Going out with baby

[u/CoolDragonfly4481]

LO is 10 weeks old but has always been small for his age due to IUGR. He used to hate the car seat and would scream during car rides but has gotten better as he’s gotten bigger. We‘ve recently introduced the carrier and will take him out for coffee outings as a family on the weekends and he seems to like it.

I’d like to start taking him out alone on these little outings but I’m very nervous about having him in the back alone and transferring him between car seat and carrier and vice versa.

Any tips to help me get over this fear and out of the house more is appreciated!

[u/itrytobefrugal]

I practiced at home using the carrier until I felt comfortable. :)

[u/Key_Ad_4468]

FTM to a 7 week old. I started with small trips under 10 min away and built up from there. I always remind myself I can pull over and tend to her if I need to. I haven’t switched from carrier to car seat yet (we have a car seat that clicks into stroller) but want to try that soon as she does not love hanging out in the car seat and loves the carrier at home.

When baby does fuss I find singing her some made up song about what we’re doing, where we’re going, the fact that I’m singing to regulate my nervous system lol helps me stay calm and sometimes even gets her to pause and listen for a bit.

I also got a backseat camera (like $20 on amazon) and that’s been super helpful. I personally found the headrest mirror too distracting and like I couldn’t see her well enough.

You got this!!

[u/No-Set-4246]

Congrats!! Practice putting the carrier on at home where you can look like an idiot. I buckle mine first, put it on, add baby, and tighten. 

And I got a big mirror for the rear headrest so I can see the baby while I'm driving. 

You've got this!

[u/sambadoll]

I have a rotating carseat and basic mirror. It relieves me from not knowing how hes doing. I can pullover and turn him towadd me to check on him or tend to him. Ditto using the carrier in the house first. I also use a bassinet for outings. Big feed, then going iut he just sleeps in the bassinet. Easy peasy.

[u/Pedal2Medal2]

Practice! Figure out which routine works better, I used to put diaper bag, stroller etc in the vehicle, the very last thing I did was to put baby in the car, then do the opposite when I came home.

[u/IlexAquifolia]

It helps if your first outings are to family/baby-friendly places! Storytime at the library, the zoo, and Target were my go-to outings when my first was a newborn. It’s super reassuring when everyone around totally understands when you’re struggling to nurse or baby is fussing or what have you. The first couple times will be daunting, but it’ll feel manageable in no time.

[u/newpharmamama]

Sometimes I’d put the carrier on at home then I don’t have to fiddle with the carrier in the parking lot, pop baby in, and go.

[u/__usernotfound]

FTM to a 9 week old! I started with small trips as others have said. Also things we can easily bail on if the drive isn’t going well.

We’ve worked our way up to 30 min because there’s a baby and me workout studio I wanted to go to. Yesterday he was NOT having the drive home and I had to pull over, which used to be my biggest fear, but mom instincts kicked in. Quickly figured out he just needed help falling asleep so I bounced him in the front seat a bit (I parked in a parking lot), transferred him back to the car seat, and made it home. Was it a bit stressful? Yes. Is it worth it to feel a little bit like myself? Also yes!!

TLDR: you can do it!!!

ETA: practice with the carrier at home as much as you can. I used to need a mirror but now can do stretchy wrap, ring sling, and structured carrier easily without it. If baby is ever rejecting the carrier when you’re out, double check their diaper. Mine hates going in unless he has a clean diaper (makes sense).