okay, I'm taking any advice you moms have about taking your baby out into the world. we haven't ventured out that much, really, aside from a couple of trips to restaurants when the family was in town, a few church visits, and a few furtive errands. here's the thing - I promise I'm not a hater, but I AM that person who groans inwardly every time I see someone bring their baby or toddler to any movie not rated G, so while I want to embrace a family-friendly attitude I'm reeeeeely sensitive about being the lady with the disruptive baby in the store, or the restaurant, or whatever. I've always felt this way about my dog, too - I love him to death, but realize that not everyone loves him (or animals in general) so whenever we have company or take him out in public I'm always super-aware of how he's being perceived and I try to avoid any awkwardness. I realize I need to get over this somewhat or the baby and I will have semi-solitary lives, and while I don't want to overstimulate Mags or put her in situations she's not ready for I do want to feel confident when we choose to go out. how did you guys work it? I can think of these things:
plan outings during the baby's 'good' time
feed her right before we leave (this has worked pretty well for church & restaurants)
don't plan on being out too long
have the right materials on hand - diaper bag essentials, paci, etc.
have a backup plan? like, if she's not liking the carrier/stroller, whip out the sling?
always know where the exit is and be prepared to abort the mission. :)
lighten up. :) :)
other suggestions?
5 comments:
First off, I think it is important to take the Mags out so she gets used to being out and learns how to behave (once she is older of course). I have some friends who never went out again after the baby was born and you could see that when the baby got older.
Secondly, check out www.motherhoodcenter.com. I plan on trying to hang out with other moms who also have kids and understand.
I think you've got a good plan already figured out though. I would say shorter outings that progress.
And don't worry about your baby or your dog bothering other people. You don't seem like the type to do nothing when baby is upset and I think people are much more forgiving when they see a parent actually trying to parent their child.
You could always try the scrapbook convention on saturday. I'd be up for going with you and Maggie.
Girlfriend, you are SO far ahead of the game with the notes you have already! And I totally agree with blueskies -- other people are usually much more understanding than I anticipated. Every time I've flown with boy, I have taken along and offered ear plugs to the passengers in our immediate vicinity, just in case he became loud. All but one refused them, saying things like, "I'm a grandparent, I totally understand." The guy who accepted them only did so because he had forgotten his customary pair.
Anyway, here are a few things to consider -- I keep a few "throwdown" diapers and a small package of wipes in my trunk. I CANNOT EVEN TELL YOU how often I go somewhere with my trusty diaper bag only to find that I used the last diaper on the last outing and forgot to reload. And the reason it bulges is because I have an extra change of clothes not just for boy, but also for girl, and an extra shirt for husband and for myself. The poop explosions are rarely child-only phenomenon, and the spit-up extravaganzas are hardly EVER limited to offspring-only.
Oh, and as I clearly demonstrated at your house? Plastic bags are a staple for the dirty clothes. :)
That's all I can think of at the moment. You'll be awesome. Flexibility and adaptability are the keys to making it all work, and you've got those traits in spades, momma.
I like your list. I don't think people mind as long as they see you trying to calm your crying baby. You will adjust to shorter outings, but I don't think you should stop going out by any means. You just may have to leave early for bedtime, naptime, etc. You can do it!
Just remember babies are far less obnoxious than people who talk loudly into their cell phones...and they let them into restaurants all the time! :)
I delayed in responding to this so I could think of any tips, but I really don't think I have anything to add. You've got it down already. It's just complicated! You have to have a detailed plan (what you're taking, when she'll eat, etc) but also be totally flexible in throwing the whole plan out if something comes up.
I found it easier to meet up with other moms in the first year because I felt a lot less self-conscious about everything. They understand if you are running late, have poop on your shirt, have a fussy kid, etc.
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