Baby’s first outing
For nine months, you looked forward to holding your wee little one, but let’s be honest: there’s only so many times that you can count her little fingers and toes before you start feeling the four walls of your home will start swallowing you and you simpl
The first outing with your new baby is probably this giant mountain that’s lying in front of you, especially if you’ve been self-isolating as far as possible. But you and Baby will need to venture into the wide world at some point – for the first visit to the breastfeeding clinic or for her six-week appointment with the paediatrician, at the very least. Keep the following in mind...
1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME
You can’t time precisely when she’ll have a soiled nappy or when she’ll feel hungry, but you can make things easier by feeding her just before you leave and waiting until she’s made a poo.
2 GIVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME TO PREPARE
The times when you quickly grabbed keys, wallet and cell phone are over, for now at least. Rather think about the time and planning that went into that first dinner date with your sweetheart. If your day is already stressful, rather stay home and try again tomorrow.
3 DON’T GO TOO FAR
It’s totally possible that your outing will go swimmingly and that she’ll be fast asleep through it all. But things can go wrong, and then you don’t want to be stuck far from home with a crying baby. So, try and stay as close to your ’hood, so that the journey home is quick and easy.
4 DON’T EXPECT TOO MUCH
A small human is unpredictable. Don’t set high and unreasonable expectations for your first outing. If she becomes niggly and weepy, pack up and go home post-haste.
5 CAREFUL WIHTH COVID-19
As we know all too well by now, we get germs from exposure to other people
– by touching them or coming into contact with things they have touched or breathed on. Avoid places where lots of people move around and everyone and their antie want to pick up your baby and touch her.
6 LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Remember, you’re busy recuperating from the labour. Keep your day easy, and rather go home if you feel you should. If you’ve had a c-section, your gynaecologist will
recommend you don’t drive during the first few weeks anyway.
7 BEWARE THE SUN
Winter sun is nice for both of you to recharge your batteries but take care with your little one. Baby’s skin burns quickly and easily – so make sure she’s protected by dressing her in long tops and bottoms and also putting on a hat. If you spend time in the garden, put out a blanket for her to lie on in the shade.
8 THE CAR SEAT AND PRAM
Despite what the salespeople told you when you bought the car seat and pram way back, operating this essential baby equipment is not child’s play. Practise before Baby comes along with one of the new soft toys, so that you have the basic principles down pat.
9 CHOOSE THE TRANSPORT SYSTEM WITH WHICH BABY IS MOST COMFORTABLE
Many babies love being in the pram, but if your baby prefers being physically close to you, leave the pram at home and carry her around in a pouch or in your arms.