Getting out

The best advice is to just do it and not care what anyone thinks. You can have all the practical advice on what to do when xyz happens, but the best thing is just actually doing it. Some days will be a total shit show despite all the planning. But every venture out becomes easier. I remember someone tutting at me and shaking her head because my baby was screaming and I had a row with her because she felt entitled to try shame me. You will get the odd idiot being rude, that’s life. But mostly you will make eye contact with a nice mum who will help/give you the ‘I’ve been there and it gets better’ face. You got this! 💗

Go places it doesn’t matter, places you can meet other mums. I have gone a few times to breastfeeding support groups or baby clinic. Or meet people through here.

Does she nap in the carrier? My girl doesn’t nap in her pram, or car seat so when we’re out and about, I’ll time it so that when it’s time for her to nap I’ll transfer her into the carrier and walk around until she’s asleep. Then I can sit have a coffee or whatever.

She will else only be rocked to sleep too. Plenty of times where walking her around in the carrier isn’t ideal or I’ve timed it wrong I’ll rock her to sleep and let her nap in my arms. Don’t worry about how it looks in public spaces, most adults have children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews and will get it. Most importantly I just time to make sure that she’s not inaccessible and in the car seat during nap times because yes it will be crying match lol

I often (and still find) that my baby is way more well behaved out in public, mainly cause he’s distracted by all the new stuff and in his pram looking out he kinda tricks himself to fall asleep, rather than fighting me constantly at home!
Start by going somewhere close with someone you know doesn’t care if the baby kicks off and go from there to help build up your confidence, and always pack the nappy bag the night before otherwise if you’re like me you’ll just chicken out of going out if you’re not ready for a certain time!

Thank you for all the advice, it’s so helpful. I’ve booked a sensory room for this afternoon because it’s only a 10 minute car journey so even if she does scream in the car, it’s only 10 minutes, I just need to get out of my own head about it! 🙈

Absolutely just go out I find no one cares if a newborn cry’s! Getting out everyday has helped me massively I just take lots of milk find he’s sleep well in his pram! X

Carrier walks! Even just round the supermarket or round the block to get some fresh air. My baby lived in the carrier for her naps and I loved feeling close to her, life saver!!

She'll sleep out and about. It's very over stimulating.

I’m have noticed you’re Sunderland, the north east have a lot of family hubs they do times where they have play sessions on and the staff are amazing it’s all mams in same situation a lot of the staff are health visitors and there is no judgment at all, I have a toddler and newborn they’ll offer to hold baby while I go to loo or push her in pram to keep her asleep etc it’s worth having a little look into