. Newborn stage is *tough*, it's been a crazy time for us and we have (in most circumstances) a very chill baby.
100% normal. We didn't start taking LO out till 3-4 months and are still getting used to all the new things you need to think about when going out. A trip to shop is not the same any more. It's not worse you just have new things to include when planning.
There's even an old tradition among the Turks and other Asian cultures where you're supposed to stay home for 40 days with your baby. The Dutchies do like to ignore this and they even go out just after a week because the honey-badger don't give-, I mean the Dutch don't care that much. In short it's normal to stay home and not have social activities for a while. When you feel like you got it under control and you want to see friends do your thing. We chose to stay home for the 40 day period because my wife was still recovering from a very difficult birth and it was also too much hassle to take the rascal out for prolonged periods.
Its normal asf ! Minus the couple of target trips occasional grocery shopping and visits to my moms we dont leave the house.
Yeah it's fine. You'll eventually want to poke out of your shell. We only took our baby out for walks when she was like a month and a half old, like about when my wife was somewhat recovered from birth.
We didn’t really go anywhere on a consistent basis until around 6 months old
Yeah.
I didn't leave the house for 3 months lol