Baby's First Outing

Where you can take your newborn, where you shouldn't, and how to pack the perfect diaper bag.

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

I'm giving birth next month and I am worried I'm going to be housebound for the next several months. Is it OK to take a newborn out of the house right away? I love going for walks in the park and to visit friends and I want my new baby to come with me, but not if it's unsafe. Also, can I take a newborn shopping?

Sincerely,

Stuck at Home

A:

Dear Stuck at Home, 

Unless your child is sick in some way, it's fine to take your baby outside in your yard or on your porch as soon as your pediatrician gives you the go ahead. If in doubt, ask your doctor. Every baby is different.

Taking baby out may be a walk in the park -- literally and figuratively -- or a horror show of screaming baby and anxious, embarrassed mom. Therefore, the best way to do it the first time or the first few times is to go with someone else -- Mom, a nanny, a friend, or a husband. That way there's someone to calm a difficult baby -- and someone to calm you! Just in case ....

For diaperbags always bring:

*diapers

*diaper cream

*powder

*wet wipes

*plastic bags for trash or dirty diapers

*pacifiers (plural -- they always seem to land on the floor)

* snacks -- for you!

* sun hat

* sun screen

* sun glasses

* two extra changes of clothing

* two blankets

* toys

* money

* cell phone charged

Don't take your newborn:

*Anywhere there are lots of germ-y kids. You'll have plenty of years for that. Now is not the time.

* Anywhere that is too overwhelming for you. Make it easy on yourself. Don't take your baby to a fine dining restaurant the first time out. You may have to leave in the middle (if you're lucky!) of the meal and other patrons may be disturbed if your baby is upsetting their meals.

* Shopping with a newborn can be way too tricky. You have to maneuver your baby, the stroller, the shopping cart, your purse, your car keys, the ringing cell phone -- stay away from the supermarket. This is for the pros.

Appropriate dress and transport:

Transport is anything that works -- whether it's a stroller, a sling, or some other carrier -- or just your arms.

Dress should always be casual enough to not get upset if your baby makes a mess on you. White cashmere or silk is not recommended for either baby or you.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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