Your First Outing with Your New Baby After your first baby is born, a lot happens to your body physically and emotionally. One of the biggest challenges that new mums face is regaining their own personal sense of selves after their mind has been totally focused on a safe delivery for several months. At the same time, many mums feel insecure about taking their newborns out of the house, or enjoying themselves. Some new parents have a difficult time just taking a shower because it means all their efforts are not directed at their baby. It is all completely normal, but that does not mean that you should stay at home and direct yourself away from any diversions. It will negatively affect your entire family, which is clearly the last thing that you want. Addressing Your Concerns If you have just gotten home from the hospital and you are concerned about heading out into public with your new baby, then it is probably too soon for both of you. But, that does not mean you cannot treat yourself (and, after all, you do deserve it). Enjoy a long shower, or invite your sister around for a cup of tea. You are likely to discover that she is happy to watch your newborn while you close your eyes for just a few... However, if it has been a couple of weeks, and you still have not taken more than two steps outside your front door, then you need to consider your reasons. Are you afraid your baby will get sick? Are you nervous that you cannot cope with your newborn in a strange place? Or, perhaps you have developed a real fear of embarrassment, which you are sure you will feel if your child is not a perfect angel in public? Whatever your concerns, you need to address them. Maybe you just

need to call your mum, or perhaps your paediatrician for a spot of advice. You may want to chat with your own doctor about the possibility of post-partum depression. Whatever your concerns about leaving home, you will need to face them eventually. And, it is usually easier the sooner you do it. Baby’s Safety and Security If your baby is only a few days or weeks old, you may not actually want to take her out. Well, not out to a busy shopping centre, on a bus during rush hour, or even to your favourite restaurant. Your child is still working out the kinks of her immune system, and she is unable to defend herself adequately. Having just given birth, you may want to be a little careful yourself. That is not an excuse to stay at home, simply to make more considered choices. Start small, and aim for slow and quiet activities. A stroll around the neighbourhood is usually a brilliant place to start (if the weather is playing along). Stopping off at an almost deserted coffee shop is not a bad idea, nor is popping into a quiet bookstore. After about six or eight weeks, you can be a little more liberal with the places you visit. However, when it comes to your first outing with your new baby, even if it is just a walk, there are a few things every mum should know.

Temperature – Your baby cannot regulate his body temperature as well as you can. Whether it is hot or cold outside, any extreme will have an immediate effect on your baby. Dress your infant accordingly, and limit the amount of time you spend away from home.

Safety Precautions – Having a pram is almost a necessity when it comes to taking baby out for a bit. However, make sure that you have a quality pram which meets all current safety regulations. Ditto for the car seat. The hand-me-downs may cost less, but is negotiating your baby’s safety really worth it?

Keep Your Cool – Of course you will grab an extra nappy or two, and a towel for nursing, even if you have only popped round to your neighbour’s place. And, there is good reason to suspect that you will need these items. But, do not fret if you have forgotten

something at home. You are not likely to be gone long enough, or have travelled far enough that your baby cannot wait an extra couple of minutes. Think of it as a learning experience, and you will never forget something important again.

Duration – New mums are still a bit fragile; after all, your body has been through a significant number of changes in the past several months – and the past several weeks especially. Even if you are desperate to get out of the house, you really do not need to overdo it straight away. Choose to be gone for a very short period. After your first success, you can repeat it again tomorrow (or even later the same day if you are that ambitious).

Dealing with Life Outside Your Home Do you remember a few weeks ago when women would stop you at the tills to marvel at your bump? Now, you really have the goods, and you are likely to attract some attention when you leave home. You may love hearing that you have the most beautiful baby, but it can still feel a little intrusive. And, when it comes to other new mums, you can also expect a bit of (not so friendly) competition. Not from your friends, mind you, but from strangers on the street. They are likely to size up everything, from your pram to how much better you look. Just ignore these people. They have no effect on your life, or the development of your child. In addition to these interruptions is your new, reduced tolerance. You may find yourself irritated by fast cars and loud noises, and assume that your patience is gone for good. But, don’t worry; your baby will teach you patience every day for the rest of your life. You must simply appreciate that you are in a new phase of your life – and how lucky you are that you have a beautiful new baby to enjoy it with you. If you’d like more information on fun activities for your children then please visit the Lindam website - http://www.lindam.com